PROCEDURES / Body
Body Lift Surgeon
Long Island
Losing unwanted pounds makes you feel lighter, healthier, and more confident. However, significant weight loss leaves behind excess skin that can be difficult to remove even with diet or exercise. That’s where a body lift comes in—a procedure that tightens sagging skin and tissue, helping reshape your body contour.
Dr. Harris is a well-known plastic surgery expert and body lift surgeon in Long Island, NYC. Dr. Harris uses techniques similar to those used in Abdominoplasty to trim away excess skin and tighten remaining tissue.
What Happens in Body Lift Surgery?
A body lift is often the final step for patients who have lost significant weight and want to improve the shape and tone of their body. A body lift is a comprehensive, in-depth procedure that targets sagging skin on the abdomen, waist, groin, buttocks, and thighs.
Here’s what typically happens in a body lift procedure:
Step 1: Anesthesia
Most body lifts are performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the safest and most appropriate option for you during your consultation.
Step 2: Incisions
A circumferential incision similar to a bikini line pattern is made around the body to remove a “belt” of excess skin and fat. This allows your surgeon to reshape and tighten the abdomen, waist, hips, and lower back in one procedure. Elevation and tightening of the outer thighs and buttocks can be a result of these procedures as well. Liposuction may also be performed to improve contour.
Step 3: Closure
Once the excess skin is removed, the surgeon places deep sutures within the tissue to support contouring and promote healing. The surgeon closes the skin using sutures and surgical adhesives to minimize scarring.
Step 4: Recovery
The results of a body lift procedure can be seen right away. However, final results can take up to two years to be fully visible.
What Does a Body Lift Include?
Benefits of Body Lift Surgery
Patients who successfully undergo a full body lift procedure enjoy:
Removal of excess, sagging skin after significant weight loss
Improved body contour across the entire midsection
Increased self-confidence and a more positive body image
Enhanced comfort by reducing skin chafing and irritation
Long-lasting results with stable weight and fitness
Possible Drawbacks
Like any other surgery, a body lift procedure comes with risks like:
Visible scarring underneath clothing
Longer recovery time compared to smaller procedures
Need for general anesthesia and surgical downtime
Need for multiple procedures for optimal results
Real Patients, Real Results
Meet Dr. Harris, Your Body Lift Surgeon in Long Island and NYC
Dr. Stephen U. Harris, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He is a well-known plastic surgery expert and body lift surgeon in Long Island and NYC, specializing in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Harris pioneered prepectoral breast reconstruction at Good Samaritan Hospital and serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery. His expertise and compassionate approach help patients feel fully informed and supported throughout the entire process, from consultation to recovery.
If you’re considering a body lift on Long Island, call or text us today to schedule your private consultation.
Frequently Asked Breast Lift Questions
Most patients need several weeks off work and before resuming strenuous exercise or other activity. Final results may take up to 2 years to fully appear.
Yes, but incisions are strategically placed in areas that can be hidden by most clothing. Over time, scars typically fade.
Absolutely. In fact, many patients undergo a body lift after bariatric surgery once their weight stabilizes.
Body lift procedures are often considered cosmetic and not medically necessary, so they are not likely to be covered by insurance. Occasionally, if an abdominal hernia or an unfavorable abdominal wall scar from previous medically indicated procedures is present, partial insurance coverage can be obtained. Our patient care coordinator, Joanne Parrinello, can help you explore your options and possible out-of-pocket expenses.
