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What is a body lift?

A body lift is a procedure designed to tighten and firm your body after significant, rapid weight loss. Those who have undergone bariatric surgery rapidly lose a considerable amount of weight, which can leave behind excess, sagging skin.

Diet, exercise, and other more traditional weight loss methods, while enhancing your health, can leave you with extra skin. Fortunately, a body lift resolves this issue.

A body lift removes and tightens extra skin and recontours the body after weight loss, for the sexy, toned look that is so appealing. It is the ideal procedure if you have already lost a significant quantity of excess weight.

Some of the most popular body lift treatment areas include:

  • Abdomen
  • Lower back
  • Buttocks
  • Thighs

You can also choose to combine a body lift with other post-weight loss body contouring treatments, including liposuction, an arm lift, or a thigh lift.

Do I need a body lift after weight loss?

Human skin is stretchy and elastic, so your skin grows and contracts to accommodate the fluctuations as your body changes size. With minor weight changes, your skin can usually expand or contract. With significant fluctuations, like those experienced after bariatric surgery, the skin is unable to tighten back naturally, which can result in loose, sagging, or excess skin. We recommend considering a body lift if you want to address skin that:

  • Is uncomfortable
  • Keeps you from wearing certain clothing styles or fits
  • Is unsightly or bothersome
  • Interferes with your ability to exercise or participate in physical activities
  • Develops rashes or odors

Many of our patients decide that a body lift is the final piece of a weight loss journey, helping them achieve a look that makes them feel confident and attractive. A body lift often helps them find motivation and inspiration to continue making healthy choices going forward.

Am I a candidate for a body lift?

The best way to determine your candidacy for plastic surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Courtney. He, along with our team, will answer your questions, help you understand the procedure, and determine if a body lift is right for you. The best candidates tend to be those who:

  • Have loose, excess skin after weight loss 
  • Have realistic treatment expectations
  • Are non-smokers in good health
  • Have finished losing weight or are close to their ideal weight
  • Are committed to maintaining a healthy weight

Non-surgical options for body contouring

While a body lift is the most effective option for those who have had a dramatic weight loss, it’s not the only option. If you’re not ready for a surgical procedure or aren’t a good candidate, Dr. Courtney offers non-surgical alternatives that could help you achieve a trimmer, more sculpted figure.

We provide a wide array of proven, effective non-surgical body contouring treatments. Our groundbreaking InMode system delivers remarkable skin tightening results with BodyTite, FaceTite, and Evoke treatments. Our Morpheus8 system provides exceptional skin tightening with RF technology for skin tightening, tissue remodeling, and more resilient, supple skin.

The body lift procedure

Dr. Courtney focuses on patient comfort and results. The first step of a body lift will be anesthesia. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. Others may undergo a body lift with local anesthesia with IV sedation, where you are conscious but pain-free and comfortable.

The procedure begins with removing a section of skin and tissue from around the entire midsection. The incision is typically shaped much like a bikini, removing tissue from the abdomen, buttocks, waist, and sides. Dr. Courtney tightens the skin on the abdomen, back, buttocks, and upper thighs. We will then remove any other excess skin and tissue and tighten the remaining tissues. Many patients choose to have liposuction at the same time as a body lift to remove remaining pockets of fat and create more sculpted contours. Once Dr. Courtney is satisfied with your results, he will close your incisions and wrap the area in compression bandaging to reduce swelling during your recovery.

Recovery after a body lift

We provide detailed recovery instructions so you can prepare for your body lift and arrange for help and time off work as needed. Many patients will need to spend one to two nights in the hospital after surgery. The rest of your recovery period will take place at home. We recommend taking at least two weeks off from work, though you may need additional time off if you have a strenuous or physically demanding job.

Real Patient

Why choose Dr. Courtney for a body lift in Houston?

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Courtney approaches procedures with close attention to detail and a compassionate bedside manner. He was trained and mentored by very prominent surgeons at the Texas Medical Center, giving him in-depth knowledge and experience with aesthetic procedures of all kinds.

Dr. Courtney Plastic Surgery

FAQ:

Body Lift

How do I maintain my results?

Maintaining a healthy and stable weight is the key to long-term results. We recommend that you focus on maintaining a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and an active lifestyle. Significant weight changes could affect the slim, sculpted look you have worked so hard to achieve.

Will I need prescription pain medication after a body lift?

We prescribe pain medications to help patients stay comfortable in the first few days after a body lift. After the initial healing period, over the counter pain relievers are sufficient in most cases.

Will I have scars after a body lift?

Dr. Courtney uses certain techniques to minimize scarring, placing the incisions hidden under the bikini line. Most patients find that the improvement in their body tone and shape offsets any concerns about scarring.

What procedures complement a body lift?

A body lift may be performed in combination with liposuction, as removing excess fat can improve your contours after weight loss. Many body lift patients also opt for arm lift surgery to tighten and tone the upper arms.

How much does a body lift cost in Houston?

Dr. Courtney will provide a personalized quote for your procedure during your consultation. Because each body contouring surgery is 100% customized, the costs can vary significantly from one patient to another.

Real People. Real Results.

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