Body Lift Procedure

What You Should Know

A body lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from multiple areas of the body, typically including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and lower back. It is often recommended for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with loose, sagging skin. A body lift helps improve body contours, enhance mobility, and restore a firmer, more toned appearance across the mid and lower body.

What Is a Body Lift?

A Body Lift is a surgical operation that removes loose, excess skin and fat from the lower back, buttocks, outer thighs, hips, and abdomen. It is usually for patients who have undergone drastic weight loss or who have excess skin as a result of aging or pregnancy.

In contrast to stand-alone procedures such as a tummy tuck, a body lift provides a 360-degree change, rejuvenating the body’s natural shape and enhancing skin texture and tone as well as firmness.

Who Is a Good Body Lift Candidate?

You are likely a good candidate if you:

  • Have major skin laxity in the midsection and lower body
  • Have lost a significant amount of weight on your own, through exercise, or due to bariatric surgery
  • Are at or near your goal weight and have been so for at least 6–12 months
  • Are in good general health and do not smoke
  • Have realistic expectations regarding scarring and recovery

What Areas Does a Body Lift Address?

A lower body lift typically includes:

  • Abdomen (front and sides)
  • Flanks (“love handles”)
  • Lower back
  • Buttocks
  • Outer thighs

It can be accompanied by upper body procedures such as an arm lift or breast lift if necessary.

How Is the Procedure Done?

  • Done under general anesthesia
  • Creates a circumferential incision around the torso, made low enough to be concealed by underwear
  • Excess fat and skin is removed
  • Tissues underneath are tightened
  • Skin is redraped to tighten and elevate the contours
  • Temporary drains can be inserted
  • The procedure takes 4–6 hours

What Is Recovery Like After a Body Lift?

  • 2–3 weeks of downtime for initial healing
  • Wearing compression clothing to compress swelling and stabilize tissues
  • Restricted exercise for 4–6 weeks
  • Return to light work or usual activities in 2–3 weeks
  • Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting avoidance for 6+ weeks
  • Ultimate results apparent over 3–6 months

Will There Be Scars?

Yes, a body lift does require a circumferential scar, generally positioned low on the abdomen and back in a location that can be hidden under bathing suits or underwear. With good care, scars will lighten considerably with time, and most patients find the trade-off well worth the better shape and comfort.

When Will I See Results?

  • You’ll see your body contour change immediately after surgery, but healing and swelling takes time.
  • Early results can be seen after a few weeks
  • Final appearance is between 3–6 months, when tissues have had time to settle completely

Are the Results Permanent?

Yes — the removal of excess fat and skin is permanent. However:

  • Keeping weight stable is important for maintaining results
  • Future pregnancies or extreme weight change can cause skin to stretch once more
  • Normal aging will still continue but will be from a more sculpted base

Is a Body Lift Safe?

With the performance of a board-certified plastic surgeon, a body lift is safe and effective. In common with every surgery, the risks include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Seroma (fluid retention)
  • Delayed healing of the wound

Your physician will instruct you in pre-operative and post-operative care to keep complications to an absolute minimum while ensuring safe recovery.

Can it be done combined with other surgery?

Yes. Most patients wish to combine a body lift with:

  • Breast lift or enlargement
  • Arm lift
  • Thigh lift
  • Face procedures or liposuction

This is particularly prevalent in patients who are having post-weight loss body contouring, assisting them in achieving their transformation in fewer procedures.

Get the Body You Worked So Hard For Back

If you’ve achieved significant weight loss or are contending with loose, sagging skin, a body lift can yield dramatic, life-altering results. It’s not just cosmetic — it’s about comfort, confidence, and freedom in your own body.

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