Body Lift

A body lift reshapes the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs by removing excess skin and restoring smoother, firmer contours. It is especially beneficial after significant weight loss, as it enhances your results and helps you feel confident in the body you've worked hard to achieve.

Woman in underwear leaning against a wall

You Deserve Comprehensive Lower Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Losing a substantial amount of weight is life-changing—but lingering lax skin can create frustration, limit clothing choices, and cause irritation or hygiene concerns. At CaloAesthetics®, our board-certified plastic surgeons approach lower body contouring in Louisville and Lexington, KY, with meticulous planning and refined technique, prioritizing proportion, safety, and long-term results. With decades of surgical experience, international educational leadership, and advanced fellowship training, our team combines technical mastery with thoughtful, individualized care.

What Is a Body Lift?

A body lift—often called a lower body lift or circumferential body lift—is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower torso. It typically addresses:

Abdomen
Flanks (“love handles”)
Lower back
Buttocks
Outer thighs

Following major weight loss, the skin often loses its ability to contract back to your new frame. When laxity is extensive, surgery becomes the most effective way to reshape and support the lower body.

A body lift addresses this by:

Removing excess, hanging skin
Reshaping and elevating underlying tissues
Enhancing overall balance and proportion
Improving comfort and daily movement

The outcome is a more streamlined silhouette, better symmetry, and a fit that finally reflects the progress you’ve made.

Body Lift Benefits

Creates a smoother transition between the waist, hips, and thighs
Lifts and supports tissues that have descended after weight loss
Improves posture by reducing lower-torso heaviness
Helps stabilize results after bariatric surgery or significant weight changes
Enhances exercise comfort by minimizing excess tissue movement
Provides long-term contour definition when paired with weight stability

Are You a Good Candidate for a Body Lift?

You may be a candidate for a body lift in Louisville and Lexington, KY, if you:

Have experienced significant weight loss (through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery)
Maintain a stable weight for at least 6–12 months
Are in good general health
Do not smoke (or are willing to stop before surgery)

Why Choose CaloAesthetics®?

A body lift is among the most complex body contouring procedures performed in aesthetic surgery. It demands technical precision, surgical stamina, and an advanced understanding of three-dimensional contour balance. Choosing the right surgical team matters.

Dr. Calobrace leads an Aesthetic Society–endorsed fellowship program, mentoring board-eligible plastic surgeons in advanced operative strategy, precision technique, and patient safety. In addition to training the next generation, our surgeons are invited speakers at national and international meetings, where they contribute to discussions on evolving contouring methods and best practices. Every procedure is performed in fully accredited surgical suites with dedicated anesthesia teams, reinforcing our commitment to rigorous safety standards at every stage of care.

Most importantly, our philosophy prioritizes elegant transitions and anatomical harmony. Rather than creating an overly tight or artificial appearance, we focus on achieving smooth, natural contour flow.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

Your consultation includes:
Comprehensive medical evaluation
Skin quality and tissue assessment
Discussion of goals and realistic outcomes
Detailed explanation of incision placement and scarring
Transparent pricing and financing options

Body lift pricing varies depending on surgical complexity, anesthesia time, and whether additional procedures (such as liposuction) are performed simultaneously.

Procedure

A body lift is performed under general anesthesia. While techniques vary based on your anatomy, the procedure generally includes:

Circumferential incision placed low around the torso
Removal of excess skin and fat
Tightening of underlying tissue support structures
Repositioning and contouring of buttocks and thighs
Precise closure to optimize healing and scar quality

Recovery and Results

First 1–2 weeks: Swelling, bruising, and limited mobility are expected. Compression garments are worn to support healing.
Weeks 3–6: Gradual return to light activities. Swelling continues to improve.
6–12 weeks: Most patients resume full activity with surgeon clearance.
3–6 months: Final contours become more visible as swelling resolves. Scars fade gradually over 12–18 months.

Body Lift Subtypes

Lower Body Lift (Circumferential Lift)
Belt Lipectomy
Upper Body Lift
Extended Tummy Tuck with Thigh Lift

Alternative or Related Procedures

Reveal the Shape You Worked So Hard to Achieve

Schedule your private consultation at CaloAesthetics® Plastic Surgery Center today and discover how a personalized body lift can help you achieve your aesthetic aspirations.

FAQs

How long does a body lift procedure take?

Operative time varies depending on the extent of correction and whether additional contouring is performed at the same time. Most procedures take several hours. Your surgeon will provide a personalized estimate during consultation based on your surgical plan.

Where are the scars placed?

Incisions are typically positioned low around the torso, often concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. Scar placement is strategically planned to balance access, contour improvement, and discretion. Over time, scars soften and fade with proper care.

How much weight will I lose from a body lift?

A body lift is not a weight-loss procedure. While tissue is removed, the primary goal is reshaping and refinement—not reducing the number on the scale. Patients often notice improved clothing fit rather than significant weight change.

Can a body lift be combined with other procedures?

In select patients, additional procedures such as breast surgery or liposuction may be staged or combined. Surgical planning prioritizes safety, operative time limits, and optimal healing conditions.

How long do results last?

Results are considered long-lasting when weight remains stable. Significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy after surgery may affect contour. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports the durability of your outcome.

When can I return to work?

Return-to-work timing depends on the physical demands of your job. Patients with desk-based roles may resume work within a few weeks, while physically demanding occupations may require additional recovery time.

Will I have drains after surgery?

Temporary surgical drains are often placed to reduce fluid accumulation and support healing. These are typically removed within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on output and recovery progress.

What are the risks of a body lift?

As with any major surgery, a body lift carries potential risks. These may include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, fluid accumulation (seroma), changes in sensation, asymmetry, or unfavorable scarring. More serious but less common risks can include blood clots or anesthesia-related complications. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, following pre- and postoperative instructions carefully, and maintaining close follow-up care significantly reduces risk.