Body Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Bern, NC

A body lift is a comprehensive procedure that addresses loose or hanging skin around the abdomen, thighs, flanks, and buttocks. (1) This procedure is an effective way to address inelastic skin or tissue that will not retract or conform to your new curves, especially after losing significant amounts of weight. With a body lift, you can address each of these concerns and more, resculpting your figure to look and feel your best.

Dr. John Zannis is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Zannis Plastic Surgery. He offers more than 20 years of experience in medicine and specializes in body contouring, breast procedures, and facial rejuvenation. Dr. Zannis approaches each procedure through a combined lens of artistry and science, which is what allows him to achieve the natural-looking results he has become so known for.

To schedule a consultation and start collaborating with Dr. Zannis, please call our office at (252) 633-1197.

About Body Lifts

A body lift is a surgical procedure that can address loose or hanging skin around your body. Also referred to as a belt lipectomy, this procedure is common among patients who have undergone significant weight loss through either traditional means or GLP-1 medications. Body lifts combine elements of other surgical procedures, such as tummy tucks, lower body lift, and back lift techniques to deliver its comprehensive results, allowing each patient to achieve a sculpt they can feel proud to flaunt. (1)

Benefits

Body lifts provide several important benefits, with many of our patients experiencing:

  • Comprehensive Results: A body lift offers transformative results by addressing concerns across multiple parts of the body, including your abdomen, thighs, flanks, and buttocks.
  • Improved Mobility: A body lift can help improve your ease of movement by removing excess tissue.
  • Reduced Irritation: Dr. Zannis can perform a body lift to address irritation, rashes, or discomfort stemming from rubbing or chafing skin.
  • Elevated Body-Positivity: Body lifts frequently elicit high satisfaction rates, with many of Dr. Zannis’ patients experiencing improvements in their sense of self-confidence after seeing their results.
  • Better Fitting Clothing: You may find it easier to shop for new clothing after your procedure. A body lift may also empower you to expand your style and experiment with your wardrobe.
  • Customized Solutions: Dr. Zannis designs each body lift procedure around your specific anatomy, concerns, and personal goals. This ensures that your end results align with each of your expectations.
  • Long-Lasting Effects: Alongside a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, the results of a body lift can last for several years.

Candidates

You may be a suitable candidate for a body lift if you have accumulated a significant amount of loose or hanging skin around the body and wish to address it. This procedure is especially beneficial if you have recently lost a significant amount of weight, are experiencing mobility concerns, rashes, or irritation from rubbing or chafing skin, or have difficulties maintaining your hygiene. (1) You should also achieve a stable and maintainable weight, especially if you have completed a weight loss transformation. (2)

If you are interested in receiving a body lift, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding the results of your procedure. You should be a nonsmoker or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Zannis will finalize your candidacy for this procedure during your consultation, once he has assessed your medical history and anatomy.

Personal Consultation

Body lifts are highly personalized procedures, which is why Dr. Zannis asks each individual to attend a personal consultation before scheduling their procedure. During this consultation, Dr. Zannis will explain what a body lift entails, as well as its benefits and limitations. He will ask you several questions about your medical history, aesthetic goals, and concerns. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your anatomy and skin quality.

Dr. Zannis will then use these shared details to confirm your candidacy and create a tailored solution to deliver your goals. He will recommend the most appropriate and effective surgical techniques, and he may suggest additional procedures to enhance your results. Throughout the consultation, he will also take the time to answer any questions you may have.

To schedule your consultation, please call our New Bern office at (252) 633-1197.

Preparation

In preparation for your body lift, Dr. Zannis will provide you with a set of pre-operative instructions before your procedure. He may direct you to:

  • Discontinue taking any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties.
  • Request time away from your career and responsibilities to focus on your recovery.
  • Arrange transportation to and from your procedure.
  • Stop any nicotine use in the weeks before your procedure and maintain full cessation throughout your recovery.
  • Refrain from drinking any alcoholic beverages in the days before and after your procedure.

Preparation is a crucial part of any procedure or treatment, no matter how significant or small it may be. By following each instruction, you can ensure a safe and successful procedure, as well as the best possible results.

Procedure

Your procedure will begin with a member of our team cleansing your skin and administering anesthesia. Once you are comfortably asleep, Dr. Zannis will begin performing your corrections.

The exact details of your procedure will vary depending on your desired outcomes, existing anatomy, and treatment plan. Dr. Zannis typically places an incision just above the pubic area that extends back horizontally, towards your hips and buttocks. After he makes this incision, he may excise any loose or hanging skin, remove any excess tissue, or tighten loose and weakened muscles from across your abdomen, thighs, flanks, and buttocks. He may also perform liposuction to address any stubborn, unwanted fat around the body.

After Dr. Zannis performs each correction, he will carefully suture each incision. You will then rest in our recovery suite as your anesthesia wears off.

Recovery

In general, the recovery period for a body lift will be longer than other procedures, as it addresses multiple areas of the body at once. Your recovery timeline will vary depending on the extent of your procedure, as well as how quickly your body normally heals.

After a body lift, it is common to experience swelling, bruising, or tenderness across each treatment area. These effects will subside on their own with time, but you may also manage them using prescribed medications and plenty of rest. You may also need to wear a compression garment as you recover. (2) This garment will help minimize any swelling and preserve your new figure as you heal.

You may return to light activities and desk work after resting for several weeks. However, you will need to continue avoiding physically demanding or strenuous activities until Dr. Zannis clears you to return.

Dr. Zannis will provide you with a full set of recovery instructions during your consultation. These will include guidelines on managing any side effects, reintegrating certain activities into your routine, how to care for your incisions as you heal, and more.

Results

You will be able to experience the results of your body lift once you fully recover from your procedure. You will be able to enjoy a more contoured, sculpted, and slender figure, as well as improvements in your overall proportions. You may also find that it is easier to move around or perform certain tasks, especially those that are more physically-demanding. You may also find that certain garments or clothing styles fit more comfortably and look more flattering on your figure, empowering you to experiment with your style and expand your wardrobe.

The results of a body lift are long-lasting, with many of Dr. Zannis’ patients experiencing results for several years. However, you must maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle as weight fluctuations may alter the procedure’s long-term effects.

Cost of Body Lifts in New Bern, NC

The cost of your body lift will vary depending on several factors of your treatment plan. These include the surgical techniques that Dr. Zannis employs, the amount of skin and tissue he removes during the procedure, and whether he incorporates any additional procedures into your treatment plan. During your consultation, Dr. Zannis will discuss each of these details and provide a cost estimate for your procedure. Zannis Plastic Surgery additionally offers financing for those interested.

To learn more about the cost of your personalized body lift procedure, please schedule a consultation by calling (252) 633-1197.

FAQ

Can a body lift help me lose weight?

No, a body lift cannot help you lose weight. Dr. Zannis performs this procedure as a body contouring procedure, and he requires patients to achieve a stable and maintainable weight as part of their eligibility.

What areas of the body does Dr. Zannis address during a body lift?

Dr. Zannis can address the abdomen, flanks, buttocks, and thighs when performing a body lift.

Will there be significant scarring left after my body lift?

Dr. Zannis takes great care to ensure that any scars are minimal, discreet, and easily concealable. Most patients also find that any scarring fades significantly throughout their recovery.

Can I get pregnant after a body lift?

You may get pregnant after a body lift if you desire; however, Dr. Zannis recommends waiting to undergo this procedure until you have finished planning your family. This is because significant weight fluctuations can affect the appearance of your results.

What type of anesthesia does a body lift use?

Dr. Zannis performs each body lift using general anesthesia. This means that you will be comfortably asleep throughout the entire procedure.

Can Dr. Zannis combine my body lift with another procedure?

Yes, Dr. Zannis may pair your procedure with another to address several concerns simultaneously or refine the results of your body lift. To learn more about the other procedures you are eligible for, please schedule a consultation.

References

  1. Mayo J, Cape JD. Belt Lipectomy. Nih.gov. Published June 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK604202/#article-161515.s4
  2. Carloni R, Antoine De Runz, Chaput B, et al. Circumferential Contouring of the Lower Trunk: Indications, Operative Techniques, and Outcomes—A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2016;40(5):652-668. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-016-0660-7