Body Lift At A Glance
- Cost Average $15,375 (Range $2,950–$29,000)
- Downtime 2–4 weeks off work; 6–8 weeks for exercise
- Pain Level Moderate; managed with prescribed protocols
- Duration 4–7 hours depending on complexity
What is a Body Lift?
A body lift is a procedure that removes fat and sagging skin to improve the tone and shape of the tissue that supports the skin. They aren't intended for strictly fat removal, but rather to improve tissue elasticity. Poor tissue elasticity and skin sagging can be caused by various factors including aging, pregnancy, sun damage, weight fluctuations, and genetic factors.
What Aesthetic Issues Does a Body Lift Address?
Even though many people get this after weight loss surgery, a body lift helps with specific problems on different parts of the body.
Hanging Belly Skin
This surgery fixes the apron of skin that hangs over your waist. This makes it easier to keep the area clean and helps your clothes fit the right way.
Sagging Buttocks
Dr. Horn lifts and firms the butt area. This fixes a flat or drooping look and gives you back a higher, firmer shape.
Outer Thigh Folds
By tightening the skin on the sides of your thighs, the surgery gets rid of bunching and makes a smooth line from your hip down to your knee.
Back and Side Rolls
A body lift smooths out love handles and folds on your lower back. This gives you a balanced look all the way around your body.
Benefits of a Body Lift
A body lift does more than change how you look in the mirror. It gets rid of the physical weight that reminds you of your old size. Most patients say that once the extra skin is gone, they can move better, work out without pain, and finally wear the clothes they’ve wanted for years. It is the final step in getting your body back.
- No More Chafing: It gets rid of skin folds where sweat and rubbing cause painful rashes.
- Easier to Move: Without heavy, extra skin in the way, walking and exercising feel much lighter.
- Better Posture: Tightening your core and removing heavy skin helps you stand up straight without trying so hard.
- Results That Last: The skin and fat Dr. Horn removes are gone for good.
- Better Clothing Options: You won't have to tuck extra skin into your pants anymore. Everything from jeans to swimsuits will fit better.
What Areas Are Included In a Body Lift?
Depending on the individual goals of the patient, Dr. Horn can utilize body lift techniques to improve the appearance of the:
- Arms
- Breasts
- Abdomen
- Back
- Buttocks
- Thighs
Am I a Candidate for a Body Lift?
The best candidates for this procedure have reached a steady weight and are in good overall health. This surgery is designed for people dealing with loose skin that simply won't tighten up with diet or exercise alone.
However, there are a few reasons you might need to wait for your surgery. Dr. Horn usually asks patients to stay at the same weight for at least 6 to 12 months before booking their date. If you are planning to have a baby soon, it is also better to wait, because pregnancy stretches the skin back out and can change your surgical results. Finally, smoking makes it very hard for your body to heal properly, so you must quit using all nicotine products for several weeks before and after your surgery.
Consultation and Preparation
When you visit our Chicago office, Dr. Horn will take a close look at your skin and muscles to see how much extra skin needs to be removed. He will help you decide if you need a full lift or if fixing just a few areas will get the look you want. During this visit, he will show you exactly where the scars will be and tell you exactly what you can expect to see once you are fully healed.
To get ready for your big day, you will need to get your blood work and doctor checkups done at least two weeks before your surgery. You will also need to stop using nicotine, follow our rules for alcohol, and stop taking things like Vitamin E, fish oil, or ibuprofen, since these can make you bruise more. We also suggest setting up a recovery zone at home with loose clothes, easy meals, and a comfy chair where you can sleep slightly propped up.
The Body Lift Procedure
You will be asleep under general anesthesia for this surgery. Dr. Horn makes a cut that goes all the way around your waist (like a belt). He carefully removes the extra belt of skin, tightens your stomach muscles if they are loose, and pulls the skin on your lower body upward.
Right after surgery, you won't feel a sharp pain. Instead, your middle will feel very tight and heavy. Many patients say it feels like wearing a very tight corset. We use special numbing medicine during surgery so the first day is as easy as possible.
Body Lift Recovery
Healing from a body lift takes time, and you will slowly get back to your normal life over a few weeks. Most people feel ready to go out to dinner or a movie by the third week, though you will still be wearing a support garment under your clothes to help with swelling.
You will definitely need someone to help you around the house for the first 7 to 10 days. You can drive again once you stop taking prescription pain meds and can move your body without hurting. We suggest eating plenty of protein and taking certain vitamins starting two weeks before your surgery, as this helps your skin and muscles knit back together much faster.
When Will I See Results?
While some results will be visible almost immediate after the procedure, it will take a significant amount of time for the final results to fully develop. You will have some permanent visible scarring but overall results should be long lasting. If you want to improve the contour of your body and believe you are a good candidate for a body lift Chicago plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Horn, can answer any questions and address your concerns during a consultation. Contact Michael Horn Plastic Surgery & Med Spa today to schedule a consultation today!
What is the Cost of a Body Lift in Chicago?
The average body lift cost in Chicago is $15,375. Prices can range from $2,950 to $29,000. Insurance does not cover body lift surgery when it is done for purely cosmetic reasons. In rare circumstances, insurance may cover some or all of the procedural costs when it is deemed medically necessary. Examples may include chronic infections in skin folds or substantially reduced quality of life due to chronic chafing as a direct result of excess skin. While most patients pay out of pocket, it is still important to choose a qualified body lift plastic surgeon in Chicago, such as Michael Horn MD. He will develop a customized treatment plan informed by countless post-weight loss body contouring procedures that he has performed in the last 23 years as a sought-after Chicago body contouring surgeon.
Why Choose Dr. Michael Horn?
When it comes to body surgery, experience is everything. Dr. Michael Horn has performed over 10,000 major surgeries in his 23+ years as a doctor. He doesn't just spot treat one area. He looks at your whole body like an architect. He knows that for weight loss patients, the goal isn't just to be thin, it’s to have a body that finally feels right.
Body Lift FAQ
No. A tummy tuck only fixes the front of your stomach. A body lift goes all the way around to lift your butt and thighs, too.
The scar goes around your waistline. It is long, but Dr. Horn puts it in a spot where it stays hidden under your underwear or a bikini bottom.
It’s best to hit your goal weight first. If you lose a lot of weight after surgery, your skin might get loose again, and you might need a second surgery to fix it.
Most people have small tubes (drains) for about a week to keep fluid from building up. Dr. Horn usually takes them out in the office about 7 to 14 days later.
