Body Lift

Length: Up to 6 – 8 hours

Anesthesia: IV Sedation

Inpatient/Outpatient: Varies depending on extent of treatment

Potential Side Effects/Risks: Swelling, soreness; (less commonly) infection, scarring, poor wound healing

Principal Benefits: Tighter, firmer lower body contours; reduction of unwanted excess skin and fat

A body lift surgery can tighten, contour, and thoroughly reshape the lower body. Also called a “lower body lift,” “circumferential lower body lift,” or “truncal body lift,” this procedure is often helpful for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, either through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes. Major weight loss can lead to sagging skin and isolated pockets of fat, effects that frequently cannot be addressed through exercise alone. By reducing these phenomena in the abdomen, lower back, buttocks, and thighs, a lower body lift can enhance both a patient’s appearance and quality of life.*

If you are interested in a customized body lift surgery, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Carrie A. Houssock, MD, FACS. Our award-winning plastic surgeon is proficient in a number of sought-after aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.

Body Lift Candidates
Body Lift Procedure

Who Is a Candidate for Body Lift Surgery?

A body lift can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have excess, sagging skin or isolated pockets of fat around the thighs, buttocks, lower back, or abdomen. A highly versatile surgical strategy, lower body lifts can often be accompanied by (or even include) additional techniques, such as liposuction and abdominoplasty.

While candidates for a lower body lift usually include patients who have lost copious amounts of weight, those eligible for the surgery should be at a stable weight and in good overall health at the time of the procedure. This stability is vital because significant weight fluctuations can negatively affect the surgery’s outcome. Furthermore, candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit, as smoking can increase the risk of complications and slow the healing process.

What Does the Body Lift Procedure Entail?

At JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics, a body lift is typically performed under IV sedation,
and its length will depend on the extent of treatment. With this in mind, the surgery can sometimes take up to six to eight hours.

In many cases, a continuous incision around the waist allows Dr. Houssock to form an “apron.” This incision, which circles around the back and buttocks as well, grants her access to reposition and tighten the tissues below. She may also tighten the underlying muscles to provide a more toned and defined appearance or use liposuction methods to reduce fat pockets and improve your overall shape. From there, Dr. Houssock will close the incisions with sutures and bandage the area.

Swelling can typically be expected during your recovery; meanwhile, less common complications include infection, unfavorable scarring, and poor wound healing\*, but these phenomena are considerably rare when the procedure is in the hands of a qualified medical professional. Post-surgery, drainage tubes may be placed to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling. Recovery time varies among patients, but generally includes several weeks of limited activity. You will likely be advised to wear a compression garment to support the new contours of your body and minimize swelling as you heal.

To learn more about lower body lift surgery, feel free to contact JEV Plastic Surgery Medical Aesthetics today.

Medical References*

American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons
American Society of Plastic Surgeons