Body Lift

A body lift surgery combines a tummy tuck, thigh lift and buttock lift to provide a very effective way to remove the extra sagging skin and fat.

Many people who have lost a lot of weight have excess skin in all three of these areas. Addressing all of these areas at once can often lead to the most dramatic and attractive results because these areas act as a unit.

There are different types of body lifts. When you are seen by our surgeons, they will look at your individual anatomy and tailor the surgery to fulfill your needs.

The cost of body lift surgery depends on a number of different factors; most importantly, the type of body lift you will require. When you come in for consultation, you will receive the surgeon’s recommendation and a meeting with our Cosmetic Coordinator who will review both the cost and different ways in which you can finance your surgery.

Depending on the number and extent of the procedures required, body lift surgery can take 5 or more hours.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is usually the most necessary and appreciated portion of the procedure. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, removes the overhanging skin and fat. It also tightens the core of the tummy (known as “rectus plication”), thus giving you a slimmer waistline.

Thigh Lift

An inner and outer thigh lift can also be performed. This lifts and smooths the tissues of these problem areas.

Buttock Lift

Lastly, a buttock lift can provide the final re-contouring of the torso area by lifting the sagginess of the posterior area.

As you can see, a body lift depends on your own individual anatomy and desires. We do our best to place the incisions in places where they can be hidden under most articles of clothing. Meeting with our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons will help you see what procedures will give you the results you’ve been hoping for.

Our surgeons will do everything they can to ensure that your recovery is as comfortable and smooth as possible. Postoperative discomfort is treated with medication. Some swelling and bruising is normal. We encourage you to start walking as soon as possible after the surgery.

It is best to plan on getting plenty of rest and relaxation for at least a week or more after surgery. We will explain to you how to take care of the drainage tubes that will be necessary after surgery.

You may be able to to go back to work or school in 1 to 3 weeks, although everyone’s individual recovery varies. It’s important to walk but heavier activity, including vigorous exercise or household tasks, should be avoided. Full healing will take several weeks to complete.

Body lift surgery is usually well tolerated but there are certain potential risks involved with any surgical procedure.

Sagging of tissues

During body lift surgery, we lift the tissues as much as possible, while keeping in mind safety and anatomical considerations. After the surgery, however, the tissues normally relax and stretch as part of the gravity and aging process.

Scarring

Whether a scar is minimal or not depends largely on your own genetic factors. We do everything possible to hide and minimize the scar. However, some scars may be more prominent than you would like, depending on the healing process and genetic background. Your surgeon will give you an idea of what you can expect regarding your individual scarring.

Q: How much time is required for a body lift?
A: The surgery requires approximately 5 hours but the amount of time varies depending on the type and extent of surgery required.

Q: Is a body lift an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
A: It can be either an inpatient or outpatient procedure. Our surgeons will tell you which option would be best for you.

Q: What are some common side effects?
A: Side effects are usually temporary in nature and can include bruising, swelling, numbness and discomfort following surgery. The incision lines can take a year or more to fade and mature.

Q: What is the recovery time?
A: Most patients are able to return to work or school in 1-3 weeks.

Q: How long do the results last?
A: The results after a body lift are long lasting but the processes of gravity and aging are continuous. For this reason, there will always be an element of relaxation of the tissues over time. Your skin quality plays a large role in how fast this occurs.