Weight fluctuation and the after-effects of pregnancy can alter the shape of your midsection, create stretch marks, and leave behind excess skin in the entire circumference of the midsection from the abdomen to the back. A body lift can drastically rejuvenate your figure by cosmetically revising each of these concerns. With more than 20 years in practice, Dr. Brucker understands how to customize each procedure to provide the most natural-looking and aesthetically appealing results. He artfully sculpts the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and lower back to create a more toned and shapely figure.
Watch Video: Who is a good candidate for body lift surgery?
The Purpose of a Body Lift
A body lift is one of Dr. Brucker’s favorite operations to perform because of its dramatic, transformative results. During this procedure, he tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat from the midsection. Unlike a tummy tuck, which focuses on the front of the abdomen only, a body lift addresses the full circumference of your midsection, from the abdomen and the hips to the back and buttocks.
Traditionally, a body lift was done in cases of extreme weight loss, and the surgeons who performed it were not always as focused on the aesthetic outcome. Their focus was mainly to remove the excess abdominal apron (also known as a panniculectomy) and to alleviate infectious skin conditions caused by constant dampness due to perspiration in the folds of skin. Dr. Brucker has adapted the procedure for patients who have experienced moderate to major weight loss, including post-pregnancy patients and post bariatric surgery patients, to provide them with a tighter and more toned figure.
Dr. Brucker occasionally recommends body lift over tummy tuck for patients with skin excess extending beyond the hips and because it can provide more comprehensive results. With a body lift operation patients should see:
- The same tighter muscles and skin in the abdominal area as with a tummy tuck
- The added benefits of removing loose skin and stretch marks from the hips, buttocks, and back.
- Lifted buttocks
- The loss of an average of 4 to 8 inches from their waistline.
Your initial consultation will allow Dr. Brucker to know you, learn about your needs and concerns, and help you understand the benefits and limitations of treatment.
The scar should be concealable when wearing a bikini or underwear with moderate coverage.
Because the surgery helps create a slimmer and dramatically narrower waist and midsection most patients enthusiastically agree the tradeoff is well worth it.
Body Lift Before & After Gallery
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Before
After
Before
After
Candice’s Mommy Makeover Journey
Your Body Lift Experience at Brucker Plastic Surgery
Consultation
During your consultation, you can expect:
- a detailed discussion with Dr. Brucker about your goals and areas of concern
- an evaluation by Dr. Brucker of excess skin circumferentially around the abdomen, hips, waist, and lower back
- a personalized surgical plan based on your body and lifestyle
- a clear explanation of the procedure, recovery expectations, and next steps
Body Lift Procedure
Your body lift is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts four to five hours.
Key aspects of the surgical experience include:
- Surgery performed on-site in our private and comfortable accredited AAAASF surgical facility
- Operating rooms, equipment, and staff held to the same rigorous standards as hospital-based facilities
Performing surgery in an accredited on-site facility allows for expert care in a controlled, carefully monitored environment.
Body Lift Results
As healing progresses, your body lift results become more visible:
- A flatter, more sculpted abdomen
- A defined waistline with improved proportions
- Lifted contours through the hips and buttocks
Scars will soften and fade over time, helping your results look more natural.
Body Lift Recovery Timeline
Body lift recovery is a gradual, multi-phase process. Most patients feel significantly better within the first few weeks. Full recovery and final results continue to develop over several months.
First 1-2 Weeks After Body Lift
This is the most crucial phase of recovery.
- Rest is essential, with limited activity, avoiding strict bedrest
- Swelling, tightness, and manageable discomfort are expected
- Assistance at home is important for daily tasks and childcare
- Most patients take time off work during this period
Weeks 3–4
Comfort and mobility begin to improve.
- Swelling continues to decrease
- Light daily activities are gradually resumed
- Many patients return to non-physical work
- Incisions continue to heal and strengthen
Long-Term Healing
- Final results continue to refine over several months
- Scars continue to fade and mature
- Improved body contour becomes more noticeable as swelling fully resolves
Excellence in Body Lift Procedures in La Jolla
A body lift is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. With more than 20 years of experience performing body contouring procedures, Dr. Brucker emphasizes careful evaluation and individualized planning. Request a consultation to explore your options and receive guidance tailored to you.