Lower Body Lift Surgery

Informed Consent Document

Digital Version 1.0 | March 2026

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Introduction

How the surgery is performed

A lower body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and buttocks in a single circumferential procedure. An incision is made around the entire trunk at the level of the waistline. The excess tissue is removed, the underlying muscles may be tightened, and the remaining skin is re-draped and closed. Liposuction may be performed at the same time to improve contour.

What to expect after the procedure

Swelling and bruising are expected and will gradually settle over several weeks. Compression garments should be worn as advised by your Consultant. You will walk bent over initially, and posture will improve over the first week or two. Surgical drains may be used and are typically removed within 48 to 72 hours.

Anaesthesia

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, usually with a one to two night hospital stay.

Why is lower body lift surgery performed?

A lower body lift is performed to improve body contour in patients with significant excess skin and fat around the trunk, most commonly following massive weight loss or bariatric surgery. It addresses areas that cannot be adequately treated by abdominoplasty alone.

Who is a suitable candidate?

The best candidates are those at a stable weight for at least six to twelve months with realistic expectations. This is a major surgical procedure, and patients must be in good general health. Patients who intend to lose further weight should postpone surgery.

Risks and complications

As with all surgery, the decision to proceed should be based on a careful assessment of the benefits against the risks. Most patients do not experience significant complications, but it is essential to discuss all potential risks and outcomes with your Consultant before proceeding.

Alternative Treatments

Lower body lift surgery is an elective surgical operation. Alternative surgery include:

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) alone
Liposuction alone
Diet and exercise to maintain weight
Not undergoing surgery

Risks and potential complications are associated with alternative surgery.

Risks of Lower Body Lift Surgery

1. Scars – There will be scars from the surgery, notably a transverse scar across your lower abdomen and a transverse scar just above your buttocks. If you have a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck as part of the surgery, you will have an additional vertical scar on your abdomen. These scars will usually be red at first, then purple, and then fade to become paler over twelve to eighteen months. Occasionally, scars may become wider, thicker, red or painful, and you may need to have surgery to correct them.

2. Bleeding – It is possible, though unusual, to experience bleeding during or after surgery. If postoperative bleeding occurs, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood (haematoma). Blood transfusion is rarely required. Increased activity too soon after surgery can increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to follow all postoperative instructions and avoid strenuous activity for the advised period. I have stopped taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and any herbal or dietary supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding, as advised by my Consultant.

3. Seroma – This is where fluid collects under the skin. That fluid may need to be drained by having a needle passed through the skin, or by having another operation. This can affect the final result of the surgery.

4. Infection – If you get an infection of the wound, you may need antibiotics or another operation. This can affect the final result of the surgery. Although extremely rare, life-threatening infections such as sepsis or necrotising fasciitis could occur after surgery.

5. Swelling, Bruising and Pain – There will be some swelling and bruising of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs after the operation, and this can take months to settle. There may be long-term pain, but this is uncommon.

6. Pulmonary Complications – Pulmonary complications may occur secondarily to blood clots (pulmonary emboli) or partial collapse of the lungs after general anaesthesia. In some circumstances, pulmonary emboli can be life-threatening or fatal. In extremely rare cases, fat droplets could become trapped in the lungs to create a possibly fatal complication called fat embolism syndrome. Should either of these complications occur, you may require hospitalisation and additional treatment.

7. Feeling Full and 'Paralytic Ileus' – You may find that you feel full after eating relatively small amounts of food. Rarely, a segment of bowel can 'switch off' for a few days, causing a swollen tummy, vomiting and constipation. This is rare and will settle, but it may delay your return to eating normally.

8. Healing Problems – Sometimes, wounds take longer than normal to heal, or the edges come apart. Usually, these problems are put right by dressing the wounds, but they can prolong recovery and make scars worse. Smokers are more likely to have healing problems.

9. Extrusion – This is where deep stitches poke out through the skin. These can easily be removed by a clinician.

10. Increased or Reduced Skin Sensation – Most patients will get some alteration in the sensation in the skin. Sometimes, the change in sensation may be permanent. You may also experience a pricking sensation, discomfort and tender spots as nerves try to recover.

11. Asymmetry – The scars will not be exactly symmetrical and might have small bulges. Also, the belly button can be slightly off-centre.

12. Skin Loss – Skin necrosis is a rare complication of body contouring surgery. However, it is important to be aware of the risk. Skin necrosis can occur if a patient has poor nutrition or is a smoker. Skin necrosis can normally be treated with dressings which will allow the skin edges to heal by secondary intention. In rare cases, the necrotic skin may have to be excised and re-stitched. Poor scarring as a result of skin necrosis can also be treated with further adjustment surgery once the area has healed.

13. Damage to Deeper Structures – Although rare, the surgery can damage deeper structures, including nerves, blood vessels, muscles and the bowel (the part of the intestine below the stomach). This damage may be temporary or permanent.

14. Loss of Blood Supply to Skin, Fat or Belly Button – Some areas of skin, fat or belly button may die (called necrosis) if the blood supply has been lost during surgery. This may mean that you need another operation, which can affect the final result of the surgery. There can be lumpiness where necrosis has happened.

15. Unsatisfactory Result – Sometimes, patients are not satisfied with the result of their belt lipectomy / lower body lift. This may be to do with the look or feel of the abdomen, thighs and/or buttocks, or the shape not meeting expectations. It is very important that you talk to your Consultant, before you have the surgery, about the look and feel you want, and whether this can be safely achieved with a good outcome.

16. Long Term Results – The appearance of your body will change as a result of ageing or other circumstances not related to your surgery, such as putting on or losing weight. You may need further surgery or other treatments to maintain the results of the belt lipectomy. Carefully exercising the muscles and keeping your weight steady will help to maintain the result of the surgery.

17. Surgical Shock – Liposuction could conceivably cause severe trauma, particularly when multiple or extensive areas are treated in a single session. Although serious complications are a rarity, infections or excessive fluid loss could lead to severe illness and even death. Should surgical shock occur following your liposuction, hospitalisation and additional treatment may be necessary.

18. Lidocaine Toxicity – There is the possibility that large volumes of fluid containing dilute local anaesthetic drugs and adrenaline that is injected into fatty deposits during surgery may contribute to fluid overload or systemic reaction to these medications. Additional treatment including hospitalisation may be necessary.

19. Allergic Reaction – Rarely, allergic reactions to tape, stitches or solutions have been reported. If you have an allergic reaction, you may need extra treatment. More serious systemic reactions due to drugs administered during surgery and prescription medicines may require additional treatment.

20. Skin Pigment Changes – Skin hyperpigmentation can occur after liposuction and may be the result of friction/shear at the incision site, bruising with resultant deposition of iron under the skin and excessive pressure from compression garments. Rarely, the hyperpigmentation can be permanent.

21. Large Volume Liposuction – Individuals undergoing liposuction to remove large volumes of fat are at greater risk of complications. Patients contemplating large volume procedures (greater than 5L removed) may be advised to undergo post-operative monitoring and aftercare that involves overnight hospitalisation.

22. Nerve Injury – It is common to develop numbness around your wound after the surgery, this may be temporary or permanent. The surgery also carries a risk of damaging nerves that give feeling to the skin on the upper outer parts of both thighs. These nerves do not control any movement, only feeling. Again, this may be temporary or permanent.

23. Distortion of Surrounding Tissues – As part of the closure of the wounds, the surrounding tissues can be pulled together leading to distortion. In women, this may lead to the mons pubis (tissue where pubic hair grows) being pulled up and distorting the external genitalia.

24. Total or Partial Loss of Belly Button – In an abdominoplasty or abdominal liposuction, the surgery may also involve cutting around the belly button and repositioning it as the abdominal skin is tightened. This can sometimes interfere with the blood supply to the belly button and lead to some or all of it being lost and replaced by a scar.

Patients That Have Undergone Bariatric Surgery

I have informed my Consultant if I have undergone any form of bariatric surgery (such as gastric band, gastric bypass, or gastric sleeve). I understand that patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are at increased risk of surgical complications, including impaired wound healing, nutritional deficiencies (particularly in protein, iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, and vitamin D), and increased susceptibility to infection. I understand that these deficiencies can persist for years after bariatric surgery, even with supplementation.

I understand that it is recommended that my weight has been stable for a minimum of 6 to 12 months before undergoing elective surgery.

I understand that pre-operative blood tests may be required to assess my nutritional status and fitness for surgery.

Mental Health and Elective Surgery

I understand that all elective surgery carries inherent uncertainty and that results are influenced by individual biological factors beyond the Consultant's control. No guarantee of a specific outcome has been made or implied.

I am proceeding with realistic expectations focused on improvement rather than perfection. I understand that dissatisfaction with an outcome does not in itself indicate negligent or substandard care.

I have disclosed to my Consultant any current or past history of anxiety, depression, body dysmorphic disorder, or any other mental health condition. I accept that my psychological response to surgery, including any impact on my emotional wellbeing or ability to work, cannot be predicted regardless of the surgical outcome, and that surgery may temporarily or permanently exacerbate pre-existing psychological concerns.

I take personal responsibility for my emotional and psychological preparedness for surgery and its outcomes. I have been advised to seek independent counselling support before proceeding if I have any concerns about my ability to cope with a result that falls short of my expectations.

Cooling-Off Period

In accordance with GMC guidelines, Kinvara Private Hospital requires a minimum two-week cooling off period between your initial consultation and any cosmetic surgery procedure. By signing this consent form, you confirm that this cooling off period has been observed, or where it has not been possible, that you have chosen to proceed with your full understanding and acceptance.

Smoking or Vaping

I confirm that I have truthfully disclosed my smoking and nicotine use status to my Consultant. I understand that smoking and the use of nicotine products significantly impairs wound healing and increases the risk of surgical complications. I have been advised to refrain from smoking and all nicotine products for a minimum of six weeks before surgery and until my Consultant confirms it is safe to resume.

I understand that a urine or blood test may be carried out immediately before surgery to confirm the absence of nicotine, and that if nicotine is detected, my procedure may be postponed at the discretion of my Consultant.

Anaesthetic Risks

I understand that all forms of anaesthesia and sedation carry risks, including the possibility of complications, injury, heart attack, stroke, and in rare cases, death.

I understand that surgery carries a risk of blood clots, including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), and that preventative measures may include early mobilisation, compression devices, and anticoagulation therapy. Thrombosed veins may also develop around intravenous (IV) sites, which usually resolve without treatment. I have informed my Consultant of any relevant history, including blood clots, cancer, varicose veins, heart or lung conditions, recurrent miscarriage, obesity, recent long-haul travel, prolonged immobility, family history of clotting disorders, personal history of thrombophilia, or use of the oral contraceptive pill or hormone therapy. I have been advised by my Consultant whether to temporarily stop taking oral contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy, or any other oestrogen-containing medication before surgery, and I have followed this advice.

I understand that pulmonary complications such as chest infection, partial lung collapse, or fat embolism may occur, and that these risks are higher in smokers and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. I understand that cardiac complications are a risk with any surgery and anaesthesia, even in patients without symptoms. If I experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heartbeats after surgery, I will seek immediate medical attention.

I understand that allergic reactions or adverse responses to anaesthetic agents, medications, or surgical materials may occur, ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. I have provided my Consultant with a full list of all medications, supplements, and any known drug allergies.

I understand that where repositioning is required during surgery, there is a small risk of nerve injury or pressure-related skin damage.

I have informed my Consultant if I have been diagnosed with, or have symptoms suggestive of, obstructive sleep apnoea, including heavy snoring, witnessed breathing pauses during sleep, daytime drowsiness, or use of a CPAP machine. I understand that sleep apnoea increases the risks associated with general anaesthesia and that narcotic pain medications used after surgery may further compromise breathing during sleep.

I understand that ileus (temporary disruption of normal bowel function) may occur after surgery, particularly following general anaesthesia and the use of pain medications. Symptoms may include abdominal distention, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs may occur, which can lead to pneumonia.

Patient Compliance

I understand that I must follow all Consultant instructions carefully, as this is essential for the success of my outcome. I understand that surgical incisions must not be subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing, and that personal and vocational activity needs to be restricted. I will not remove protective dressings or drains unless instructed by my Consultant.

I understand that successful postoperative function depends on both surgery and subsequent care, and that physical activity that increases my pulse or heart rate may cause bruising, swelling, fluid accumulation and the need for return to surgery. I understand that I must not drive a vehicle until advised by my Consultant that it is safe to do so, and that I must not drive while taking prescription pain medication. I have been advised to check with my car insurance provider regarding any restrictions on driving following surgery. I understand that I must attend all scheduled post-operative appointments as advised by my Consultant, and that failure to attend may compromise my outcome.

Financial Responsibilities

I understand that the cost of my procedure includes the fees for the surgery stated in my quote. I acknowledge that this quote does not cover any potential future costs for additional procedures that I may elect to have, or that may be required in order to revise, optimise, or complete my outcome.

I understand that should complications arise, additional costs may be incurred, and that any secondary surgery, further hospital admissions, or revision procedures will be charged separately and will be my financial responsibility.

I understand that complications arising from elective cosmetic surgery are generally not covered by private health insurance or the NHS, and that any treatment required for such complications will be my financial responsibility. I confirm that I have received and understood my quote prior to signing this consent form, and I accept responsibility for all associated costs, including any future treatments that may become necessary.

Consent for Lower Body Lift Surgery

I hereby authorise my Consultant and such assistants to perform Lower Body Lift Surgery.

I recognise that during the course of the operation and medical treatment or anaesthesia, unforeseen conditions may necessitate different procedures than those above. I therefore authorise the Consultant and assistants to perform such other procedures that are in the exercise of his or her professional judgment necessary and desirable.
I consent to the administration of such anaesthetics considered necessary or advisable. I understand that all forms of anaesthesia involve risk and the possibility of complications, injury, and sometimes death.
I acknowledge that no guarantee or representation has been given by anyone as to the results that may be obtained.
I understand that it may not be possible to achieve optimal results from a single procedure, and that further surgical sessions may be needed to produce the desired final result. Any additional procedures will incur further costs.
I accept that the practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science, and that while good results are expected, individual results may vary depending on factors such as my general health, healing capacity, and compliance with post-operative instructions.
I consent to be photographed or video recorded before, during, and after the operation(s) for medical, scientific, or educational purposes, provided my identity is not revealed.
I consent to the disposal of any tissue, medical devices or body parts which may be removed.
I understand that my Consultant is an independent medical practitioner and not an employee of Kinvara Private Hospital. My clinical agreement is directly with my Consultant, who is solely responsible for my surgical care and clinical decisions. Kinvara Private Hospital provides the facilities, nursing care, and administrative support.
I realise that not having the operation is an option.

It has been explained to me in a way that I understand:

The above surgery to be undertaken.
There may be alternative surgery.
There are risks to the surgery proposed.
I can confirm that I have read, understood, and have taken time to consider all the identified risks as described above. I have also had the opportunity to discuss any additional concerns and questions with my Consultant, and my Consultant has addressed my concerns to my satisfaction. Therefore I have decided to proceed with surgery with the full knowledge of the intended risk and benefits involved. I certify that I have fully informed my Consultant correctly and to the best of my knowledge my full medical history status.

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Date

8 July 2026

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