Body Lift

Could a Body Lift Be Right for You?

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

If you find yourself answering "yes" to any of these questions, a Body Lift may be the right treatment for you.

Have you recently lost a significant amount of weight, either through diet and exercise or weight loss surgery?
Are you bothered by excess skin and tissue hanging around your abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or flanks?
Do you struggle with areas of sagging skin that are resistant to firming treatments or exercise?
Are you in good overall health and close to your ideal weight, but you’re looking to tighten and reshape multiple areas of your body?

What You Should Know About a Body Lift

What Is a Body Lift?

A body lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from multiple areas of the body, particularly after significant weight loss. It typically targets the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and buttocks, helping to restore a smoother, firmer, and more youthful contour. The procedure is customized to each individual’s needs and can address loose skin on the upper or lower body, or both.

Body Lift Benefits:

Drastically improves the body’s overall shape and contour, especially after major weight loss.
Tightens sagging skin and smooths out areas affected by excess tissue.
Enhances the appearance of the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and flanks.
Boosts self-confidence and body image by removing hanging skin and improving body proportions.
Results are permanent, provided you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What to Expect?

A body lift is performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours depending on the extent of the treatment. The surgeon will remove excess skin and fat through incisions, which are typically made along the abdomen, thighs, or around the waistline. You may be required to stay in the hospital for 1–2 nights following the surgery, and a compression garment is often recommended to help with swelling and support healing.

Recovery time can vary but typically requires 2-4 weeks of rest. You will need to avoid strenuous activities for up to 6 weeks to allow your body time to heal. Full results will gradually appear over several months as swelling decreases and the skin tightens.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

As with any surgery, a body lift comes with potential risks and side effects, although these are typically rare when performed by an experienced surgeon. Possible side effects include:

Swelling and bruising, which may last for several weeks.
Scarring, as incisions are necessary to remove excess skin, but scars are usually placed in areas where they are less visible.
Numbness or changes in skin sensation around the treated areas.
Infection or complications from anesthesia, though these are uncommon.
Temporary fluid retention or seroma (a pocket of fluid under the skin), which can sometimes require drainage.
Delayed wound healing in some cases.

PLAN YOUR PROCEDURE

Step 1: Consultation – Your surgeon will discuss your weight loss journey, body goals, and evaluate your areas of excess skin and fat.
Step 2: Pre-surgery preparation – You’ll receive instructions to prepare for the surgery, which may include lab tests, avoiding certain medications, and ensuring that you’re at a stable weight.
Step 3: Surgery – The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon will remove excess skin and fat through carefully placed incisions. Depending on the areas being treated, the surgery may include an abdominal lift (tummy tuck), thigh lift, or buttock lift.
Step 4: Recovery – After surgery, you’ll need to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully, including wearing compression garments and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Body Lift PROCEDURE REVIEWS

Candace Spann is absolutely amazing. Having melanoma multiple times I wouldn't trust anyone else with my checkups and care. I recommend her specifically and the practice as a whole without question!

Karen | October 2024

Am I a good candidate for Body Lift?

Ideal candidates for a body lift are individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess skin and tissue that won’t tighten on its own. You should be in good overall health, with a stable weight and realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. It’s important to have the procedure when you are close to your goal weight, as substantial weight fluctuations after surgery can affect the results

A body lift may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions that could interfere with the healing process or those who are planning to lose more weight. Your surgeon will assess your overall health, skin elasticity, and desired results to determine if a body lift is right for you.

RELATED PROCEDURES

After Weight Loss Surgery

Body Lift Procedure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long will it take to recover from a body lift?

While most people can return to light activities after 2–4 weeks, full recovery can take up to 6 months. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions and avoid strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks after the procedure.

Will I have scars after a body lift?

Yes, as a body lift involves surgical incisions, there will be some scarring. However, your surgeon will place the incisions strategically in areas where they are less visible, such as along the lower abdomen, waistline, or around the thighs. Over time, scars will typically fade, though they will remain visible to some degree.

Is a body lift painful?

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. The discomfort usually peaks in the first few days following surgery and gradually decreases as the healing process progresses.

Can a body lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, many patients combine a body lift with other body contouring procedures, such as breast lifts or arm lifts, to address multiple areas of concern at once. Your surgeon can discuss your options and create a customized treatment plan to meet your aesthetic goals.

How long do the results of a body lift last?

The results of a body lift are long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. The skin that is removed during surgery does not grow back, and the contouring improvements will remain, though aging and natural body changes can affect the results over time.

THE CARE YOU DESERVE

The Results You Desire

Couture Medical is where exceptional care meets exceptional results. Our patient-centered approach ensures that every treatment is designed to not only enhance your appearance but also to boost your confidence and well-being. With us, you receive the care you deserve and the results you’ve always envisioned.