Body Lift in San Diego, CA

Losing weight is an accomplishment, whether from diet and exercise or bariatric surgery (such as gastric bypass surgery). However, after losing significant weight or having multiple pregnancies, many women and men are left with unsightly sagging skin and pockets of stubborn fat.

Body lift surgery is one of the most comprehensive cosmetic procedures patients undergo after dramatic weight loss, and it can help them achieve the body contours they desire while improving their sense of confidence and self-esteem.

Dr. Munish Batra of Coastal Plastic Surgeons in San Diego is dedicated to helping his patients by creating individualized body lift treatments.

What Can a Body Lift Achieve?

Remove Excess & Sagging Skin

Weight loss can cause sagging skin around the body, keeping women and men from enjoying their weight-loss results. With a body lift, sagging skin is removed so patients can achieve a trimmed and toned appearance. Get ready to show off your results at the beach or out on the town.

Remove Stubborn Fat

While much of the fat may be gone after significant weight loss, stubborn pockets still exist. Because this fat is generally resistant to diet and exercise, sometimes the only way to eliminate it is with a cosmetic procedure. A body lift removes subcutaneous fat to help you achieve the physique you desire.

Full Body Transformation

Aesthetic concerns are not limited to one part of the body. A full body lift corrects various areas with laxity, including the midsection (tummy, hips, and flanks), back, thighs, and buttocks. Because this procedure treats the body’s circumference, you can anticipate complete, natural-looking results.

What Does Body Lift Surgery Involve?

At Coastal Plastic Surgeons in San Diego, California, you can expect to be treated with the utmost attention and care by our board-certified plastic surgeons, who put your safety and results at the forefront of everything they do.

Your San Diego Body Lift Consultation

You will meet with Dr. Batra to discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals prior to your surgery. Your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your condition and create a customized surgical plan for your specific needs. You can also ask any questions you may have about the procedure and recovery.

Your Body Lift Procedure

Body lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia is administered, your surgeon will make the necessary incision on your midsection, just above the pubic area. This incision generally extends around to the back, although the length of the incision depends on the amount and location of your sagging skin.

Liposuction surgery will treat the remaining fat before the underlying tissues are tightened and excess skin is removed.

If you require correction on your thighs and/or buttocks, additional incisions will be made in those areas, the tissue will be tightened, and unwanted skin will be removed.

Once the skin removal is complete, your cosmetic surgeon will close the incisions, and you will be ready to start your recovery.

Can I Combine My Body Lift With Other Cosmetic Surgeries?

Many women combine their body lift with other cosmetic procedures to achieve a more dramatic and complete transformation. Some of these procedures include breast lift surgery (mastopexy) and arm lift surgery (brachioplasty). You can discuss combination procedures with your surgeon during your consultation.

How to Prepare for Body Lift Surgery

Once you've scheduled your body lift surgery, Dr. Batra will give you instructions on preparing for your surgery and recovery. You will need to stop smoking at least two weeks before and two weeks after your body lift surgery, as nicotine can interfere with anesthesia and slow the healing process. You will also need to discontinue any use of blood thinning medications, including prescriptions (under your doctor's supervision), as well as over-the-counter and some vitamin and mineral supplements.

You will want to set up a recovery area in your home that includes everything you need within reach, including:

Pillows for propping yourself up into a comfortable position
Any prescription or over-the-counter pain medications
Water and snacks
Electronics, including television remotes, tablets, and chargers

You will also want to make sure that your bathroom is stocked with medical supplies you may need for incision care and cleaning.

Your activity is limited for the first couple of weeks after your body lift surgery, so plan in advance if you need to arrange transportation to school for your children. It also helps to have healthy, ready-made meals planned or prepared and frozen, as well as grocery deliveries set if necessary.

You must have a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and, ideally, stay with you for at least 24 hours. The night before your surgery, ensure you have all the necessary paperwork you need to bring to your procedure, including your ID. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and bring a change of clothes that will be easy to put on after surgery.

What Can I Expect From My Body Lift Recovery?

Because your body lift is performed using general anesthesia, you will not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. After your body lift, you can expect significant swelling and bruising in the surgical areas and will feel tired and sore. These side effects will dissipate within the next few weeks, and you can take prescription or over-the-counter medications to alleviate any pain. However, contact Coastal Plastic Surgeons immediately if you experience prolonged or increased pain.

It is important to follow all your post-operative instructions, including resting your body comfortably, taking your medications, eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding strenuous activities. Taking slow walks will help improve your blood circulation, which can assist in your recovery.

You will need someone to help you during the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, especially if you have children or pets.

You will wear a compression garment after your body lift surgery to help minimize swelling and support your new body contour. Most patients must wear their compression garments for at least six weeks. During your follow-up appointment, Dr. Batra will evaluate your recovery and advise when you can stop wearing the garment.

Most patients can return to work after three to four weeks, depending on their job. At your follow-up appointment, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your recovery and clear you to return to your daily activities.

When Will I See My Final Body Lift Results?

While you will immediately notice improvements, the swelling, bruising, and compression garment can hide your results. As the swelling dissipates over time, you will be able to see more noticeable improvements. Most patients see their final results several months after their procedure.

Once your results are finalized, you can look forward to having a slimmer, more toned body that you’ll be excited to show off to the world.

How Much Does Body Lift Surgery Cost in San Diego, CA?

Because a body lift is customizable, the cost varies with each patient. You will receive an accurate cost estimate for your body lift after you consult with Dr. Batra.

Coastal Plastic Surgeons offers excellent financing options, including ALPHAEON® and CareCredit®. These companies provide a variety of repayment options.

Learn More About Financing

Patient Testimonial

My whole experience was nothing less than top notch!! Dr. Batra is so kind and respectful in listening to your concerns toa get you the results you want! He truly has a perfected skill! I love my results and the whole process was phenomenal from pre op to post op. ...

Will a body lift help me lose weight?

While you may lose a few pounds during your body lift (from removing excess skin), a body lift is not weight loss surgery. You should already be at or near your ideal weight and have maintained that weight for several months before undergoing a body lift.

Will I have scars after my body lift?

Because a body lift is an extensive surgical procedure, scars are inevitable; however, most patients feel that the results of their body lift outweigh the resulting scars. Your plastic surgeon will do everything possible to make the incisions in inconspicuous locations on your body so that scars can be concealed with undergarments and clothing. Scars will fade over time.

Am I a candidate for a body lift?

If you have recently undergone significant weight loss and are frustrated with the resulting loose and sagging skin, a body lift may be right for you. At your consultation, Dr. Batra will evaluate your condition to determine if a body lift is best for you.

How is a body lift different from a tummy tuck?

While both surgeries remove excess skin and flab from your belly and are used to contour your body after significant weight loss, a tummy tuck is designed to focus solely on your abdomen. A body lift addresses a much larger area, including your hips, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. When you come in for your consultation with Dr. Batra, he will evaluate your body, listen to your concerns, and determine which procedure will offer you the best results.

How should I sleep after body lift surgery?

After body lift surgery, you should sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated to help alleviate swelling. You will need to avoid sleeping on your side or stomach to prevent putting pressure on your incision site. Depending on Dr. Batra's recommendations, you will likely need to sleep on your back for up to six weeks after surgery.

How long will my body lift take?

Body lift surgery can take anywhere from four to eight hours to complete. The length of your surgery will depend on various factors, including the number of target areas and the extent of correction needed.

When can I return to exercising after my body lift surgery?

While you should engage in light walking during your entire recovery to help prevent blood clots and encourage healing, you will have to wait longer for more strenuous activities. You can typically resume light exercise about a month after your body lift, and more intense exercise around six to eight weeks after your surgery, once you're cleared by Dr. Batra.

Should I wait until I'm done having children to have a body lift?

As with any body contouring procedure, it's always best to wait until after you're finished having children before undergoing a body lift. Weight gain and loss during and after pregnancy are unpredictable and can negatively affect your results. Waiting to get a body lift until after you've had children can help ensure your results are long lasting.

How long will my body lift results last?

Your body lift results are permanent; however, an unhealthy lifestyle can minimize or erase your results. Eating a balanced diet and regularly exercising will prolong your stunning results.

Are there any risks associated with a body lift?

Though rare, as with any plastic surgery procedure, there is a chance of complications with body lift surgery. Along with bruising, swelling, discomfort, and scarring after your procedure, some complications associated with this procedure include:

Infection
Asymmetry
Change in skin sensation
Change in skin contour
Seroma

San Diego Body Lift | Coastal Plastic Surgeons

As a leader in his field, Dr. Batra is a board-certified plastic surgeon committed to treating his patients with respect, compassion, and the highest level of care. He was named Top Plastic Surgeon by the San Diego County Medical Society.

Dr. Batra’s experience and bedside manner help reduce the anxiety some patients feel when undergoing cosmetic surgery. This can help make their body lift experience positive from beginning to end.

If you would like more information on body lift surgery in San Diego, California, call (858) 365-3558 to speak with one of our team members and schedule your consultation.