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A body lift is a collection of procedures that create a contoured, toned, firm upper and/or lower body for patients struggling with excess or sagging skin. Sagging skin in multiple areas can occur after dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Body lift procedures can target specific areas of the body where you are experiencing sagging.
For many, the results of these surgeries are quite dramatic and present patients with bodies they can feel comfortable in again. The most common candidates for these procedures are patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery or medically assisted weight loss.
At Rotemberg Plastic Surgery, we can improve your body proportions and sculpt your figure for lasting results. Dr. Silvia Rotemberg is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Her customizable, innovative procedures have helped many patients improve their well-being and quality of life.
Contact our office or call (305) 274-5170 to learn more!
Before and After Photos
Contents
About Body Lifts
Removing excess skin with a body lift can reshape your figure for a smoother, more athletic look. Your lifestyle, sun exposure, and diet can all affect the elasticity and condition of your skin. (1) If you have sagging skin along the upper or lower body, a body lift can effectively contour these areas.
Unlike traditional body contouring procedures that target one or two areas, body lifts are a collection of procedures designed to address multiple areas of the body in one appointment.
A total body lift surgery corrects all body regions, including arms, breasts, abdomen, thighs, hips, and buttocks. Compared to traditional procedures that target only one or two areas, the total body lift can help patients achieve the most symmetrical post-surgery result.
Body Lift and Liposuction
Dr. Rotemberg can also perform liposuction during a body lift to remove excess fat and achieve a smoother, leaner appearance. Liposuction uses gentle suction to target fat while preserving the surrounding tissue.
Upper Body Lift
An upper body lift treats the upper regions of the body, including the arms, breasts, and chest. Dr. Rotemberg can use different techniques to tighten the skin and improve the symmetry of your figure. These procedures can be combined with a mid or lower-body lift or done separately.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift removes excess skin on the arms for a smoother appearance. Excess skin on the arms, colloquially known as “bat wings,” typically appears on the underside of the arms. To remove the skin and create a more streamlined look, surgeons make incisions varying in length from the armpit to the elbow. This procedure is best for patients with extensive loose skin on their arms. Some patients remove up to a pound or more of extra skin.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift corrects sagging and uneven breasts, decreased breast size, drooping, and stretched areola. This surgery restores the breasts to their previous position, giving them a more youthful appearance. Candidates for this surgery include those whose breasts are sagging from pregnancy, nursing, aging, and genetics.
Droopy breasts are common after weight changes (2) and are colloquially known as “Ozempic breasts.” During the procedure, Dr. Rotemberg trims excess tissue from the breast and repositions it to a more upright place. Sometimes, this technique requires a breast implant to replace lost fat or breast tissue. A bra or swimsuit easily covers the discreet incisions.
Mid Body Lift
Dr. Rotemberg can perform a panniculectomy if you wish to remove excess skin from the midsection. The panniculus is a dense layer of fatty tissue in the lower abdominal area. For many patients, this extra skin hanging down over the pubic area is a nuisance and a health risk, causing skin infections and lower back problems. Because the folds of skin retain moisture and rub against the skin, rashes and ulcers are common.
Excess tissue can also cause lower back pain, pulling the lower back out of alignment with the rest of the spine. During a panniculectomy, this layer of fat and excess skin are removed. The skin is then tightened and sutured together. Unlike a tummy tuck, panniculectomy surgery does not tighten the muscles or reposition the belly button–it merely removes the excess skin and fat from the area.
Lower Body Lift
The lower body lift addresses the excess tissue of the buttocks, hips, and thighs, which can be unsightly and even restrict mobility after significant weight loss. Excess skin can create folds and cause chaffing and discomfort. This set of procedures tightens and sculpts the buttocks, thighs, hips, and abdomen.
Belt Lipectomy
This procedure targets multiple areas around the midsection, including the upper hips, waistline, and back. By tightening the abdominal wall muscles, belt lipectomy gives the body a toned and sculpted look. While it is part of the lower body lift, it does not lift the buttocks or hip areas. In some cases, removing excess skin can also reduce stretch marks.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift removes excess skin around the inner and outer thigh areas. Often challenging to target with diet or exercise, this surgery removes excess fat and tissue to achieve a smoother, tighter, shapelier appearance. Dr. Rotemberg can also combine the procedure with liposuction. She can make careful incisions to ensure patients can hide their scarring when wearing swimwear or undergarments. It is important to communicate your expectations and be realistic about the outcome you can achieve with the procedure.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck removes excess flesh and skin from the abdominal area. Dr. Rotemberg can tighten the underlying muscles during the procedure if they are stretched from pregnancy or weight changes. However, this procedure does not correct stretch marks or other exterior skin blemishes. There are several different kinds of tummy tucks:
- Complete: This procedure addresses the upper and lower parts of the abdomen. An incision is made along the vertical line of the abdomen, and excess skin and fat are removed, skin and muscle are tightened and reattached.
- Partial: Involves using a smaller incision, removing excess skin and fat, and a tightening of the lower abdomen only, not the entire upper and lower abdomen.
- Extended: Dr. Rotemberg can combine a tummy tuck with a lateral thigh lift to sculpt the abdomen, improve the waist definition, and reshape the upper lateral thighs.
- High Lateral Tension: This advanced technique tightens the muscles, resulting in a flatter tummy and a significantly more defined waistline than a traditional tummy tuck.
- Floating or Fab Technique: Dr. Rotemberg can tighten the skin and remove excess tissue through a small incision. Afterward, she can reattach or reposition the belly button as needed.
- Circumferential: Dr. Rotemberg can perform an extended tummy tuck combined with a buttock lift for patients who need to restore their figures after extreme weight loss.
Benefits
After a body lift, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Sculpted Body Contour: After removing excess skin that affects your proportions, you can enjoy a smoother, more athletic body.
- Improved Comfort: Removing droopy pockets of skin can prevent uncomfortable rashes and chafing from occurring.
- Improved Self-Confidence: You can feel more confident about how you look and feel after a body lift.
- Lasting Results: You can enjoy lasting results if you continue to practice a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Candidates & Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Rotemberg will ask about your medical history, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. She can also recommend additional procedures to help you achieve your desired look.
Suitable candidates for a body life would like to remove excess tissue from the upper and/or lower body for a curvier figure with balanced body proportions. A body lift is ideal for patients with realistic expectations who want to sculpt the body after weight loss. If you smoke, Dr. Rotemberg will recommend that you quit before your procedure.
Preparation
To prepare for a body lift, you will need to:
- Stop taking blood thinners
- Stop smoking 6 weeks before and after your procedure
- Fill your prescriptions ahead of time
- Take time off work
- Ask a trusted adult to drive you home
Dr. Rotemberg can also provide additional instructions based on your specific procedure. During your consultation, she can answer any questions you may have.
After Your Surgery
Body lift surgeries tend to have a higher infection rate than most upper, midsection, or lower body procedures. Because of this, patients may experience longer recoveries and downtimes. These extensive procedures may take longer to heal from, but they produce dramatic improvements that can be life-changing for many patients. Dr. Rotemberg recommends that her patients refrain from strenuous activities for 6-8 weeks following surgery. Follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.
The Cost of a Body Lift in Miami
The cost of your procedure will depend on your specific plan and the type of procedure you have. We can provide an all-inclusive quote during your consultation.
Contact our office or call (305) 274-5170 to schedule your consultation today!
FAQ
Can I address more than one area of the body with a body lift?
Yes, we can address multiple areas of the body with a single appointment.
How long does a body lift procedure take?
Depending on whether you want to treat multiple areas, your procedure can take a few hours to complete.
Will I have noticeable scars after a body lift?
We make discreet incisions along the natural curves of your skin, making them easy to conceal.
References
- Oizumi R, Sugimoto Y, Aibara H. The Potential of Exercise on Lifestyle and Skin Function: Narrative Review. JMIR Dermatology. 2024;7(1):e51962. doi:https://doi.org/10.2196/51962
- Shehab, Silvia Cristina Rotemberg, Pace D, et al. Upper Body Lift. 2008;35(1):107-114. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2007.09.006