What is a total body lift?
Significant weight fluctuations, age, genetics, and pregnancy can all affect your tissue and skin elasticity. This dramatic change in your appearance can leave you feeling self-conscious. Fortunately, a total body lift can help restore your shape and your confidence.
The skin often sags when it is stretched for a period of time and is then unable to return back to its original shape. A total body lift surgery will improve the overall shape and contour of the body by removing underlying tissue and excess skin. Body lift procedures typically include the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, but can include additional procedures depending on your individual needs.
At Optum Plastic Surgery, our highly skilled board-certified plastic surgeons work with you to create a personalized surgical plan to help achieve your aesthetic goals. Let us help you look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside!
What are the benefits?
After a total body lift at Optum Plastic Surgery, you can expect:
- The removal of all excess, sagging skin
- A tighter, more toned body
- Better body contour
- Improved body image
- Better fitting clothing
- Restored self-confidence
- Natural-looking results
Who is the ideal candidate?
The ideal candidate has sagging skin in multiple areas of the body, are at, or close to their ideal weight, do not smoke or consume nicotine, and are in good general health. For best results, candidates should commit to a healthy lifestyle postoperatively to help maintain results over time.
What can I expect from recovery?
After your body lift procedure, you will experience soreness and swelling at the surgery sites. During surgery, your surgeon may opt to place temporary surgical drains to avoid the buildup of fluid, which will be removed a few days after the procedure. Your surgeon will also give you a prescription for pain medication to help ease discomfort and you will be provided with at-home care instructions. You may wear compression garments to avoid fluid buildup and swelling. Your surgeon will monitor your progress with postoperative appointments. Most patients require four to six weeks of recovery time before returning to full activity.
Frequently asked questions
How is a total body lift procedure typically performed?
A total body lift is performed by removing extra skin and subcutaneous tissue (fat) in a belt-like distribution from the lower abdomen and back. This results in a scar around the lower body that is positioned within the underwear line. Liposuction is also frequently recommended for contouring purposes. Some surgeons will elect to divide this procedure into 2 separate procedures depending on your anatomy.
What are the risks associated with total body lifts?
The risks of a body lift do not exceed the general risks of cosmetic surgery including unpredictable scaring, infection, asymmetry and bleeding and blood clots.
What results should I expect after a total body lift?
Improved contours of the lower mid-section with greater waistline definition. Patients will often note improvement in the way clothes fit.
View all body contouring procedures ›
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at Optum ›
