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 Questions about Body Lift
What is a body lift, and am I a good candidate?
A body lift is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and tissue and reshapes parts of the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, and outer (lateral) thighs. It is often performed after significant weight loss when loose skin remains despite maintaining a stable weight. Good candidates should be in generally good health and be able to maintain a stable weight before surgery.
How much does a total body lift cost, and will insurance pay for it?
The cost of a body lift varies based on the extent of surgery, areas being treated, anesthesia, and your individual surgical plan. Body lifts are often considered cosmetic, although insurance may cover certain portions of surgery when excess skin causes documented medical problems. Coverage requirements vary by insurance plan.
Is a body lift right for me after significant weight loss or bariatric surgery?
A body lift can be an effective option for patients left with substantial amounts of loose or excess skin after major weight loss or bariatric surgery. Once your weight has stabilized and you are medically prepared for surgery, Dr. Harris can evaluate your skin laxity, body proportions, and goals to determine whether a body lift is appropriate.
What BMI, nutritional status, and weight-stability requirements should I meet before a body lift?
There is no single BMI that applies to every patient, but a lower, stable BMI generally reduces surgical risk. Adequate protein and nutritional status are also important for healing, particularly after bariatric surgery. Dr. Harris will evaluate your overall health and may recommend medical or nutritional optimization before surgery.
How stable does my weight need to be before surgery?
Your weight should be stable before a body lift so that further weight loss does not significantly change your results or leave additional loose skin. Patients who have undergone major weight loss are generally advised to reach their goal weight and maintain it for a period of time before surgery.
What is the difference between a body lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction?
A tummy tuck primarily addresses excess skin and tissue on the abdomen and can tighten the abdominal wall. Liposuction removes localized fat deposits without removing excess skin. A body lift addresses a broader area of loose skin and tissue, often extending around the torso and into the hips, buttocks, and thighs. These procedures may sometimes be combined depending on your goals.
What areas of the body can a body lift treat?
A body lift can remove excess skin and tissue around the abdomen, waist, hips, upper and lower back, buttocks, and upper thighs. The exact areas treated depend on your pattern of skin laxity and the type of body lift performed. Dr. Harris will create a surgical plan based on your anatomy and desired results.
How long does body lift recovery take, and when can I return to normal activities?
Most patients can return to deskwork 1-2 weeks after body lift surgery, but need several weeks before returning to all activities. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are restricted during the initial healing period. Your exact recovery timeline will depend on the extent of surgery and how your healing progresses.
What will my body lift scars look like, and how long do results last?
A body lift requires a long incision that typically extends around the torso, allowing excess skin to be removed and the body contour to be reshaped. Scars are permanent but generally fade and soften over time, and can often be positioned where they are concealed by underwear or swimwear. Results can be long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight, although aging and future weight changes can alter your contours.
What are the risks, complications, and cost of a body lift?
Body lift surgery carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, wound-healing problems, scarring, changes in sensation, asymmetry, and blood clots. Body lift surgery in the New York area typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000+ for a lower body lift, depending on where you have your procedure, your surgeon’s experience, and the extent of your treatment.