Body Lift Surgery

Body lift, or lower body lift, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen, hips, outer thighs, back, or buttocks, and to tighten muscles of the abdominal wall. A body lift is not a surgical treatment for being overweight. Obese individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of body contouring surgery until they have reached a stable weight. There are a variety of different techniques used by surgeons for a body lift. Your preferences, anatomy and Dr. Johnson's recommendations will help determine the technique.

Body lift surgery consultations

When you book a consultation, there is a $100 consultation fee. If you choose to have surgery with Dr. Johnson the $100 will go towards the surgical fee.

The goal of a body lift procedures is to improve the tone and shape of tissue beneath the skin by removing excess fat and skin.

Body Lift FAQs

Am I a good candidate for a body lift?

A body lift removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, back, and/or buttocks. If you are actively losing weight, we recommend that your weight be stable before undergoing body contouring procedures. If you have excess skin or fat of the abdominal wall, outer thighs, buttocks, or back area, you may be a good candidate for a body lift. During your consultation, we will provide you with our expert opinion on whether you are a good candidate. We will discuss the surgical process along with any possible risks and complications of the surgery.

How should I prepare for my body lift consultation?

Researching body lift on reputable internet sites such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons can be very informative to help provide basics about the surgery and your recovery. However, the best information will be obtained by making an appointment and speaking with Dr. Johnson. At the time of your consultation it may also be helpful to review before and after photos of patients who have had the procedure. Know your surgical expectations so you can discuss them fully. If you are a smoker, we recommend you quit to help reduce the risk of wound healing complications. We also recommend a healthy lifestyle to aid your recovery process.

Will I be seen by the surgeon?

Yes. Dr. Johnson will meet with you and she will discuss all your surgical options. Dr. Johnson will provide you with the necessary information so that you feel confident and comfortable with your surgical decision.

Is the plastic surgeon board certified?

Yes. Dr. Johnson is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, she is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which recognizes surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery.

Will I be charged for an initial consultation?

Yes. There is a $100 cosmetic consultation fee. If you choose to have surgery with Dr. Johnson, the $100 will go towards the surgical fee.

Are there different types of body lift procedures?

A full body lift is done with a circumferential incision to remove excess skin from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and back area. The underlying tissues are tightened to reshape your body’s contour. However, the incision location is dependent upon which areas are of the most concern for each patient. In many instances a combination of liposuction and surgical excision are required for optimal results.

What is the surgical process for body lift?

The surgery is performed at a hospital. During surgery you will receive general anesthesia. The surgery will take between 3-5 hours depending on the areas being addressed. You will have drains placed and you will be put into a surgical garment. Once you are awake you are taken to the recovery room for another 1-2 hours. Our recommendation is that you spend one night in the hospital.

Are there risks involved with a body lift?

Yes, there are risks with any surgical procedure. Some of the possible risks with a body lift are pain, infection, wound healing complications, hematoma/seroma, unsatisfactory results, or scars that may require a revision surgery.

Where will my body lift procedure be performed?

Dr. Johnson has privileges at Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center. Both are surgical facilities in Springfield, MA, accredited by the Joint Commission, and have been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval.

What is the recovery process after a body lift?

Your recovery is dependent on the extent of surgery that was performed. With a classic body lift procedure, you will feel tightness, pressure and/or pain of the abdominal wall and the back/buttock area. You will notice that the pain decreases with each passing day. You are sent home on pain medications which will decrease your discomfort. We will recommend that you wear a binder/surgical garment to provide compression and help minimize swelling. We will see you one week after surgery to evaluate your healing process and to possibly remove the drains. We request that you do no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least one month following surgery.

Will my insurance cover body lift surgery?

No. Contouring and tightening your body contour is a cosmetic procedure. The insurance companies do not deem this procedure medically necessary and therefore it is not a covered procedure by insurance carriers.

Can I finance my body lift procedure?

Yes. We offer patient financing through CareCredit or ALPHAEON CREDIT. See our Financing FAQs for more information.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, money orders, and certified bank checks, or you can finance through CareCredit.

Can I make payments online?

Yes. You can make credit card payments securely online.