You've worked hard to lose the weight—but excess skin is hiding your transformation. A body lift removes the loose, hanging skin that diet, exercise, and even time won't tighten, revealing the body you've earned.
Schedule Consultation View ResultsA body lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from multiple areas of the body—typically the abdomen, back, flanks, hips, thighs, and buttocks. It's designed specifically for patients who have lost significant weight and are left with loose, sagging skin that won't respond to diet or exercise.
Unlike a tummy tuck, which only addresses the front of the abdomen, a body lift treats the entire circumference of your lower body. Think of it as a 360-degree transformation—tightening and reshaping from front to back, giving your body the contoured silhouette that matches your weight loss achievement.
Body lift patients come to us after achieving major weight loss through various methods. No matter how you got here, excess skin is a common challenge—and body lift surgery is the solution.
A body lift addresses excess skin around your entire lower torso. Here are the specific areas that can be dramatically improved.
Removes hanging skin, tightens muscles, creates flat contour
Eliminates "love handles" and creates defined waistline
Removes back rolls and excess tissue above buttocks
Smooths and tightens loose skin over hip bones
Lifts and reshapes sagging buttocks for youthful contour
Tightens loose skin on sides of upper legs
Often addressed with medial thigh lift addition
Lifts and reduces sagging pubic area
Body lift surgery can be customized based on where your excess skin is located and how much correction you need.
A 360-degree procedure that addresses the abdomen, flanks, back, buttocks, and outer thighs in one surgery. Incision circles the body like a belt.
The most comprehensive approach, removing a band of excess skin from the entire waistline area. Often combined with liposuction and buttock enhancement.
For patients with less severe skin laxity. Extends beyond traditional tummy tuck to include flanks and partial back, but not full circumference.
Beyond aesthetics, body lift surgery offers functional improvements that can dramatically impact your daily life.
Wear the sizes you've worked so hard for—without bulging, bunching, or hiding.
Remove skin that chafes, restricts movement, or makes exercise uncomfortable.
Eliminate skin folds that trap moisture, cause rashes, and lead to infections.
No more discomfort from skin pulling, hanging, or rubbing throughout the day.
Create balanced, natural-looking contours that reflect your weight loss achievement.
Finally see in the mirror what you've worked so hard to achieve.
After losing 120 pounds, I had so much loose skin I couldn't wear normal clothes. Dr. Neavin gave me the body I worked so hard for. I finally feel complete.
Body Lift Patient
"A body lift is one of the most transformative procedures I perform. These patients have already accomplished something remarkable—my job is to help them see it."
Body lift surgery is among the most complex procedures in plastic surgery. It requires careful planning, meticulous technique, and extensive experience managing the unique challenges of post-weight-loss patients. With over 20 years of experience in body contouring, I understand the physical and emotional journey you've been on.
My approach combines skin removal with strategic liposuction and, when appropriate, fat transfer to enhance contours naturally. For patients who want buttock enhancement without implants, I can use your own tissue during the body lift to create fuller, more shapely buttocks—a technique called auto-augmentation.
All body lift procedures are performed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, ensuring access to the highest level of safety and post-operative care for this significant surgery.
Both procedures remove excess skin, but they address different concerns. Here's how to know which is right for you.
| Body Lift | Tummy Tuck | |
|---|---|---|
| Areas Treated | Abdomen, flanks, back, hips, buttocks, thighs (360°) | Front of abdomen only |
| Ideal For | Major weight loss (50+ lbs), circumferential excess | Post-pregnancy, moderate skin laxity |
| Incision | Circumferential (around entire waist) | Horizontal, hip to hip (front only) |
| Surgery Time | 4-7 hours | 2-4 hours |
| Recovery | 4-6 weeks to return to normal activities | 2-4 weeks to return to normal activities |
| Buttock Lifting | Yes—significant lift included | No |
Body lift is a major procedure with a significant recovery period. Here's what to expect at each stage.
Hospital stay 1-2 nights. Drains in place. Significant soreness and limited mobility.
Drains removed. Light walking encouraged. Still avoiding bending and lifting.
Most return to work. Light exercise cleared. Compression garment still worn.
Swelling fully resolved. Scars fading. Final contours visible.
Body lift surgery is a significant commitment. Here's how to know if you're ready.
You've done the hard work of losing the weight. Let's help you finally see the results. Schedule a consultation to discuss your body lift options.
Schedule Consultation (310) 858-8811