Body Lift
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and Sugar Land, TX
A body lift is a group of body contouring procedures incorporating several treatment areas in and around the midsection. These areas often include the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Many individuals seek a body lift after significant weight loss or when they may have experienced substantial changes in their body shape. A body lift not only improves physical appearance but also boosts self-esteem and body image. (1)
Dr. Ahmad Ahmadi and his team at Avante Plastic Surgery strive to provide our patients with natural-looking results with a body lift procedure. Dr. Ahmadi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. His eye for perfection, comforting demeanor, and ongoing quest for excellence and knowledge have made him one of the leading cosmetic surgeons in the greater Houston area.
To find out if you could benefit from this treatment, schedule a consultation. If you have any questions or would prefer to speak to a representative directly, please call either our Houston or Sugar Land office at (281) 265-2639.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Body Lift
After weight loss, large amounts of excess skin can commonly be found in the lower-to-mid section of the body. (1) The body life procedure combines multiple techniques, allowing for extensive customization tailored to each patient’s needs. Removing excess skin from both the upper and lower body can enable patients to achieve their desired physique after significant weight loss.
Benefits
At Avante Plastic Surgery, our patients typically experience the following benefits after undergoing a body lift:
- Accentuated body contours: Achieve a more defined silhouette by eliminating excess skin and stubborn fat deposits.
- Increased self-esteem: Heightened confidence can lead to higher levels of self-acceptance and social engagement.
- Comfort: Reducing chafing or discomfort caused by excessive skin can lead to improved everyday comfort.
- Enhanced physical abilities: Removing excess skin can facilitate easier movement, encouraging an active lifestyle post-recovery.
- Long-lasting results: With stable weight maintenance, results from a body lift can last for years, contributing to the desired shape over time.
- Customization: Each body lift is tailored specifically to meet individual patient needs, ensuring utmost satisfaction.
- Surgical precision: Procedures performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Ahmadi ensure optimal techniques for minimal scarring and an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Candidates
The best candidates for a body lift procedure are those with the following characteristics:
- Are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise
- Have a significant amount of loose, soft tissue in one or multiple areas of their body
- Are in good general health
- Keep a positive attitude throughout the recovery process
- Maintain realistic expectations for the procedure’s results
- Do not smoke or use other forms of nicotine, or are willing to quit
Personal Consultation
If you are interested in exploring the benefits of a body lift, the first step is to book a consultation with Dr. Ahmadi and the team at Avante Plastic Surgery. When you come in for your appointment, you will go over your objectives for the surgery, review your medical history, and examine your target areas for the procedure. Based on this information, Dr. Ahmadi will create a customized surgical plan that caters to the specific requirements of your goals. The surgical plan will outline the techniques to be employed, the anesthesia options available, and the expected outcome of the surgery.
Schedule your consultation today.
Preparation
Our patient coordinator will provide you with a detailed set of pre-operative instructions to follow before your body lift. These instructions will be carefully curated to enhance the outcome of your procedure and consider your current medications, diet, supplements, and medical history. You may be required to fast before your procedure. Additionally, you are required to arrange transportation to and from your treatment. You should also cease consumption of any blood-thinning medications or supplements and alcohol for a few days before your body lift. If you have any questions about proper preparation, please discuss these at your consultation or call our office at any time.
Procedure
At the start of your body lift procedure, you will receive the proper anesthesia, based on what is discussed during your consultation. Dr. Ahmadi will make incisions at strategic locations where he will be able to remove excess skin and fat. The primary targeted areas of a body lift include the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and lower back. (2)
Body lifts can focus on both the anterior and posterior sides of the body. Most procedures will start with corrections to the posterior side (your rear-facing side). If you require liposuction to remove stubborn fat, this will Dr. Ahmadi can perform this as well. Once the desired results are achieved on the posterior side, the procedure will shift its focus to the anterior (front-facing) side of the body.
The total time for this procedure will be based on your individual needs, but you can expect between six and eight hours. Afterward, your health status will be monitored for a period of time, and then you will be dismissed to begin your recovery.
Recovery
After Dr. Ahmadi confirms that you are good to go, you will be able to return home to recover in the comfort of your own home. You will need a ride home from the surgery center. You can expect some swelling, soreness, and bruising on your abdomen as you heal. This is normal and will fade after a few days. If you receive prescriptions for pain medications, please take these as instructed to minimize your discomfort.
As you recover, it is important to take enough time to rest and heal. Most patients will need around two to four weeks before gradually returning to non-strenuous activities, and then being able to return to most normal activities after around six weeks.
Results
Results from a body lift are substantial and can greatly enhance your body image. As healing progresses, you will notice tighter skin, refined contours, and an overall rejuvenated appearance. Scarring fades over time, becoming less noticeable with the appropriate care.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
A body lift is an effective way to rejuvenate and contour your midsection. Many patients who have lost weight and are still plagued with stubborn deposits of fat will elect to have a liposuction treatment incorporated into their procedure. This helps them sculpt their bodies to achieve their aesthetic goals.
These patients may also experience sagging skin in other areas of the body. The arms, thighs, and breasts are all natural fat storage sites on the body, and they can be left with sagging, excess, unsightly skin once weight is lost. For these patients, procedures like arm lifts, thigh lifts, breast lifts, and breast augmentations can help achieve a more contoured figure. Please feel free to bring up your interest in additional procedures during your consultation.
Cost of a Body Lift in Houston
The cost of your body lift treatment will vary depending on several factors, including the techniques used and the scope of the procedure. To obtain an accurate estimate of the total cost, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahmadi. After finalizing a surgical plan tailored to your specific needs, our patient coordinator will provide a comprehensive breakdown of all associated costs.
Avante Plastic Surgery also offers financing options for our patients. If you have any questions about pricing, your treatment, our practice, or more, please do not hesitate to call our Houston or Sugar Land office at (281) 265-2639 and get the information you need.
FAQ
IS A BODY LIFT PAINFUL?
This procedure is performed with the patient under anesthesia, and you will be on pain medication when you leave. However, it is very common to feel some pain and discomfort as you heal. The pain is typically the highest for the first three to four days, but Dr. Ahmadi will prescribe you some temporary pain medication to alleviate any of your symptoms. We will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions that will help you achieve the most optimal results.
HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS WILL I NEED?
We see surgical patients the day after the surgery, 3-5 days later, again around 10-12 days after surgery, and again at 6 weeks. There may be a few other appointments in between depending on how you are healing.
HOW LONG UNTIL I SEE RESULTS?
Depending on the level of changes made and what procedures you receive, you may notice some positive changes almost immediately after surgery, but this may be harder to see as you swell during your healing. Your scars will fade over time, but most patients begin to see their final body contouring results around 6 weeks to 1 year. Please note that every patient will have a unique recovery process, and your experience may be different.
CAN I COMBINE BODY LIFTS WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?
Yes, and this can be an effective way to maximize the results of your treatment and reduce your total recovery time.
References
- Mayo J, Cape JD. Belt Lipectomy. PubMed. Published 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK604202/
- Bertheuil N, Chaput B, Bergeat D, Morvan C, Mocquard C, Watier E. The Lipo-Body Lift. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(2):e2156. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002156