Body Lift

The body is incredibly adaptable, but sometimes it needs a little help “bouncing back” after a dramatic change. For example, it can be difficult for the skin to stay smooth and taut following significant weight loss, while others might experience sagging tissues due to genetics, aging or pregnancy. At South Shore Plastic Surgery in New Jersey, a body lift can help eliminate loose skin and fat to improve your overall appearance and sculpt more balanced, youthful contours. This procedure is highly personalized and can be tailored to suit your goals, so you can increase your confidence and feel comfortable showing off your new physique. 

What is a Body Lift?

A body lift is a surgical procedure that tightens, reshapes and lifts sagging body contours. Also known as a belt lipectomy, a body lift is often performed to remove the excess skin and fat that remains after substantial weight loss. These tissues can leave you with an unflattering figure and negatively impact your self-esteem despite significant progress toward your health or fitness goals. This procedure helps you achieve a more youthful, sculpted appearance. A body lift is usually performed on the lower torso and upper legs, addressing common problem areas such as the hips, thighs, buttocks, waist and abdomen. It can also eliminate loose skin or sagging in the upper body, targeting the arms, chest and back.

Personalizing Your Body Lift at South Shore Plastic Surgery

A body lift combines multiple surgeries into one procedure for personalized, dramatic results tailored to your specific goals. Your body lift may include a tummy tuck, thigh lift, Brazilian butt lift (BBL), skin tightening and more. Many patients also include liposuction in their surgical plan to eliminate stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. If you have other concerns, such as loose skin on the upper arms or sagging breasts, Dr. Vasisht may incorporate other procedures for more comprehensive results. No matter what your goals are, there is plenty of room for personalization in your body lift to ensure an outcome that addresses your particular needs and concerns. 

The most commonly performed body lift procedures include the lower body lift, upper body lift and post-bariatric body lift. Here are a few specifics about these surgeries and their techniques for targeting different areas of the body. During a consultation, Dr. Vasisht will help you determine which is right for you based on your unique physiology and desired results.

Lower Body Lift

Often the first choice for improving body contours, a lower body lift eliminates loose skin and fat from the midsection, hips, buttocks and thighs. It often involves making a circumferential incision that goes around the abdomen, waist and back, but may also include an incision in the hips and buttocks. Then, excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining tissues are tightened to sculpt more flattering body contours.

Upper Body Lift

An upper body lift addresses the upper arms, breasts and back. It may also incorporate breast augmentation or gynecomastia surgery for a more natural, youthful appearance. Similar to a lower body lift, this procedure focuses on removing excess skin and fat from targeted areas. An upper body lift can be combined with a lower body lift for more dramatic results.

Post-Bariatric Body Lift

A post-bariatric body lift is designed to target concerns caused by significant weight loss. It is often performed after gastric bypass, which can leave behind loose, stretched skin that doesn’t “snap” back into place. This procedure seeks to eliminate excess tissues to achieve a smoother, more sculpted appearance. It may involve a series of surgeries spaced apart to allow enough time for healing, but the exact approach often varies depending on your goals.

Reasons for Considering a Body Lift

People might consider a body lift for several reasons. During the aging process, skin loses some of its elasticity, impacting the natural shape and firmness of the midsection. Some patients want to correct this for a more youthful, contoured appearance. Others have lost a significant amount of weight but are bothered by loose skin that interferes with their results. A body lift can remove excess tissue to reshape and tighten these areas. 

Body lift surgery is also commonly performed to address the following concerns:

• Lift, reshape and tighten mid-body contours
• Remove excess skin and fat after substantial weight loss
• Address sagging tissues due to aging
• Sculpt more flattering contours after bariatric surgery
• Remedy stretched skin and weight gain caused by pregnancy
• Eliminate rashes between folds of loose skin
• Improve confidence and self-esteem

If you’re considering a body lift, Dr. Vasisht can evaluate your concerns and determine if this procedure is right for you during an in-person consultation. Ideal candidates should be at a stable weight, in good overall health and have reasonable expectations regarding the outcome of their procedure. If you’ve recently had bariatric surgery, you should plan on waiting for 12 to 18 months before undergoing a body lift. Taking the time to reach your weight loss goals first can prevent more loose skin from developing and undoing your results.

Body Lift Procedure Details

Body lifts are highly customized procedures. Your surgery may include a combination of a thigh lift, butt lift, abdominoplasty or liposuction. If you have concerns in the upper body, an arm or breast lift may also be incorporated. Each patient has different needs, so the exact process may not be the same for everyone. Dr. Vasisht will tailor your surgery to your unique body type and desired results. Regardless of which steps are involved, this procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes three to seven hours to complete.

In most cases, the body lift procedure entails making an incision that follows the upper or inner thigh and extends to the waistline. Sometimes, the incision is circumferential and goes completely around the waist and lower back for more extensive adjustments. For patients with concerns in the hips or buttocks, an additional incision will be made in the crease beneath the backside. Incisions will be strategically placed to minimize scarring and should be easily concealed by normal clothing after your surgery.

Once the incisions have been made, Dr. Vasisht will begin removing excess skin and fat from targeted areas. He will also manipulate the remaining tissues to sculpt tighter, firmer and more youthful contours. Then, the skin will be pulled taut to eliminate sagging and sutured into place. This anchors and supports the new configuration and ensures smooth, even results. Afterward, you’ll be brought to the recovery room to begin the healing process.

Body Lift Recovery Process

A body lift is considered major surgery, however this procedure can be performed at an outpatient facility.  Dr. Vasisht will help determine if an overnight stay is necessary.  Generally, post-operative instructions involve plenty of rest and limited movement to speed up the healing process. Most patients can resume a normal routine and return to work after two to four weeks, but more strenuous activity may be restricted for longer to ensure the best results.

After surgery, you can expect to experience some pain, discomfort and swelling in treated areas. Dr. Vasisht will apply bandages and prescribe oral medications to help with these side effects. Surgical drains may also be used to eliminate excess fluids. As the body heals, the incision lines will begin to fade, however the resulting scars will be permanent. Fortunately, these will be carefully placed to minimize visibility. 

Complications are rare following body lift procedures, but you can reduce the risk of potential problems by carefully following the directions provided after surgery. Dr. Vasisht will also schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and make sure you’re healing properly. If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact our office — our goal is to ensure you have a smooth, healthy recovery.

Body Lift FAQs

How is a body lift different from a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck focuses on the front of the abdomen, while a body lift extends around the waist to address the hips, lower back and buttocks in one procedure. If your loose skin wraps around to the flanks and back, a circumferential approach can produce a more even contour. Dr. Vasisht can recommend the better fit after evaluating where the laxity sits.

Do I need to reach my goal weight before body lift surgery?

Yes. Your weight should hold steady before surgery, since further loss can loosen skin again. After bariatric surgery, most people wait 12 to 18 months. That window allows your weight to plateau and your nutrition to recover before a major surgery.

Will insurance cover my body lift?

Body lifts are generally considered cosmetic, so most insurance plans won’t cover them. Chronic rashes between skin folds occasionally factor into an insurer’s review, and coverage decisions rest with your insurance company. South Shore Plastic Surgery offers financing that lets qualified patients pay monthly.

Are body lift results permanent?

The skin and fat Dr. Vasisht removes won’t return, but your contours can still shift with weight gain or a future pregnancy. The skin will also age naturally as time goes on. Keeping your weight steady helps preserve your results for as long as possible.

Where will my scars be, and will they show?

Incisions usually run along the waistline and may extend around the lower back, with an added incision in the buttock crease when needed. They’re placed where normal clothing can conceal them. Scars are permanent but fade considerably as they mature.

Can I have a body lift if I plan to get pregnant?

You can, though most surgeons recommend waiting until you’ve finished having children. Pregnancy stretches the abdominal skin and muscles again and can undo much of your improvement. If you’re still planning your family, Dr. Vasisht can talk through timing during your consultation. Once your family is complete, he can also discuss whether a mommy makeover better suits your goals.

Will I stay overnight after surgery?

Many body lifts are performed at an outpatient facility so that you may go home the same day. Because this is major surgery, Dr. Vasisht may recommend an overnight stay based on the extent of your procedure and your health history. Either way, plan for someone to drive you home.

How should I prepare for body lift surgery?

Expect a review of your medications and supplements, as some need to be paused beforehand. If you smoke or vape, you’ll need to stop well ahead of surgery to support healing. Arrange help at home for the first several days, when bending and lifting are limited. Having meals prepped and loose, comfortable clothing ready ahead of time can make your first week at home easier.

When can I return to exercise?

Early recovery centers on rest and limited movement, and most patients return to work within two to four weeks. Strenuous workouts and heavy lifting take longer. Dr. Vasisht gives clearance individually at follow-up visits based on how you’re healing. Once you’re cleared, start with lower-intensity activity and build up gradually to protect your incisions.

How long does body lift surgery take?

A body lift is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes three to seven hours. The exact length depends on how many areas are treated and whether your plan includes other procedures such as liposuction or a thigh lift.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re bothered by loose, sagging skin that interferes with your natural contours, a body lift can improve your overall appearance and help you feel more confident in your physique. To schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Vasisht, one of New Jersey’s top body contouring specialists, contact or call our office today at 856-784-2639.