Body Lift
A lower body lift removes excess skin around the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and outer thighs.
Consult with Dr. Henry Huson at Queen City Plastic Surgery in West Chester, Ohio, serving the Cincinnati area.
- Setting
- Surgical facility; monitoring needs vary
- Anesthesia
- General
- Procedure time
- Individual estimate at consultation
- Recovery
- Several weeks; full recovery may take longer
- Results
- Develop over months; results vary
General planning information. Your procedure, anesthesia, recovery, and results depend on your health and treatment plan. Returning to work does not mean full healing.
About the procedure
A lower body lift treats a broader area than an isolated tummy tuck. A circumferential incision allows the surgeon to remove excess tissue and reshape the lower trunk. The exact operation depends on the pattern of loose skin.
An inner thigh lift or other contouring procedure may still be needed separately. A mirror test cannot establish candidacy. Health, nutrition, weight stability, clot risk, scar acceptance, and support during recovery must be assessed. Some patients need overnight monitoring or a staged plan.
Good candidates
- Excess skin around the lower trunk and outer thighs
- A stable weight and adequate nutrition
- Health suitable for an extensive operation
- Acceptance of a circumferential scar and recovery support needs
Candidacy is confirmed at your consultation. Dr. Huson will tell you honestly if a different approach would serve you better.
Before & after
Coming soon
Before and after photos for body lift will be added here.
What to expect
Your consultation
The consultation evaluates skin distribution, health, nutrition, and the support needed after an extensive operation. Discuss whether a smaller or staged procedure would address your priorities.
The procedure
A lower body lift removes excess skin around the trunk and may reshape the abdomen, flanks, buttocks, and outer thighs. The incision and extent vary with the pattern of loose skin and the agreed plan.
Recovery
Expect restrictions that protect a long incision around the trunk. Drains, garments, and help with daily tasks may be needed. Clot prevention and nutrition form part of the plan.
Risks and limitations
- Long incisions can separate or heal slowly, and fluid collections or infection may require treatment.
- Clots, persistent leg swelling, skin loss, and prominent or widened scars are possible.
This is not a complete list. Your clinician should explain the risks of the specific procedure and anesthesia, including bleeding, infection, healing problems, and any medical factors that change your risk.
Other options
An isolated tummy tuck or staged procedures may address priority areas with a different recovery burden. The pattern of loose skin and medical assessment determine the options.
Planning your consultation
Bring your medication list and relevant medical history. Ask about the facility, anesthesia team, follow-up, time away from work, and help at home. Request an itemized estimate covering the procedure, anesthesia, facility, and any additional care; confirm coverage directly if insurance may apply.
Common questions
Bring the rest to your consultation. There is no such thing as too many.
Where is the scar?
A lower body lift usually leaves a long scar around the trunk. Its exact height and visibility depend on anatomy, the planned removal, healing, and clothing; it cannot always be concealed.
Is this the same as a tummy tuck?
A lower body lift treats loose skin around more of the trunk and can include the hips, buttocks, and outer thighs. A tummy tuck concentrates on the abdomen. The exact areas treated must be agreed before surgery.
How long until I see the result?
The contour changes as swelling settles over months. Scars mature more slowly, and the timing and degree of improvement vary.
Related procedures
View all 13Sources and further reading
Patient education from Queen City Plastic Surgery. Updated . General information does not replace a personal medical assessment. Sources explain general procedures and do not establish the services or protocols of this practice. Contact the practice with questions or to request a correction.
Ready to talk about Body Lift?
Consultations are free, unhurried, and educational. Bring your questions and your goals; leave with an honest plan.