Once you have met with your surgeon and a clinical plan has been established, our client support officers will organise a quote. Your quote will include a fee for your surgeon as well as an estimate of anaesthetist and hospital fees. There may also be costs associated with medication, pathology and post-surgery garments.

In some instances, a belt lipectomy is considered medically necessary, and will attract a Medicare item number. If you are insured, your private health insurer may also cover some of the costs of your procedure, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Anyone who has lost a significant amount of weight and has been able to maintain a stable weight for at least six months can consider this procedure.

All surgical and invasive procedures carry risk, and these will be discussed during your con-sultation with your specialist plastic surgeon. All of our procedures are carried out in accred-ited hospital facilities with assistance from FANZCA qualified anaesthetists.

You will be provided with procedure specific information prior to your surgery with instructions to ensure that you are in prime condition prior to your procedure. You will also be provided with post-operative instructions outlining proper aftercare, including things to be aware of. Our specialised clinical team is available should you have any questions or concerns.

Prior to your procedure, it’s important to stay healthy. This means eating the right foods, getting enough sleep and exercise, and keeping your immune system strong. It’s also important to prepare for your recovery before your belt lipectomy. You may wish to pre-prepare some healthy meals, purchase some comfortable loose clothing and ice packs, and fill any prescriptions you may need in the week following surgery.

You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for a couple of days. This is particularly necessary if you have small children at home – you will need someone to assist you. You may wish to set up a recovery area where you can relax and sleep in an elevated position.

Discomfort, swelling, bruising and numbness are all normal after a belt lipectomy. This will ease over the following weeks, and our clinic team will be able to offer you advice on effective pain management. To drain excess fluid, you may have drains which will be managed with the help of nursing staff.

All surgical procedures will result in scars however there are steps that can be taken to ensure visible scars are kept to a minimum. For instance, keeping your incision site protected from the sun, using tape and massaging the area once healed.