What Is Included in a Body Lift?

With a total body lift, skin is removed from multiple areas of the body. Depending on your needs, you can address laxity in any or all of the following areas:

• Inner thighs
• Outer thighs
• Abdomen
• Back
• Hips
• Buttocks

This procedure requires the skill of a board-certified cosmetic surgeon for optimal results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Body Lift?

Candidates for a total body lift should have significant skin laxity in multiple areas of the body. They need to be in overall good health and ideally should be at a stable weight for at least 6 months before the procedure. It’s important that total body lift patients have realistic expectations for what surgery can accomplish as well as the scarring the procedure leaves behind.

Body Lift Recovery and Results

Most total body lift patients will need to take at least 2 weeks off work. Strenuous activity must be avoided for about 6 weeks. Compression garments are essential for reducing swelling and increasing comfort during this time.

Initial results are instantly visible, but due to swelling, it can take time to get a good picture of your final results. At about the 3 month mark, you’ll have a good idea of how your new body looks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a body lift cost?

This varies based on numerous factors, including the areas treated, how much skin is removed and whether you are having liposuction at the same time. The total cost will include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, facility/OR fee, and may include other costs as well. To get an accurate estimate for your procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Swetnam.

Can a body lift help me lose weight?

Technically, a total body lift is not a weight loss procedure. However, it isn’t uncommon for multiple pounds of skin and fat to be removed. Additionally, since excess skin changes your shape, you will look slimmer after it’s removed.

How do I find the best body lift cosmetic surgeon near me?

Start by researching cosmetic surgeons near you that offer total body lifts and read their patient reviews. Narrow your options down to those with the happiest patients, then check out their websites to see their before and after photos of body lift patients to see if there are some that align with your goals. Then schedule consultations with 2 to 3 surgeons you think will be a good fit and select the one who feels like the right person to partner with for your surgery.

What are the scars like after a body lift?

With skin removal, the scarring tends to be significant since very large incisions are used. However, they are placed to make them as easy to hide with clothing as possible. Additionally, they tend to fade over time, so they are not as visible after about a year.

How soon after bariatric surgery can I get a body lift?

You need to be at a stable weight for at least 6 months. For some, this means they can get skin removal a year after their surgery. For others, this might mean waiting 2 years. If it is important to you to get your surgery as soon as possible, work closely with your nutritionist to maximize your weight loss early on and then stabilize it during the maintenance phase.