Body Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest, Glenview and Grayslake, IL
A body lift is a procedure that can transform your figure by removing sagging skin and excess tissue from around your midsection, buttocks, and thighs. This procedure is especially beneficial after a weight loss journey to restore smoother, more defined contours that you can feel confident about.
If you are ready to sculpt your figure, look no further than Northwestern Medicine! Our board-certified surgical team includes Dr. Michael Howard and Dr. Chad Teven, two of Chicago’s leading aesthetic surgeons.
To learn more about the body lift, please give us a call and inquire about a consultation at our Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest office.
Contents
- 1 About
- 2 Benefits
- 3 Candidates
- 4 Personal Consultation
- 5 Preparation
- 6 Procedure
- 7 Recovery
- 8 Results
- 9 Cost of a Body Lift in Chicago, IL
- 10 FAQ
- 10.1 Can a body lift help me lose weight?
- 10.2 Is there a difference between a tummy tuck and a body lift?
- 10.3 What type of anesthesia does a body lift feature?
- 10.4 Will there be significant scarring after my body lift?
- 10.5 Will the results of my procedure change if I gain weight or become pregnant?
- 10.6 What areas of the body will a body lift address?
- 10.7 Can I combine my body lift with another procedure?
- 11 References
About
Many patients undergo this procedure after significant weight loss, but several other factors can contribute to skin laxity and contour irregularities, such as pregnancy or the natural effects of aging.
In recent years, we have seen an increase in demand for these types of procedures, one reason being that GLP-1 weight loss medications have become more widely used. These medications target hormone pathways associated with appetite and insulin release to help patients eat smaller portions of food. While this can help patients achieve great results, the rapid weight loss it often causes means that the skin does not have a chance to conform to the new contours. Prolonged stretching can cause it to lose its elasticity, resulting in the development of hanging skin. (1)
At Northwestern Medicine, both Dr. Howard and Dr. Teven can perform a body lift to address these concerns and more, elevating your confidence, curves, and personal comfort.
Benefits
Body lifts are highly beneficial procedures, with many of our patients experiencing:
- Comprehensive Definition: A body lift removes excess skin and tissue from the buttocks, midsection, and thighs to sculpt your figure.
- Elevated Confidence: Many patients report feeling more positive about their bodies after seeing the results of their body lift.
- Alleviated Irritation: This procedure can alleviate irritation or rashes caused by recurrent loose skin chafing.
- Improved Mobility: Removing hanging or sagging skin may help you move more easily.
- Enhanced Clothing Fit: Shopping becomes more fun when you have less loose skin to worry about—you will look great in styles you previously avoided!
- Lasting Results: The results of a body lift are designed to be stable and long-lasting, especially when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits after your recovery.
- Personalized Procedure Plans: Our surgical team will design your treatment plan around your specific goals and anatomy, ensuring your results align with your expectations and desires.
Candidates
You may be an ideal candidate for a body lift if you are seeking to address loose or hanging skin around your body as a result of pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural effects of aging. (2)
If you are interested in a body lift, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding the procedure. Anyone who is currently on, or was recently on, a weight loss journey will need to reach a stable and maintainable weight several months in advance to encourage consistent results. You must also be non-smoking or willing to quit using nicotine. Our surgical team will finalize your candidacy during your consultation.
Personal Consultation
Because of the high degree of personalization this procedure requires, we ask that each patient attend a personal consultation before moving forward with a treatment plan.
During this consultation, your surgeon will meet with you individually to determine whether or not a body lift will be suitable for your situation. They will assess your medical history, ask you about your specific concerns, and discuss your procedure goals. They will also perform a physical examination to evaluate the treatment area and your overall proportions. Using this information, your surgeon will confirm your candidacy and create your customized surgical plan.
To schedule your consultation at our Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest office, please call our office.
Preparation
After outlining your treatment plan, your surgeon will provide you with a set of detailed pre-operative instructions. These instructions may vary depending on the details of your procedure, but following them closely will help you achieve the best possible results.
Your surgeon may ask you to discontinue taking medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties. You will need to request time away from your career and other commitments, and you will need to arrange transportation to and from your procedure. If applicable, you will also need to cease any nicotine use for several weeks leading up to your procedure until you make a full recovery.
Procedure
Your procedure will begin with the cleansing and sanitizing of your skin before you receive anesthesia. Once you are comfortable and the treatment area is prepared, your surgeon will begin making incisions for your procedure.
The exact details of your procedure may vary, but your surgeon will likely place an incision just above the pubic area, extending it back towards your hips and buttocks. After making this incision, your surgeon will begin to perform the desired corrections. They can tighten abdominal muscles, eliminate excess skin, and address excess fat with liposuction.
Recovery
Your recovery timeline will depend on the extent of your procedure and how quickly you naturally heal. Because this procedure addresses multiple regions, patients should be prepared for a realistic recovery time and various activity restrictions.
Throughout your initial recovery, you may experience effects such as swelling, bruising, or tenderness. These effects will gradually subside on their own, but they will also fade with prescribed medications and plenty of rest. You may be able to return to your job after about two weeks, but this depends on the physical demands of the work you do. You will need to continue avoiding any physically demanding or strenuous activities until your surgeon clears you to return. Your surgeon will provide you with any additional recovery instructions so you will know what to expect throughout the process.
Results
You will be able to enjoy the full, refined results of your body lift once residual swelling dissipates and you have healed completely. Your figure will appear slimmer and more defined after your surgeon addresses excess skin and fat in your midsection, thighs, and buttocks.
Many patients experience improvements in their daily comfort and an ease of mobility that inspires them to live a healthier, more confident life. You will also likely notice that certain garments and clothing styles now fit better and look more flattering on you.
The results of a body lift are long-lasting, with many patients experiencing benefits for years to come. However, it is important to maintain a stable weight, as significant fluctuations can alter how your long-term results look.
Cost of a Body Lift in Chicago, IL
The cost of a body lift can vary depending on the details of the unique surgical plan, including the size of the treatment area, the amount of skin being removed, and whether any additional procedures are included. After you and your surgeon have discussed and established a treatment plan, your surgeon will provide you with a cost estimate.
To learn more about the cost of your body lift, please give us a call to ask about scheduling a consultation.
FAQ
Can a body lift help me lose weight?
No, a body lift cannot help you lose weight. This procedure removes excess skin and fat from around the body, and patients typically undergo this procedure after losing weight.
Is there a difference between a tummy tuck and a body lift?
A tummy tuck restores a flatter and smoother stomach by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and tissue from the midsection specifically. A body lift recontours the midsection, buttocks, and thighs, allowing for more comprehensive resculpting.
What type of anesthesia does a body lift feature?
A body lift typically employs general anesthesia. This means that you will be comfortably asleep throughout the procedure.
Will there be significant scarring after my body lift?
All surgical procedures leave a certain degree of scarring; however, our surgical team takes great care when placing each incision to ensure any post-procedure scarring is minimal and discreet.
Will the results of my procedure change if I gain weight or become pregnant?
Yes, the results of your body lift will change if your weight fluctuates. This is because it can affect the elasticity of your skin, making it harder for it to retract to the natural contours of your figure.
What areas of the body will a body lift address?
Your surgeon can address the midsection, buttocks, and thighs when performing a body lift.
Can I combine my body lift with another procedure?
Yes, many patients elect to combine their procedure with another for more transformative results. For more information on what other procedures you may be eligible for, please schedule a consultation with our surgical team.
References
- Langer V, Singh A, Aly A, Cram A. Body contouring following massive weight loss. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2011;44(1):14. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0358.81439
- Mayo J, Cape JD. Belt Lipectomy. Nih.gov. Published June 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK604202/#article-161515.s4