The Body Lift Procedure (Upper & Lower)

Information about Upper Body Lift and Lower Body Lift Surgery on Long Island, New York

What is a Body Lift?

A body lift is a surgical procedure that improves the tone and shape of a body with excessively loose skin. It involves tightening the underlying tissues that support the skin and fat. Much of the time, natural aging processes cause excess, saggy skin to accrue. It can also be the result of extreme weight loss.

This procedure is great at treating the following areas:

• Abdomen
• Flanks and lower back
• Buttocks
• Inner and outer thighs

If excess fat remains, liposuction can remove a significant portion. Then the body lift will smooth and tighten the overlying skin.

How a Body Lift Procedure is Performed

This procedure requires many incisions, though both incision length and placement depend on the amount and location of excess skin. Our board-certified plastic surgeons use advanced techniques, to keep the results as natural-looking as possible. One such technique involves placing the incisions in locations where clothing and swimsuits can easily hide.

The body lift resembles a tummy tuck but has a broader range of effects. We perform the surgery under either local anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

Lower Body Lift

A lower body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, is a procedure for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss. When we eliminate fat in this manner, the overlying skin will generally sag over the thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. While this mainly leads to aesthetic issues, it can also cause more serious medical problems. Such problems may include chafing, skin infections, and in some cases, mobility difficulties.

During a lower body lift, our surgeons remove loose skin from the back, the thighs, and the buttocks. This is an extensive procedure, but the results are well worth it.

Upper Body Lift

The overarching goals of an upper body lift vary from patient to patient. However, the procedure generally includes an arm lift and a breast lift. In some cases, we can pair the breast lift with an augmentation to add volume and firmness.

As is the case with belt lipectomy, it also removes loose skin and recontours the underlying tissue. Then, our surgeons tighten the remaining skin and close the incision with sutures.

Body Lift Recovery Timeline

Recovery from a body lift can take several months. We recommend patients take at least two to three weeks off from work.

During the recovery period, some patients may experience discomfort or pain. However, they can expect a 75% reduction in swelling within the first six weeks post-surgery. Within three months of the procedure, the patient can expect a 95% reduction.

Body lifts require patients to wear compression garments during recovery. We also encourage clients to refrain from any heavy lifting and other strenuous activities for at least three weeks.

Good Candidates for Body Lift Surgery

Typically, we recommend this procedure for individuals who are in good physical health. Both men and women can benefit from a body lift. It helps improve the appearance of their body by addressing issues such as sagging skin, excess fat, and weakened muscles.

Candidates should have realistic expectations for the outcomes of the surgery. It can significantly improve body contour and overall appearance, but it is not a magical solution. The results vary based on the patient’s unique circumstances, including their starting point, body type, and overall health.

During your consultation, discuss your goals, and our experts will help determine the best procedure for your needs.

Schedule a Consultation

Want to learn more about the body lift or schedule a consultation, please call our New York office at 212-570-2500. Otherwise, you can reach our Long Island location at 516-773-4646. You can also fill out our online contact form, and one of our customer care specialists will help make an appointment.