Body Lift
In Fort Worth, TX
After the Weight Changes, What Comes Next?
Body Lift at New Leaf
Significant weight loss can leave loose skin that affects both comfort and contour. A body lift consultation explores the areas involved, the extent of surgery, and whether a staged plan makes sense.
A body lift removes excess skin and repositions tissue around the lower trunk. It may address the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and lower back after major weight loss. It is more extensive than a tummy tuck and requires careful recovery planning.
Body Lift Before & Afters
Original photographs from New Leaf’s published gallery. Individual results vary.
Explore more resultsOverview / Body Lift
What Is a Body Lift?
A body lift removes excess skin and tissue from the lower torso while improving contour through the abdomen, flanks, lower back, hips, and buttock region. It is most commonly considered after major weight loss when loose skin extends around the body instead of remaining limited to the front of the abdomen.
- Removal of excess lower-abdominal skin
- Improvement of loose skin along the flanks
- Reduction of lower-back skin folds
- Improvement of waist and hip contour
- Lifting or smoothing of the buttock area
- Tightening or repositioning of deeper tissues when appropriate
- Creation of a new belly-button opening when abdominal correction is included
The terms lower body lift and circumferential body lift are often used when the incision and correction extend around the torso. Dr. Candis Lovelace will explain the specific approach recommended for your anatomy.
Dr. Lovelace can determine whether loose skin is limited to the abdomen or extends around the lower body.
Candidates / Body Lift
Who Is a Candidate?
- Have lost a significant amount of weight
- Have loose skin around the abdomen, flanks, and lower back
- Have maintained a stable weight for a meaningful period
- Are not actively planning substantial additional weight loss
- Are in good enough health for a longer operation and recovery
- Do not smoke or can stop nicotine as directed
- Understand the circumferential scar
- Can arrange help at home and adequate time away from work
- Have realistic expectations about healing and results
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery may require nutritional testing and medical clearance. Protein status, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and other nutritional factors can affect wound healing.
Your Questions Belong Here.
Explore an individual plan with Dr. Candis Lovelace.
Procedure / Body Lift
How Is Body Lift Surgery Performed?
Body lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure length depends on the amount of excess skin, incision extent, tissue quality, and whether other contouring is included.
- Place the planned incision around the lower torso
- Remove excess skin and tissue from the abdomen, flanks, and back
- Tighten or reposition deeper tissue where appropriate
- Redrape the remaining skin for a smoother contour
- Create a new opening for the belly button when needed
- Improve hip and buttock contour based on the surgical plan
- Place drains to reduce fluid accumulation
- Apply dressings and compression garments
Recovery / Body Lift
Recovery After Body Lift Surgery
Recovery is more involved than recovery from smaller contouring procedures. Patients should expect swelling, soreness, tightness, fatigue, drains, compression garments, limited mobility, and a gradual return to activity.
- First one to two weeks Mobility is limited, help is important, and patients may initially walk slightly bent to reduce tension on the incisions. Drains and compression garments may be used.
- Two to three weeks Light daily activity may gradually increase, although lifting, twisting, exercise, and strenuous activity remain restricted.
- Four to six weeks Activity may increase after clearance, but some restrictions can continue depending on healing and the extent of surgery.
- Several months Swelling decreases, tissues settle, and scars begin to mature. Final contour and scar appearance continue evolving for many months.
Dr. Lovelace can explain downtime, drains, compression, activity restrictions, scar care, and the support you may need at home.
Planning / Body Lift
Body Lift vs. Tummy Tuck
- Tummy tuck: Focuses primarily on the front of the abdomen and may include abdominal muscle repair.
- Body lift: Treats loose skin around the abdomen, flanks, lower back, hips, and sometimes the buttocks.
A tummy tuck may be sufficient when excess skin is concentrated on the front of the abdomen. A body lift may be more appropriate when laxity extends around the waistline and into the sides or back.
Trying to treat circumferential skin laxity with a front-only operation may leave an imbalance between treated and untreated areas.
Before You Decide
Answers for your planning
Risks and Important Considerations
- Bleeding or infection
- Seroma or fluid accumulation
- Delayed healing or wound separation
- Unfavorable or widened scarring
- Changes in skin sensation
- Asymmetry or contour irregularity
- Skin or fat healing problems
- Blood clots and pulmonary complications
- Anesthesia-related complications
- The possibility of revision surgery
Nicotine avoidance, nutritional preparation, medical optimization, early walking, and adherence to postoperative instructions are important parts of risk reduction.
How Much Does a Body Lift Cost?
Cost depends on the extent of correction, surgical time, anesthesia, facility fees, whether liposuction is included, and whether other procedures are combined or staged.
After consultation, the practice can provide a personalized surgical plan and cost estimate. Insurance coverage may be limited and is not guaranteed, even when excess skin causes irritation or hygiene concerns.
What Results Can You Expect?
A body lift can create a smoother abdomen, more defined waistline, improved flank and lower-back contour, and better support through the lower torso.
- Removal of excess skin after major weight loss
- Improved abdomen, waist, flank, and lower-back contour
- Reduced skin folds and irritation
- Improved clothing fit
- Greater comfort during movement and exercise
- Improved hygiene
- A more complete post-weight-loss transformation
- Improved hip or buttock contour in selected patients
Results can be long-lasting when weight remains stable. Aging and future weight changes can still affect the tissues.
Incisions and Scarring
Body lift surgery requires a long scar because skin is removed around a wide area. The incision is generally planned around the lower torso so it can often be covered by underwear or clothing, but exact placement depends on anatomy and the amount of correction.
Scars are permanent. They commonly appear pink, firm, or raised early in healing and gradually soften and fade. Scar quality is influenced by genetics, skin type, tension, nutrition, nicotine exposure, wound healing, and postoperative care.
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Plan Your Visit in Fort Worth
Meet the practice
Dr. Candis Lovelace, MD, FACS is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Her practice includes cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face, as well as reconstructive care.
New Leaf Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
4400 Heritage Trace Parkway, Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX 76244
817-380-1087
The office welcomes patients from Fort Worth and nearby communities, including Keller and Southlake. Contact the practice to plan your visit.
Prepare for your consultation
Bring your goals, relevant medical history, medication list, and questions about alternatives, risks, recovery, and costs. Ask which options are appropriate for you and what help or follow-up you may need.
Further reading
General patient education; an individual examination is needed for treatment advice. Content updated .