For those who have undergone significant weight loss, sagging excess skin may remain—hiding the figure you’ve worked so hard to achieve. To make matters worse, hanging skin can cause discomfort and even limit the most routine activities, often making it difficult to exercise or find clothing that fits well.

To help reveal your slimmer, firmer body, Boston female plastic surgeon Dr. Alannah Phelan performs body lift surgery to help you enjoy the rewards of hard-earned weight loss.

What is a body lift?

Body lift surgery is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat to smooth and firm targeted areas. This transformative surgery is particularly beneficial for individuals who have excess, loose skin after massive weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural aging process.

Lower body lift

A lower body lift targets the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs. The main procedures involved in a lower body lift include:

  • Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles to create a firmer, flatter stomach. Dr. Phelan typically uses the Circumferential tummy tuck technique, which provides maximum body contouring of the midsection and waistline definition. 
  • Thigh lift: A thigh lift targets the inner and outer thighs, removing sagging skin and tightening the remaining tissue to create a smoother, naturally toned appearance.
  • Buttock lift: This involves removing excess skin and lifting the buttocks to a more youthful position.

Good candidates for a lower body lift 

Ideal candidates for lower body lift surgery are those who:

  • Are in good overall health and do not have medical conditions that impair healing
  • Have achieved a stable, healthy weight after diet and exercise or medical weight loss 
  • Have realistic expectations and understand the potential risks and benefits of the surgery.
  • Are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.

What to expect from a body lift procedure

Your consultation

Before undergoing a lower body lift, Dr. Phelan will review your medical history, discuss your goals, examine the treatment area(s), and develop a surgery plan that safely meets realistic expectations.

Surgical steps 

  • Anesthesia: Dr. Phelan performs lower body lift surgery as an outpatient procedure and under general anesthesia for your safety and comfort.
  • Incision techniques: Incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring and allow for optimal skin removal and reshaping of more pleasing body contours. The exact placement of your body lift incisions are determined by the procedures included in your surgery plan. 
  • Excess skin and fat removal: Dr. Phelan excises the unwanted skin and fat and tightens the remaining tissues using sutures to secure firmer, natural-looking contours in the treatment area.  
  • Incision closure: Body lift incisions are closed using fine sutures to minimize visible scarring. 
  • Compression garments: Dr. Phelan will fit you with compression garments to support the healing tissues and reduce swelling. 

Body lift recovery

Recovery time varies based on your procedure plan. We provide detailed instructions on how to care for surgical sites, manage pain, and resume certain activities.

Most patients are cleared to return to light duties after about 2 weeks, while you may wait up to 6 weeks to resume all normal activities and exercise—Dr. Phelan will monitor your recovery at your follow-up appointments and gradually lift activity restrictions when you are ready.

You’ll be asked to wear your compression garments at all times (except when showering) for at least 6 weeks to support smooth contours and support a quick recovery.

Key Benefits
  • Removes excess skin and fat, resulting in a smoother, more toned lower body contour.
  • Improves self-esteem and body image and enables patients to engage in activities they previously avoided.
  • Reduces the risk of rashes, infections, and hygiene difficulties.
Glossary

Arm lift: Arm lift surgery targets sagging skin and excess fat in the upper arms to improve the shape and tone of the arms for men and women.

Body lift: A comprehensive surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat cells to improve body contour and firmness.

Thigh lift: A specific type of lift focusing on removing excess skin and fat from the thighs.

CoolSculpting®: CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses fat-freezing technology and can be a complement to body lift surgery.

Tummy tuck: A procedure often included in a body lift that removes excess skin and tightens muscles in the abdomen.

Side effects: Potential unwanted outcomes of body lift surgery, such as swelling, bruising, and infection.

Plastic surgeon: A medical doctor who performs body lift surgeries and other cosmetic procedures.

Cosmetic surgery: Surgeries like body lifts aimed at enhancing appearance rather than correcting medical issues.

Belt lipectomy: Another term for a lower body lift, which removes excess skin and fat around the waist.

General anesthesia: The type of anesthesia used during body lift surgery to help the patient remain asleep and pain-free.

Morpheus8 treatment: A non-surgical option (RF microneedling) that can complement body lifts by tightening and rejuvenating the skin.

Breast lift: A surgery that can be combined with a body lift to raise and firm the breasts.

Upper body lift: A type of body lift that targets the arms, back, and chest area to remove excess skin and fat.

Resistance training: Exercise that helps maintain muscle tone and improve body contour post-recovery.

Dermal fillers: Fillers are non-surgical treatments that can complement lifts by enhancing facial features and volume.

Underlying tissue: The structures beneath the skin that are tightened and reshaped during a body lift.

Lift procedure: Any surgical method, including body lifts, that aims to remove excess skin and improve contour.

Lap-band: A weight loss surgery that might precede body lift surgery to achieve significant weight reduction.

Abdominoplasty: Another term for a tummy tuck, often included in body lift procedures to tighten the abdominal area.

Weight-lifting/Weight training: An activity to be cautiously resumed post-recovery, important for maintaining muscle tone after a body lift.

Osteoporosis: A condition of weakened bones or bone loss.

Osteopenia: A precursor to osteoporosis, indicating lower bone density that requires careful management.

Weight loss surgery: Procedures like gastric bypass or lap-band that often precede body lift surgery for massive weight loss.

Buttock augmentation: A procedure that can be combined with a body lift to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks.

Lower back pain: A condition that may improve after body lift surgery due to better posture and reduced excess skin.

Bone density: An important health factor to monitor in patients undergoing body lift surgery.

Musculoskeletal injuries: Risks that should be minimized during post-surgery recovery and exercise resumption.

Breast lift surgery: A procedure that raises and reshapes the breasts, often performed in conjunction with a body lift.

Arthritis: A condition that may influence the planning and recovery of body lift surgery, requiring careful management.

Body lift results timeline

Immediate post-surgery (first 1-2 weeks)

Right after body lift surgery, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in body contour and shape along with significant swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. These symptoms are a normal part of the healing process. It’s essential to follow Dr. Phelan’s post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, wearing compression garments, and limiting physical activity to support a smooth recovery.

Early recovery (2-6 weeks)

During the early recovery period, as swelling and bruising gradually subside, you’ll notice more defined contours. Most patients can return to work and resume light activities within 2-4 weeks, depending on their surgery plan and personal recovery progress, but it’s important to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during this time.

Mid-term recovery (6 weeks to 3 months)

By the 6-week mark, a significant portion of the swelling should have resolved, and you will notice a more defined improvement in your body contour. You can typically resume more vigorous activities and exercise gradually, as advised by Dr. Phelan. This period is crucial for establishing a routine that supports your new body shape, including maintaining a stable weight, following a healthy diet, and incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle.

Long-term results (3-6 months)

Between 3 to 6 months post-surgery, you’ll be very near your final results. Swelling should be minimal by this stage, and the scars will begin to fade and flatten. Your body contours will be more defined, and most patients enjoy being more physically active as they notice daily activities and exercise are more comfortable. 

Final results (6-12 months)

At the 6-12 month mark, you will see the complete results of your body lift surgery. By this time, scars will have matured and faded significantly, and your body will have fully adjusted to its new contours. 

View our before and after gallery »
FAQs

The cost of your body lift in Boston will depend on the procedure you choose to include in your surgery plan. We provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation and offer financing options to help you manage the cost of your procedure.

As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia. That’s why choosing a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Phelan is crucial to help minimize these risks.

Scarring is inevitable with body lift surgery, but Dr. Phelan places incisions strategically to minimize visibility. Over time and with proper care, scars will fade to more closely match your skin tone and become less noticeable.

The tissue and fat are permanently removed during body contouring procedures, so body lift results are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. That said, the natural aging process may eventually impact your results and new fat accumulation is possible over time.

No, Dr. Phelan typically performs body lift surgery as an outpatient procedure. Once surgery is complete, you’ll stay in a recovery room for close monitoring as the anesthesia wears off and then be discharged to recover in the comfort of your own home

Body lift surgery is not designed to treat cellulite; however, once unwanted skin and fat are removed, many patients see a strong improvement in the overall appearance of their skin and the severity of their cellulite, particularly along the thigh areas.

Yes, but body lift surgery is not a weight-loss procedure. You’ll notice some reduction in weight because tissue is removed, however, the primary goal is to improve body contours. Significant weight loss should be achieved before surgery for the best results.

It’s best to wait until your weight has been stable for at least 6-12 months to ensure lasting results and minimize complications.

Yes, pregnancy after a body lift is safe, but we recommend waiting to have your surgery after you complete your family, as pregnancy can potentially weaken your initial results.

Body lift surgery can remove some stretch-marked skin, particularly in areas where excess skin is removed, but it will not typically eliminate all stretch marks.

Typically, you can shower 48 hours after surgery, but please follow the specific instructions regarding wound care and bathing that we provide based on your unique case.

References »

Berkane Y, Saget F, Lupon E, Mocquard C, Pluvy I, Watier E, Lellouch AG, Duisit J, Chaput B, Bertheuil N. Abdominoplasty and Lower Body Lift Surgery Improves the Quality of Life after Massive Weight Loss: A Prospective Multicenter Study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2024 Jun 1;153(6):1101e-1110e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000010683. 

Musmarra I, Aguilar P, Struk S, Couteau C, Tresallet C, Quilichini J. Vertical Body Lift: Surgical Technique and Comparison with the Inferior Body Lift Technique. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2023 Sep 1;152(3):507e-517e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000010291.

Rohrich RJ, Gosman AA, Conrad MH, Coleman J. Simplifying circumferential body contouring: the central body lift evolution. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.. 2006 Aug;118(2):525-35; discussion 536-8. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000234652.49061.28. 

Vierhapper MF, Pittermann A, Hacker S, Kitzinger HB. Patient satisfaction, body image, and quality of life after lower body lift: a prospective pre- and postoperative long-term survey. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. 2017 May;13(5):882-887. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2017.01.010. 

Losco L, Roxo AC, Roxo CW, Lo Torto F, Bolletta A, de Sire A, Aksoyler D, Ribuffo D, Cigna E, Roxo CP. Lower Body Lift After Bariatric Surgery: 323 Consecutive Cases Over 10-Year Experience. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2020 Apr;44(2):421-432. doi: 10.1007/s00266-019-01543-x.

You’ve lost the weight; let us help you show it off 

To learn more about how a lower body lift in Boston can reveal what excess skin may be hiding, schedule your consultation with female plastic surgeon Dr. Alannah Phelan. Please call Boston Plastic Surgery at (617) 786-7600. 

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