Body Lift Surgery in Houston

A body lift is one of the most powerful procedures in plastic surgery used to shape your body and create an hourglass figure. Dr. Vitenas is a true expert in body contouring having performed hundreds of full-body lift surgeries over his 30 years in practice.

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Discover why patients from across the U.S. and around the world choose Dr. Vitenas as their premier Houston surgeon.

“I recently had a lower body lift completed with Dr. Vitenas and I could not be happier with my continuously improving results. I was morbidly obese for the first 22 years of my life. I’m 34 now and I reached my ideal weight 10 years ago. I never dreamed i would be able to get the lower/upper body lift but here i am. After losing 230 lbs i had quite a bit of excess skin about my abdomen, buttocks, chest and back. 15 lbs of skin in total were removed and the difference is staggering. If you’re considering cosmetic surgery you owe it to yourself to see Dr. Vitenas and his friendly professional staff for a free consultation. Everyone deserves peace of mind where their appearance is concerned. Dr. Vitenas can make that happen. Good Luck!!”

What is a Body Lift?

After losing a significant amount of weight, it is common for patients to notice an increase in skin laxity in various areas of the body. This can often occur weeks or months after bariatric surgery or other weight loss efforts. The rapid loss of fatty tissue causes the skin to lack elasticity and become loose. While this condition affects older patients more often than younger ones, it can happen to anybody. These conditions can wear down one’s self-confidence and negatively impact their overall quality of life.

A body lift is a surgical procedure that firms and contours multiple parts of the entire body by removing excess skin and fat.

Body parts that can benefit from body lift surgery include the:

Outer thighs
Hips
Abdomen
Back

If the patient has poor tissue elasticity, tightening procedures may be required in multiple areas to remove the unwanted skin and improve body contours. With a body lift procedure provided by Dr. Vitenas in Houston, TX, patients can achieve a tighter, smoother, and more proportionate silhouette.

Body Lift Before & After Photos

Each Patient is Unique and Individual Results May Vary

Body Lift Surgery Benefits

There is hope for those who have been struggling with excess skin and fat, despite their best efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Popular surgical body lift procedures are now available that can address unwanted, hanging skin in various regions of the body. Treatments such as lower body lift, thigh lift, breast lift, arm lift, and buttock lift give a new look to the midsection and redefine the body.

There are many benefits of body lift surgery, including:

Increased Confidence

After a body lift, many patients experience restored self-esteem and self-confidence. The dramatic transformation helps them feel more comfortable in clothes and eager to show off their figure. A body lift allows one to finally achieve the body they have worked so hard for through diet, exercise, and weight loss.

Enhanced Body Contour

A surgical body lift revitalizes body shape, restoring a youthful waist, lifting the thighs and buttocks, and smoothing body contour while eliminating unwanted skin folds. This procedure enhances the body’s overall aesthetic.

Improved Health

By removing excess skin, the body lift surgery helps to reduce skin inflammation and lowers the risk of developing certain medical issues. It also decreases the likelihood of hernias by tightening weakened abdominal muscles.

Strengthened Core

Body lift surgery contributes to strengthening the core, providing more stability and balance, improving posture, and reducing potential back pain. A stable core can positively affect many other areas in the body.

Who is a Candidate for Body Lift Surgery?

The best candidates for body lift surgery are men and women who have experienced significant weight loss, leaving them with excess sagging fat and skin. They are typically bothered by excessive fat that interferes with wearing certain types of clothing or participating in activities. This could be due to bariatric surgery, dietary changes, or exercise. Ideal candidates should also:

During each body lift consultation, Dr. Vitenas will assess a patient’s candidacy based on:

Skin elasticity
Fat deposits
And muscle tone

Based on each patient’s specific needs and goals, Dr. Vitenas will determine if a patient can benefit from a body lift or alternate plastic surgery procedures. Additional concerns like breast sagging may be addressed with a breast lift combined with body contouring.

The Body Lift Surgery Procedure

Body lift surgical procedures begin with Dr. Vitenas marking all of the incision sites. Patients will receive general anesthesia to ensure that they are comfortable throughout the procedure. The body lift procedure takes between four and five hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Vitenas will make incisions and strategically remove excess skin, subcutaneous fat, and tissue from the midsection. Using sutures, the remaining skin is tightened, and the incisions are closed. Because of the personalized nature of surgical body lifts, a variety of techniques can be used.

Expert Body Lift Techniques

The incision length, pattern, and areas treated depend on each patient’s unique needs. Body lifting may include these surgical techniques:

Belt Lipectomy - Removes loose, hanging skin of the abdomen and tightens abdominal muscles. The scar circles the waistline and can be hidden by underwear or a bikini.
Complete Lower Body Lift - Reshapes the abdomen, thighs, hips, and buttocks in one procedure. Incisions extend all the way around the waist.
Brachioplasty - Removes extra skin and excess fat between the underarm and elbow. Scarring is limited to the inner arm.
Mastopexy - Reshapes sagging breasts by lifting tissue and reducing areola size.

On the day of surgery, patients wake up with a completely different body, all problem areas addressed and corrected, and a major boost in self-confidence from newly shaped contours.

The Houston Body Lift Consultation

The initial consultation at our Houston practice provides an opportunity to discuss body lift surgery goals and determine if it is the right treatment option. Here are some details on what to expect:

Medical history review - Previous surgeries, health conditions, and medications will be discussed.
Physical exam – Dr. Vitenas will evaluate skin laxity, fat deposits, muscle tone, and other factors.
Procedure explanation – Dr. Vitenas will describe the body lift process in detail and answer all questions.
Candidacy determination – Based on the evaluation, Dr. Vitenas will make recommendations on proceeding.
Risk discussion – Potential risks and complications will be reviewed.
Cost estimate – Price ranges will be provided. This may vary based on the customized plan.
Photographs – Pre-procedure photos will be taken for before and after comparisons.

During the consultation, patients should openly communicate their goals for surgery and address any concerns. Dr. Vitenas welcomes any and all questions. He provides expert body lift guidance so patients can feel confident about their decision before and after their procedure.

Body Lift Surgery Recovery Process

Because each patient’s goals and needs are unique, recovery time may vary. The initial recovery period typically lasts from four to six weeks as the body heals. In general, the timeline of body lift recovery is as follows:

Immediately after the procedure, the patient will need assistance with daily activities at their residence for around one week.
Surgical drains remove excess fluid and are removed after one week.
Some swelling and bruising are common and resolve after around two weeks.
Normal activity can typically be resumed after two to three weeks.
Compression garments should stay on for around six weeks.
Vigorous activity and exercise should wait four to six weeks when healing allows.
Results will continue to refine over six months to a year as swelling subsides.

To recover from their body lift surgery with the highest level of success and comfort, patients are expected to follow all post-procedure guidelines from Dr. Vitenas. This includes wearing a compression garment to minimize swelling and support new contours. Proper wound care is essential, and prescription pain medication can be provided to manage any discomfort.

Follow-up appointments are extremely important for an optimal recovery. For more information on achieving the very best results from your body lift, read Dr. Vitenas’ body lift recovery guide.

Why Choose Dr. Vitenas For Your Body Lift?

When considering a body lift procedure, it is important to choose between the most experienced plastic surgeons with an active commitment to helping you achieve the best results. As a leading Texas cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Vitenas offers these benefits:

Dr. Vitenas is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with over 30 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
He completed his residency in general surgery at Tulane University and completed a fellowship in plastic surgery at the University of Miami.
Dr. Vitenas is a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Vitenas is recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
He is titled a Texas Super Doctor and honored as a Top Doctor on RealSelf.
Dr. Vitenas has been featured in numerous media outlets like Allure, Glamour, Houstonia Magazine, and Self Magazine, showcasing his work and expert opinions.

Body Lift Surgery FAQ

What is Body Lift Surgery?

A body lift is a surgical procedure to eliminate loose, overhanging skin and reshape the underlying tissue after major weight loss or in patients that require a more extensive procedure than a tummy tuck.

What is a 360 Body Lift?

A 360 body lift is a complete lower body contouring procedure designed to address excess skin and fat. It combines techniques to reshape the abdomen, sides, back, buttocks, hips, and thighs in one surgery. The 360 lift helps refine contours all the way around the midsection. The 360 body lift is especially beneficial for those who've experienced massive weight loss and are left with significant excess skin and fat.

What is the Difference Between a Body Lift and Liposuction?

A body lift removes loose, excess skin for contouring after major weight loss. Liposuction is fat removal only and does not address skin laxity issues. However, liposuction can supplement a body lift by eliminating isolated fat pockets.

What are Potential Complications of Body Lift Surgery?

As with any major surgery, potential body lift risks include bleeding, infection, scarring issues, fluid buildup, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. A skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Vitenas will take all necessary precautions to minimize risks.

Does a Body Lift Procedure Leave Visible Scars?

The incisions required for skin removal will result in permanent scars. However, the surgeon strategically places the incisions so they can be hidden by the body's natural creases, undergarments, bathing suits, and clothing. Over time and with the appropriate care, the scars will fade significantly.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with a Body Lift?

A body lift trims away redundant skin left behind after significant weight loss achieved through proper diet and exercise. The amount of weight lost directly correlates to the excess skin able to be removed by the surgeon. Many patients have experienced massive weight loss of 50 to 150 pounds. Healthy lifestyle choices post-procedure can help a patient maintain these life-changing results.

How Much Does a Body Lift Procedure Cost?

A Body Lift, starting at $28,000, involves several procedures to improve the body's shape and contour, covering the surgeon, anesthesiologist, use of the surgical suite, and follow-up care. The procedures typically include:

Extended Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, extending to the sides and possibly lower back.
Back Lift: Targeting excess skin and fat in the back to improve contour.
Buttock Lift: Lifting and possibly augmenting the buttocks for a better shape.
Thigh Lift: Removing excess skin and fat from the thighs for a toned appearance.

The cost reflects the complexity of the surgeries, the expertise required, and comprehensive post-operative care. The final cost for your specific body lift will be set during your consultation.