Scottsdale Center for Plastic Surgery
5410 North Scottsdale Road A-500
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Phone: (480) 423-1973
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 am–4:00 p.m.
Body Lift

Table of contents
Table of contents
Post Weight Loss Plastic SurgeryBody Lift Surgery vs Tummy TuckCombining ProceduresBody Lift RecoveryAfter Cosmetic Surgery
Loose, poorly fitting clothes can have a negative impact on anyone’s appearance and confidence. For many of our Phoenix and Scottsdale area patients who have lost significant weight, their skin becomes, in essence, an ill-fitting suit that cannot be removed. For some, as excess weight is lost the body shrinks while the skin retains its stretched-out size. It’s like a thin person being forced to wear a heavier person’s clothing. Often, the loose skin can be prone to rashes or odors, causing even more discomfort than the original excess weight.
Receive a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Cohen or Dr. Sigalove to learn more about body lifts. Our plastic surgery facility is conveniently located for women and men living in Tempe, Paradise Valley and other areas of Greater Phoenix.
Post Weight Loss Plastic Surgery
Fortunately, as a team of board-certified plastic surgeons near Phoenix, we have the ability to “tailor” loose skin to fit the leaner, healthier bodies underneath. This tailoring technique is called a “body lift,” and it’s a surgical procedure in which the excess skin of the abdomen and back is removed circumferentially, like an unwanted inner tube. By pulling up the skin of the lower back and abdomen, the sagging skin of the legs and buttocks are indirectly pulled up as well, providing a smoother, more youthful appearance. If needed, excess skin of the inner and outer thighs and lower buttocks can also be removed in a secondary procedure.
Although this may seem like a lot of surgery, in the case of significantly stretched-out and sagging skin, surgical removal is the only way to truly tailor and re-drape the skin over the underlying muscles and anatomical structures. Many patients ask us why they can’t just have liposuction or another less-invasive form of cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, liposuction depends on skin that is already tight and elastic, which “snaps back into place” once fat is removed. While liposuction is a great procedure in the right patient, liposuction by itself is ineffective on people with loose skin and can actually worsen their appearance.
Body Lift Surgery vs Tummy Tuck
Body lift and tummy tuck surgery both address excess skin and fat but differ in scope. A tummy tuck focuses specifically on the abdominal area, removing excess skin and fat while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It’s often an ideal choice for patients after pregnancy or moderate weight loss.
In contrast, a body lift is a more extensive procedure that targets multiple areas, including the abdomen, back, buttocks, and thighs. It’s typically a better option for patients who have experienced significant weight loss with widespread skin laxity. We will help you determine which procedure best meets your individual needs and goals.
Commonly Combined Procedures
A body lift is often combined with other procedures to achieve comprehensive body contouring results. Common complementary surgeries include breast lift (mastopexy) to address sagging breasts and an arm lift (brachioplasty) to tighten loose skin on the upper arms. By combining these procedures with a body lift, patients achieve a more harmonious and balanced appearance, addressing multiple areas of concern. After thoroughly assessing your skin and discussing your concerns, our surgeons will recommend the most appropriate combination of procedures to achieve your transformation.
Body Lift Recovery
Recovery from a body lift is a gradual process that varies for each patient based on the extent of your surgery and your body’s natural healing process. Here’s a general body lift recovery timeline:
Immediately after surgery:
- Have a trusted friend or loved one drive you home
- Arrange for help with household responsibilities so you can prioritize healing and rest
- Take pain medications as directed
1 to 2 weeks post-op:
- Wear compression garments as directed to minimize swelling and support healing
- Limit physical activity except for short walks to boost circulation
- Keep your incisions clean to prevent infection
2 to 4 weeks post-op:
- Return to light activities and nonstrenuous work
- Some patients may be cleared to drive
- Swelling and bruising begin to subside
4 to 6 weeks post-op:
- Resume most daily activities, including light exercise (continue to avoid heavy lifting)
- Swelling and bruising significantly subside
- Incisions are mostly closed and healed by 6 weeks
- Compression garments may no longer be required
3 to 6 months post-op:
- Scars significantly fade and final results become more apparent
- Most patients are cleared for more rigorous physical activity
- Residual swelling gradually subsides
1 year post-op and beyond:
- Healing is complete and you can confidently show off your final results
- Maintaining a proper diet and an active, healthy lifestyle help preserve your svelte physique
It’s crucial to follow your plastic surgeon’s postoperative instructions carefully to ensure optimal healing and results.
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Request Your Consultation After Cosmetic Surgery Near Phoenix
Our surgeons’ experience with numerous body lift procedures has been very positive, and all of our patients were grateful to rid themselves of their excess, saggy skin. Because every patient has a different pattern of excess skin and a unique underlying body structure, we customize techniques to achieve the best possible results for each unique patient. This type of surgery is essentially bespoke tailoring of a surgical nature and requires a high level of surgeon expertise. By allowing patients to look better, fit into regular clothes, and have better overall hygiene, body lifting can be a life-changing surgery, giving patients a positive new outlook on their appearance.
We encourage you to read our Post-Op FAQ (frequently asked questions) for additional information about postoperative issues such as incision care, time away from work, and the ability to engage in exercise and other activities.
Treatment
Designed specifically for our surgical patients, our VIP Skincare Program offers exclusive promotions to enhance your recovery. Get special rates for our most sought-after aesthetic treatments, expertly curated to minimize swelling, accelerate healing, and mitigate scarring. Take your recovery to the next level. Schedule your surgery today to take advantage of the VIP Skincare Program.
Request My ConsultationTake the Next Step
Request a cosmetic consultation, or call (480) 423-1973 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Cohen or Dr. Steven Sigalove They will be happy to answer any questions you may have about body lift procedures. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Cohen and Dr. Sigalove welcome patients from all over Arizona, as well as other states and countries. Our facility serves Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley.
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