Body Lift

in Los Angeles, CA

Our surgical team in Los Angeles offers body lift procedures that remove sagging skin and create a smoother silhouette. Whether you’ve reached a major weight-loss milestone or want to reclaim your contours after years of change, our experienced surgeons will craft a personalized surgical plan tailored to your goals – with continuous support from your first consultation through full recovery.

Table of Contents

What Is a Body Lift?

A body lift is a comprehensive body-contouring surgery that removes excess skin and stubborn fat from multiple areas of the body while tightening the underlying tissue. It is one of the most effective procedures for restoring a toned shape after significant life changes, such as major weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural effects of aging.

Unlike a single-area procedure, a body lift often addresses several regions at once – the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, thighs, and sometimes the arms – creating a smooth, harmonious result all the way around while improving overall body proportion.

Types of Body Lifts

Because every patient carries excess skin differently, a body lift is not a one-size-fits-all operation. During your consultation, your surgeon will recommend the approach that best matches your anatomy and goals.

Lower Body Lift

The most common variation, a lower body lift targets the abdomen, flanks, waist, hips, outer thighs, and buttocks in a single circumferential procedure. It’s especially popular after major weight loss, when excess skin tends to hang around the entire lower torso.

Upper Body Lift

An upper body lift focuses on the back, bra-line area, chest, and arms, smoothing folds and rolls that can persist above the waist. This can include an arm lift (brachioplasty) and a back lift to remove bra-roll fat and skin.

Total Body Lift

For patients with extensive loose skin across multiple regions, a total body lift combines upper and lower techniques – often staged over more than one surgery – to deliver comprehensive, head-to-toe contouring.

Preparing for Body Lift

Thoughtful preparation sets the stage for a smooth surgery and recovery. Once your plan is confirmed, your care team will guide you through each step, which may include:

Medical Evaluation and Clearance

A thorough in-person examination allows your surgeon to precisely assess your skin and tissue quality, review your medical history, and discuss the procedure in detail. You may need medical clearance and lab work to ensure you’re ready for surgery.

Lifestyle Adjustments

You’ll be asked to stop smoking several weeks before surgery, avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding, maintain a stable weight, and stay hydrated to support healing.

Planning Ahead

Fill prescriptions, prepare a comfortable recovery space, and arrange for someone to drive you home and help with daily tasks in the first days to weeks. Several hotels near our office are available for out-of-town patients recovering after surgery.

Body Lift Procedure Steps

While every body lift is customized, the procedure generally follows a clear sequence:

Preparation and anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout – general anesthesia for extensive procedures, or the “awake” technique where applicable.
Incision placement along pre-planned lines chosen to remain as discreet as possible, often along natural body creases.
Removal of excess skin and, where needed, sculpting of stubborn fat.
Tightening and repositioning of the underlying tissue to firm and support the new contour.
Closure using techniques focused on minimizing scarring, with drains sometimes placed temporarily, followed by dressings and, often, a compression garment.

Because a body lift addresses multiple areas, it is a substantial surgery – and one that rewards careful surgical artistry. Our surgeons approach each case with the precision and attention that lasting, natural-looking results require.

Anesthesia and Incisions

Depending on the extent of correction needed, your body lift may be performed under general anesthesia – administered by a qualified anesthesiologist – or, when appropriate, using our “awake” local anesthesia technique. The awake approach allows patients to stay conscious throughout the procedure. This option may offer a safer, more comfortable experience with an easier recovery.

Incisions are strategically placed based on the type of body lift and the regions being treated.

A lower body lift typically uses a circumferential incision positioned just above the buttock crease and along the lower abdomen, hidden beneath underwear or swimwear.

An upper body lift may involve incisions on the back and along the inner arms.

Your surgeon will review your specific incision plan during your consultation and explain how advanced closure methods minimize scarring.

Combining Procedures

One of the advantages of a body lift is how well it pairs with other contouring treatments for a complete transformation, especially for patients seeking a “mommy makeover” or more extensive body sculpting. Depending on your goals, your surgeon may recommend combining your body lift with:

Liposuction to remove localized fat and refine adjacent areas
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) for tighter abdominal muscles and skin
Breast augmentation or lift to restore volume and shape
Arm lift or thigh lift to address loose skin on the limbs
Renuvion skin tightening for enhanced firmness

Staging complementary procedures allows for balanced, cohesive results and can potentially reduce overall recovery time compared to separate surgeries. Your custom surgical plan will be built around what’s safest and most effective for your body.

Body Lift Recovery

Recovery is an essential part of your result, and our team provides continuous support from your initial consultation through full recovery. In the first few days after surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medication. Drains may be in place for a few days to a week to prevent fluid accumulation.

You’ll wear a compression garment continuously for several weeks to support healing tissue, reduce swelling, and help your new contour settle. You’ll be encouraged to walk short distances early on to promote circulation, and to gradually resume activity as directed by your surgeon.

Recovery Timeline

Every patient heals at their own pace, but general milestones include:

First Two Weeks

Focus on rest, gentle walking, and following your surgeon’s wound-care instructions closely. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending. Drains, if used, are typically removed during this period, and most patients return to light daily activities within 1–2 weeks.

Weeks Three to Six

Swelling continues to subside, and you’ll gradually reintroduce moderate activity. Many patients return to non-strenuous work when cleared by their surgeon. Avoid anything that puts strain on your incisions.

Beyond Six Weeks

Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are reintroduced only with your surgeon’s approval. Most significant swelling subsides over the following months, and scars continue to mature and fade over several months to a year.

Attending your follow-up appointments lets your care team monitor healing and support you every step of the way.

Am I a Candidate for a
Body Lift?

You may be an excellent candidate for a body lift if you have significant loose or sagging skin that no longer responds to diet or exercise. Ideal candidates typically:

Have reached and maintained a stable weight – ideally for at least 6–12 months before surgery
Are in good overall health and non-smoking, or willing to quit before surgery
Have significant excess skin and underlying tissue laxity
Have realistic expectations about results and recovery
Meet health requirements for surgery (a BMI under 40 is required for any procedure at our practice)

Many of our body lift patients have completed a major weight-loss transformation – through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery. If you’ve had a gastric sleeve or similar procedure, we generally recommend waiting 12–18 months to allow your weight to fully stabilize before reconstructive body surgery.

The best way to know for certain is a personal evaluation. We offer complimentary consultations, available in person or virtually, so a specialist can assess your skin quality, tissue characteristics, and goals.

Benefits of Body Lift

A body lift does more than change how you look – it changes how you feel and function in daily life.

Smoother, firmer contours across the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks
Relief from physical discomfort, such as chafing, rashes, and irritation caused by overhanging skin
Improved mobility, making everyday activities and exercise more enjoyable
Clothing that fits better, giving you more freedom in what you wear
Renewed confidence and a body that finally reflects your weight-loss journey
Long-lasting results when paired with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle

Body Lift Cost in Los
Angeles, CA

The cost of a body lift in Los Angeles typically ranges from $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the number of areas treated, the extent of skin removal, the type of anesthesia, individual anatomy, and whether procedures are combined.

Because every body lift is tailored to your unique goals, your final investment is best determined during a personal evaluation. Contact us for a complimentary consultation and a personalized quote.

Insurance Coverage

A body lift is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is typically not covered by insurance. Our practice accepts PPO insurance for certain medical-necessity aspects where applicable, but primarily operates on a self-pay basis for cosmetic surgery. We do not accept Medicare, Medi-Cal, HMO insurance, or Kaiser.

To make your transformation more accessible, we offer flexible monthly payment plans with no upfront costs, affordable interest rates, flexible terms, a fast and simple application, generous credit limits, and instant pre-qualification. Our team is happy to review payment options with you during your consultation.

Take the Next Step with
Confidence

Patients across Southern California trust Plastic Rejuvenation Medical because we combine surgical skill, artistry, and genuinely personalized care.

Experienced surgeons with deep expertise in body contouring, including Dr. Andrew Jarminski, who brings over three decades of experience across surgical and non-surgical procedures and is a Certified Trainer of Renuvion.
A team of specialists, including Dr. Maria M. Diaz – a UCLA School of Medicine graduate specializing in body sculpting, facial rejuvenation, and breast enhancement – and Dr. Dennis Alwen, who focuses on mommy makeovers and meticulous body contouring.
The innovative “awake” technique offers a safer, more comfortable option that avoids general anesthesia when appropriate.
Advanced methods for minimal scarring and optimal, natural-looking outcomes.
Customized surgical plans and continuous support from your first consultation to full recovery.
Convenient locations in Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, and Upland, with in-person and virtual consultations available.
Se habla español – services are available in Spanish for our diverse community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do body lift results last?

Results are long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. The removed skin will not return, but significant weight fluctuations, future pregnancies, or natural aging can affect your outcome over time.

Will I have visible scars?

Some scarring is unavoidable with a body lift, but our surgeons use advanced techniques and strategic incision placement to keep scars discreet – often concealed by clothing – and help them fade over several months to a year.

How much weight do I need to lose before a body lift?

We recommend reaching your target weight and maintaining it for at least 6–12 months before surgery so results are more predictable and long-lasting. A BMI under 40 is required for any procedure.

Can I stay awake during my body lift?

Depending on the extent of your procedure, the “awake” local anesthesia technique may be an option. Your surgeon will determine the safest approach during your consultation.

Can a body lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. A body lift is often combined with liposuction, breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, or an arm lift for a comprehensive transformation. This is discussed during your consultation to create a tailored plan.

How soon can I return to work?

Many patients return to non-strenuous work within 1–2 weeks, though strenuous activities should be avoided for 4–6 weeks or longer. Your surgeon will give you personalized guidance.

How do I get started?

Simply schedule a complimentary consultation – in person or virtually – so our specialist can evaluate your needs and design your custom plan.

Schedule Your Consultation

Ready to reveal a smoother, firmer, more confident you? Book your complimentary consultation at Plastic Rejuvenation Medical today.

Consultations available in person or virtually. Se habla español.