Body Lift

Body lift surgery stands out for its comprehensive ability to not only remove excess skin and fat but also to refine and reshape the entire physique, making it the most suitable option for patients seeking a profound transformation, particularly after significant weight loss.

What is Body Lift Surgery?

The procedure is highly customizable and focuses on specific areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, breasts, chest, and back, depending on the your unique needs. Whether through an upper body lift, lower body lift, or a total body lift, Bellevue cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Sobel specializes in combining the most effect body contouring procedures to sculpt your body’s contour and silhouette.

Dr. Alexander Sobel Seattle Cosmetic Surgeon
  • Triple board-certified in general cosmetic surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and otolaryngology
  • 15+ years of experience specializing in cosmetic surgery
  • Operates in an on-site accredited surgical suite for patient safety and privacy 
  • National leader in cosmetic surgery, including as Past President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and as an expert speaker at medical conferences
  • Former Seattle Met Top Doctor with hundreds of 5-star patient reviews
Meet Dr. Sobel
Portrait of Seattle Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Alexander Sobel smiling

Why People Undergo Body Lift Surgery

There are several reasons why someone might want to consider body lift surgery. It is commonly performed on people who have lost an extensive amount of weight because it helps improve the tone and shape of the body, and removes excess skin that remains once the weight is gone. This procedure can also help you get rid of leftover fat that has been unaffected by diet and exercise.

Body lifting isn’t just for weight loss patients: women who have had children are also good candidates for this procedure, as the abdomen is one of the areas targeted by this body contouring procedure. Finally, some body lift patients have never been overweight, but simply have excess skin due to the natural aging process. Patients can regain a more youthful body appearance through this procedure.

How much does a body lift cost in Seattle?

Body lift surgery costs in the Seattle area range from $7,900 – $23,000. Dr. Sobel provides a personalized quote based on the number of procedures you wish to include in your body lift surgery plan during your consultation. We also offer financing options to make paying for your procedure easier and more convenient for you.

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Types of Body Lift Surgery

Upper body lift: breasts, chest, arms, and upper back

The upper body lift specifically targets the upper region of the body, using procedures such as a female breast lift or male chest reduction, liposuction, arm lift, and back lift to reshape these areas to achieve a more toned and defined silhouette. 

Lower body lift: abdomen, lower back, buttocks, hips, and thighs

The lower body lift is designed to enhance the contours of the lower half of the body with procedures like tummy tuck (often an extended tummy tuck or 360 tummy tuck), liposuction, thigh lift, and knee lift to sculpt the lower body.

Total body lift: combines upper and lower body procedures

For those seeking comprehensive body rejuvenation, the total body lift uses techniques of both the upper and lower body lifts. A total body lift is a holistic approach that allows for dramatic enhancements across the entire body, improving the shape and tone of both the upper and lower body.

Customizing Your Body Lift with Dr. Sobel

As each person’s history and body are very different, body lift patients need an experienced surgeon to assess their needs and tailor a plan just for them. At Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery, Bellevue body contouring surgeon Dr. Sobel offers customized surgical plans to help improve the body where skin elasticity has been lost. Results not only contour the body, but they can also revitalize a patient’s self-confidence.

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Your consultation

Your body lift journey begins with a consultation and personalized surgical planning. Dr. Sobel and your patient concierge will listen to your goals to make sure this is the right procedure for you. We will also consider your unique risk factors and create a plan that minimizes your surgical risk.

Your surgery can be tailored to your needs and can even include other desired procedures. Some of the most popular add-on procedures include:

There are also non-surgical procedures such as laser treatments to improve the appearance and health of your skin once your new shape is revealed. 

Before & After Gallery

Dr. Alexander Sobel uses refined techniques and tailors every aspect of your procedure for natural, personalized results.

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The Body Lift Procedure

Body lift procedures are performed under general anesthesia for your safety and comfort. 

Making incisions to remove excess skin

The precise location and pattern of these incisions vary depending on your customized surgery plan. Dr. Sobel makes strategic incisions to access the fatty layers under the skin for small-volume liposuction. These incisions are carefully planned to ensure they align with the natural contours of the body, aiming for the least visible scars post-recovery. 

Tightening and reshaping the underlying tissues

After Dr. Sobel removes excess skin, the focus shifts to tightening and reshaping the underlying tissues. This critical stage is what gives the body a more defined, contoured appearance. By suturing the tissues into their new, lifted position, Dr. Sobel is able to create a firmer, more youthful body profile.

Recovery

Recovery times may vary based on the number of procedures in your surgery plan, the extent of the procedure, and your unique anatomy. Dr. Sobel provides more detailed recovery information after meeting with you and developing the ideal body lift plan for you. 

Initial healing may take 2-4 weeks

The initial healing phase post-body lift surgery typically lasts between 2-4 weeks. During this time, it’s important for patients to focus on rest and following aftercare protocols for easy healing and optimal results. Although your priority will be to rest, most patients are asked to take brief, gentle walks as soon as possible to increase blood circulation after body lift surgery. 

You will also be fitted with compression garments to support the newly repositioned muscles and tissues as they heal. Compression garments also help reduce swelling and some discomfort, especially right after surgery. 

Follow-up visits for suture removal and check-ups

You’ll attend follow-up appointments at our Bellevue cosmetic surgery office so Dr. Sobel and our team can monitor your progress and ensure you are healing as expected after your body lift. When it’s time, Dr. Sobel will remove your sutures and review your aftercare protocols so you continue to feel confident about your recovery. 

Resuming normal daily activities after 6 weeks

While each patient’s aftercare plan varies, most patients are cleared to gradually resume light activities after about 6 weeks. Of course, if you still feel the need to rest or if Dr. Sobel has advised you spend more time recovering, then it’s important to listen to your body and Dr. Sobel’s guidance. 

During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Sobel will lift activity restrictions based on your progress. We understand you’ll be eager to return to your normal routine with a new and improved shape, but please be patient! Over-exerting yourself before your body is ready can slow the healing process, increase swelling, and potentially impact your results. 

How We Ensure Your Safety During Your Body Lift Procedure

Because body lift surgery is typically quite extensive, it’s critical that patients choose a doctor who operates in a facility with hospital-level safety measures in place. Our private operating suite in Bellevue is accredited by the Washington State Department of Health (WADOH).

five stars

“I am very happy with my cosmetic surgery. It has given me a new beginning in my life. It has increased my confidence. Dr. Sobel and his team are amazing. Thank you so much for your skill & talent, Dr. Sobel!”

—Real patient review

Key Benefits
  • Removal of Excess Skin: This procedure effectively removes large amounts of loose, hanging skin that can be a physical and emotional burden.
  • Improved Body Contours: A body lift can significantly enhance the overall shape and contours of the body, especially after massive weight loss.
  • Reduced Skin Irritation: Excess skin can lead to chafing, rashes, and infections. A body lift can alleviate these issues by removing the skin folds where such problems commonly occur.
Glossary
  • Abdominoplasty: Also known as a tummy tuck, a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. Often a component of a lower body lift.
  • Anesthesia: Medications used to prevent pain during surgery. In body lift procedures, this can include local, twilight, or general anesthesia.
  • Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): A surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, typically from the underarm area to the elbow. This procedure is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or sagging skin due to aging, resulting in ‘bat wings’. An arm lift is designed to result in tighter, more toned upper arm contours.
  • Belt Lipectomy: Another term for a lower body lift, it involves an incision that runs around the entire waistline, resembling a belt.
  • Body Contouring: A term for procedures that alter the shape of different areas of the body, including body lifts, liposuction, and tummy tucks.
  • Brachioplasty: Also known as an arm lift, a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. Sometimes performed as part of an upper body lift.
  • Circumferential Body Lift: A comprehensive body lift procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the entire circumference of the torso, often after significant weight loss.
  • Compression Garment: Special clothing worn after a body lift to reduce swelling, support the healing tissues, and help contour the body.
  • Drainage Tubes: Tubes placed at the surgical site to drain excess fluid and reduce swelling after a body lift.
  • Excess Skin: Skin that has become stretched and does not shrink back after significant weight loss or due to aging. Its removal is a primary goal of body lift surgery.
  • Incision: The surgical cuts made during a body lift. The length and pattern of these incisions depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed.
  • Lower Body Lift: A surgical procedure that targets the abdomen, buttocks, lower back, and thighs to remove excess skin and fat and improve body contours.
  • Massive Weight Loss: A significant reduction in body weight, often achieved through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes. After massive weight loss, individuals may have excess, sagging skin and residual fat deposits that do not respond to exercise or diet, making them potential candidates for body lift procedures. These procedures help to remove excess skin and improve body contours.
  • Mastopexy: A breast lift, which raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, often included in an upper body lift.
  • Recovery Period: The time required for healing and recuperation after a body lift, which involves rest and following post-operative care instructions.
  • Seroma: A complication where fluid accumulates under the skin after surgery. It’s a risk after extensive procedures like a body lift.
  • Skin Elasticity: The ability of the skin to return to its original shape after being stretched. Reduced skin elasticity is a common reason for seeking body lift surgery.
  • Thigh Lift: A procedure that reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin and, in some cases, fat, resulting in smoother skin and more proportionate contours.
  • Upper Body Lift: A surgical procedure that targets the breasts, chest, and upper back to remove excess skin and fat and improve contours. It often includes procedures like a mastopexy and brachioplasty.
  • Weight Stability: The importance of maintaining a stable weight before undergoing a body lift, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results.

Body Lift Surgery FAQs

There isn’t a specific weight goal you need to reach. Dr. Sobel typically recommends that body lift patients be at or near a stable, healthy weight they are happy with for at least six months before surgery. You will naturally lose some weight post-surgery because excess tissue is removed and many patients lose additional weight as their new contours make exercise more comfortable and enjoyable.

That said, losing a considerable amount of weight after body lift surgery may diminish your initial results, so that is why we recommend that you be close to a sustainable weight that supports your overall health and aesthetic goals.

Dr. Sobel can tailor your body lift surgery to include nearly any area with excess skin including common areas like the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms, back, and breasts.

A tummy tuck focuses specifically on the abdominal area, while a body lift addresses multiple areas. A tummy tuck is one of the most common procedures included in body lift surgery for men and women.

Results are typically long-lasting, especially with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, aging and significant weight fluctuations can affect the results, but most patients enjoy much greater comfort and mobility for the long haul.

Yes, there will be scars, but Dr. Sobel places the required incisions in less visible areas and often in natural body creases and shadows to help keep them concealed. Dr. Sobel also takes great care to meticulously close the incisions with fine sutures so the resulting scars are as thin and flat as possible.

The best way to minimize body lift scars is to follow all recovery guidelines and aftercare instructions to the letter. Straining your incisions by exerting yourself too soon or not properly taking care of your incisions can result in more obvious scarring.

Once your incisions are healed, it can take up to 2 years for the scar to fade into its final appearance. You can further minimize the appearance of scarring by keeping your scars protected from UV exposure (which will darken them) and following scar care protocols Dr. Sobel and our medical team provide.

If you are still bothered by your body lift scars, laser treatments are excellent solutions to fading scars and we would be happy to provide your treatment once they are healed.

Insurance typically doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures, but if the surgery is deemed medically necessary, such as for removing excess skin that causes health issues, some coverage might be available. We recommend speaking directly to your insurance agency to learn if your policy covers any or part of your procedures and follow their guidance on potential reimbursement.

The length of your surgery depends on how many procedures you have in your body lift surgery plan. Generally, body lift surgery takes 4 to 8 hours.

General anesthesia is commonly used to ensure the patient is completely asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

Potential complications of body lift surgery include infection, bleeding, scarring, anesthesia reactions, and dissatisfaction with the results.

Dr. Sobel provides prescription pain medication to keep you comfortable, especially in the first few days of recovery when swelling and discomfort peak. Once you’re ready, you can switch to over-the-counter pain relievers. Some discomfort is expected after any major surgery so it’s crucial that you allow your body to rest, stay hydrated, and fuel your body with nutrient-dense whole foods to promote the easiest recovery possible. Following all postoperative instructions and activity restrictions will help keep pain and discomfort to a minimum.

Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within about 12 days or so. If you have more strenuous job requirements, you may need to take more time off. Dr. Sobel will help you decide how much time you need to recover before returning to work.

You’ll be able to take light walks soon after surgery, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 6-8 weeks or as advised by Dr. Sobel. You may also need to modify your exercise routine depending on your surgery sites and gradually increase weight or intensity as your body heals and adjusts.

Yes, wearing a compression garment helps reduce swelling, supports healing, and improves results by shaping the new contours of your body.

While initial results are visible almost immediately, your final results can take up to a year or longer to fully develop as swelling subsides and tissues settle.

Yes, it is safe to have body lift surgery before having children; however, weight fluctuations and accommodating a pregnancy will affect the midsection and may weaken your initial results. Some patients are still happy with their body lift results post-pregnancy while others may seek a secondary procedure to restore their initial results.

Not usually. Some patients may require minor revisions depending on the extend of their needs to achieve optimal results.

Of course! A body lift is suitable for men and women experiencing significant sagging or excess skin following weight loss or the natural aging process.

The choice depends on which areas of your body have the most excess skin and fat. Dr. Sobel will help you understand which procedures will achieve the shape you desire.

There is no specific age limit; however, candidates should be in good overall health and able to undergo anesthesia and surgery safely. The decision is based more on health status and surgical goals rather than age.

Before surgery, adopt a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stop smoking. After surgery, continue these habits to help promote a smoother recovery and to maintain your results.

This depends on the nature and severity of your medical conditions. Dr. Sobel will evaluate your health history and may consult with your primary care physician to ensure you can safely undergo surgery.

Initially, you will need to avoid strenuous activities, but most patients can return to their regular physical activities, including sports, once fully healed, usually within 6-8 weeks. You may even find that physical activity is more comfortable for you!

Yes, it’s important to have someone assist you for at least the first few days after surgery to help with daily activities and ensure you have adequate support during the initial recovery period. If you have small children at home, you may need to arrange childcare for some time as you will not be able to lift more than 5-10lbs depending on your surgery plan. 

A body lift can improve the appearance of the skin by tightening and smoothing it, but it is not specifically designed to treat cellulite.

You should not drive until you are off pain medications and feel comfortable moving around, usually at least 10 days or more after surgery.

Many body lift surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures, but some patients may require an overnight hospital stay for monitoring. Dr. Sobel will let you know what will be the safest outcome for you.

Schedule a consultation to learn more

To learn more about body lift surgery, contact Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery for a free consultation. We serve patients in Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, and beyond, and look forward to helping you reach your aesthetic goals.

References »

Herman CK, Hoschander AS, Wong A. Post-Bariatric Body Contouring. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2015 Aug;35(6):672-87. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjv008. 

ElAbd R, Samargandi OA, AlGhanim K, Alhamad S, Almazeedi S, Williams J, AlSabah S, AlYouha S. Body Contouring Surgery Improves Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2021 Jun;45(3):1064-1075. doi: 10.1007/s00266-020-02016-2. 

Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons; Royal College of Surgeons England. National commissioning guidelines: body contouring surgery after massive weight loss. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2014 Aug;67(8):1076-81. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2014.04.031. 

Soldin M, Mughal M, Al-Hadithy N; Department of Health; British association of Plastic, ElAbd R, Samargandi OA, AlGhanim K, Alhamad S, Almazeedi S, Williams J, AlSabah S, AlYouha S. Body Contouring Surgery Improves Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2021 Jun;45(3):1064-1075. doi: 10.1007/s00266-020-02016-2. 

Soldin M, Mughal M, Al-Hadithy N; Department of Health; British association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons; Royal College of Surgeons England. National commissioning guidelines: body contouring surgery after massive weight loss. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2014 Aug;67(8):1076-81. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2014.04.031. 

Aldaqal SM, Makhdoum AM, Turki AM, Awan BA, Samargandi OA, Jamjom H. Post-bariatric surgery satisfaction and body-contouring consideration after massive weight loss. North American Journal of Medicine and Science. 2013 Apr;5(4):301-5. doi: 10.4103/1947-2714.110442.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Sobel — Updated on Oct 23, 2024

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