01What is a bodylift (360°)?
The bodylift, or circumferential body lift, removes excess skin and fat from the lower trunk, all the way around the waist. It is a « 360° » procedure that combines, in a single operation:
- an abdominoplasty (lift of the abdomen and pubic area);
- a buttock lift together with a lift of the hips and the outer thighs.
It is mainly intended for people who have undergone major weight loss — a significant diet or bariatric surgery (sleeve, bypass, gastric band) — which leaves a large amount of excess skin. It allows you to redefine the abdomen and pubic area, slim the thighs, erase love handles and saddlebags and lift the buttocks and hips. It can be completed with buttock lipofilling, an arm lift or a thigh lift, or even breast surgery, for a complete body reshaping.
02Lower or upper bodylift: the techniques
Two levels of procedure, depending on the area:
- The lower bodylift (LBL): the most common, it treats the lower trunk — hips, abdominal wall, buttocks and thighs.
- The upper bodylift (UBL): it corrects the upper trunk — the inframammary area, armpits and sagging back.
The procedure removes a circumferential band of skin at the waist (hence « circumferential body lift »), with targeted liposuction and, if needed, a repair of the abdominal muscles (diastasis repair). The healthy skin is then lifted and tightened.
Our approach — buttock auto-augmentation: rather than discarding the excess, the dermo-fat tissue can be buried into the buttock (gluteal « LP » flaps) to preserve buttock projection and enhance the curve — a natural contour restored without implants or fat transfer, particularly popular with women.
03Before / after results
04How the procedure works
Before the procedure
A consultation confirms that your weight has been stable for at least 6 months and assesses skin quality, deep fat and muscle tone to define a realistic result. The examination checks for any umbilical hernia (which can be corrected at the same time). Photographs, blood tests and an anaesthesia consultation (48 hours beforehand) are carried out, along with the usual instructions (stopping smoking, medication, contraception). When the bodylift follows bariatric surgery, the surgeon compiles the insurance coverage file.
During the procedure
The bodylift is a major procedure: 3 to 4 hours under general anaesthesia, with a hospital stay of 3 to 7 days. After marking with a pen, the operation is carried out in two stages:
- on the front: liposuction of the saddlebags, buttocks and hips, then removal of the excess skin on the sides (the excess can be buried as a flap to reshape the buttocks);
- on the back, after turning the patient over: abdominoplasty — removal of the apron, re-tensioning towards the pubic area, repositioning of the navel and, if needed, diastasis repair — the posterior incision joining the anterior one to complete the full circle (360°).
The layers are closed with absorbable sutures; a dressing and a compression garment are applied.
After the procedure
Recovery needs to be planned for: pain and swelling in the first few days (painkillers), temporary fatigue and aches, daily dressings for about 2 weeks, with swelling subsiding around 3 weeks. A lying or semi-reclined position is essential for about 3 weeks (no sitting at 90°), a compression garment is worn for one month and anticoagulant treatment prevents phlebitis. Expect 3 to 4 weeks off work and no strenuous effort. The circumferential scar, hidden under underwear, must be kept out of the sun for 3 to 6 months; massaged and moisturised, it fades. The result, already striking at 3 weeks, becomes permanent at around 1 year.
05Prices & fees in Paris
| Procedure | With insurance coverage | Aesthetic fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bodylift | 5 500 – 8 500 € | 8 000 – 12 000 € |
Indicative “from” prices, surgeon fees included. The final quote is given at the consultation, after examination, depending on the area treated and the technique chosen. Part of the procedure may be covered by French national health insurance when the medical criteria are met.
06Your questions
What is a 360° bodylift?+
It is a circumferential lift of the trunk: a band of skin is removed all the way around the waist to tighten the abdomen, hips, buttocks and lower back in a single procedure. It combines an abdominoplasty and a buttock lift, hence the term « 360° » (or circumferential body lift).
Is a bodylift covered by national health insurance?+
Yes, when it follows massive weight loss (often after bariatric surgery), a bodylift may be covered, subject to prior approval from the health-insurance medical adviser — it is the surgeon who submits the request. Top-up insurance generally covers the rest once approval is obtained.
How much does a bodylift cost in Paris?+
The total cost is generally between €5,500 and €12,000, depending on whether national health insurance provides any coverage and on any additional procedures combined with it. A detailed quote is given at the consultation (see the price list).
How do I know if I am eligible for a bodylift?+
The main criteria: a reasonable BMI (no severe obesity) and a stable weight for at least 6 months. The surgeon confirms eligibility after the clinical examination.
What is the difference between a bodylift and an abdominoplasty?+
Abdominoplasty treats only the abdomen (the front). The bodylift is far more comprehensive: it tightens the area 360° (abdomen + back + hips + buttocks), indicated when excess skin goes all the way around the waist.
What are the risks of a bodylift?+
As major surgery, the main complications are infection and phlebitis / pulmonary embolism, prevented with antibiotics, anticoagulants and compression stockings. Delayed healing can occur along the long scars.
Does a bodylift leave visible scars?+
Yes, a circumferential scar at the waist (plus a small one at the navel). It is concealed under underwear and fades over time; laser or radiofrequency can soften it.
Can you sit down after a bodylift?+
Sitting (and driving) should be avoided as much as possible until healing, that is about 3 weeks; a lying or semi-reclined position is preferred.
A bodylift before or after pregnancy?+
It is best carried out once you have finished planning to have children: a later pregnancy could stretch the skin again and spoil the result. After giving birth, you wait at least 6 months.
