Body Lift Cost

• A body lift typically costs between $7,000 and $30,000, depending on the type of body lift and the patient.
• An upper body lift, which targets the breasts, chest and middle back, typically costs between $9,000 and $20,000. For example, Dr. Steven Warnock, in Utah, charges about $9,300 for an upper body lift. And Dr. Sean Younai, in California, charges between $10,000 and $20,000.
• A lower body lift, which targets stomach, thighs, buttocks and lower back, typically costs between $7,000 and $25,000. For example, the Institute of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery in California charges about $7,000 to $8,000 for a lower body lift. And Youthful Images in Connecticut charges $13,000 to $15,000. Dr. Steven Warnock charges about $16,500. And Dr. Sean Younai charges $15,000 to $25,000.
• A total body lift, which combines an upper and lower body lift, typically costs between $15,000 and $30,000 or more. For example, Los Angeles Post-Bariatric and Body Contouring estimates the cost of a total body lift at between $16,000 and $28,000.
• A body lift is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it typically is not covered by health insurance. However, according to Plastic Surgery Specialists in Alabama, in very rare cases in which a patient has lost a large amount of weight through bariatric surgery and has excess skin that is causing severe health problems, such as chronic infections, some insurers will cover a body lift.

• In an initial consultation, the surgeon will examine the patient, discuss patient goals, outline the procedure and risks and provide a cost estimate.
• In an upper body lift, the surgeon makes an incision across the chest, following the bra line, and removes excess skin and tissue under the breasts, over the rib cage or abdomen. Sometimes, in a separate procedure, the surgeon also performs an arm lift.
• In a lower body lift, the surgeon makes an incision over the upper thighs and buttocks, removing excess skin and tissue and repositioning and tightening remaining skin. The surgeon then performs a tummy tuck. Sometimes, in a separate procedure, the surgeon performs an inner thigh lift.
• In a total body lift, which usually requires at least two separate surgeries, the surgeon performs an upper body lift and a lower body lift.
• The body lift usually requires general anesthesia and takes six to ten hours. Because it is considered major surgery, an overnight hospital stay often is required; however, a body lift can be done on an outpatient basis. The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery offers an overview of the body lift.

• The doctor will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication after surgery.
• Compression garments, which can cost up to $200 each, must be worn after each surgery to aid healing.
• Recovery typically requires at least one week off work for an upper body lift, or about two weeks for a lower body lift and as long as three weeks for a total body lift.

• Many surgeons offer discounts for multiple procedures.

• A good candidate for a body lift is a healthy non-smoker who has maintained a stable body weight, preferably for six months to a year. Patients who have had bariatric surgery to lose weight should wait at least a year.
• Tip: Make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has privileges at an accredited hospital, even if the surgery is not taking place there. Both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offer referral services. It also is a good idea to ask how much experience the surgeon has performing body lifts and to see before-and-after photos of previous patients.
• Different surgeons sometimes use different terminology -- for example, some surgeons refer to a lower body lift as a total body lift -- so it is important to clarify during the initial consultation exactly what areas will be targeted and what techniques the surgeon will use.
• Risks of body lift surgery can include bleeding, swelling, infection, skin loss, blood clots, numbness or tingling, fat necrosis, pain, deep vein thrombosis or heart problems, complications from anesthesia and death.

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