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A lower body lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure that addresses excess skin and tissue around the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. It can be especially beneficial for patients who have experienced significant weight loss or skin laxity from aging and want to dramatically enhance the contours of their body. Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge use advanced techniques and prioritize patient care to create personalized treatments in a welcoming environment at our Bethesda, MD office.
Recovery:
1 week
Cost:
N/A
Results:
3 months
What is a Lower Body Lift?
A lower body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes significant amounts of loose and sagging skin from the lower torso and legs. It typically involves an incision that encircles the body like a belt below the waistline, allowing the surgeon to lift and tighten the abdomen, hips, inner and outer thighs, and buttocks all at once. This procedure enhances the shape and tone of the lower body, providing a firmer and more youthful appearance that diet and exercise alone cannot achieve.
Good Candidates for a Lower Body Lift
Good candidates for lower body lift surgery are healthy adults who have reached a stable weight after massive weight loss and want to address stubborn fat and excess skin around their lower body. Candidates should be nonsmokers and free of uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Ideally, you should have a stable weight for at least a year and maintain a balanced diet to support healing. This procedure is best suited for those who seek a comprehensive approach to improve multiple areas of their lower torso simultaneously and who are prepared for the recovery process.
Lower Body Lift Technique
The lower body lift uses a circumferential incision made around the torso, following the bikini line so that the scar can be easily concealed. From this incision, the skin on the lower half of the body will be carefully pulled taut to remove loose skin and excess tissue. Tummy tuck techniques are often incorporated to tighten abdominal muscles and remove hanging skin from the stomach. Liposuction is also used to eliminate stubborn fat from the stomach and thighs. Once the excess tissue has been removed, the remaining skin will be sutured along the incision line. Deep sutures will be placed in the underlying tissue to reshape and support the new body contours.
Consultation
Plastic surgery procedures at Cosmetic Surgery Associates always begin with a private consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. During this consultation, they will discuss the lower body lift procedure in greater detail and ask about your treatment goals to determine whether this surgery is right for you. They will also assess your medical history and perform a physical examination to evaluate your skin laxity, fat distribution, and muscle tone.
This initial consultation is also an opportunity to discuss potential surgical options, expected results, risks, and the recovery process. We encourage you to ask questions so that you have a full understanding of the procedure and feel confident in your surgical plan.
Preparation
To ensure your safety and the best possible results, it is necessary to achieve a stable weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle before lower body lift surgery. Proper nutrition and hydration play crucial roles in the healing process. You may also need to adjust medications, quit smoking well in advance, and arrange for support during your recovery.
On your surgery day, arrive in comfortable clothing that can be easily removed and put back on. You must have someone available to drive you home, and we recommend making arrangements for someone to stay with you during the first few days of recovery.
Lower Body Lift Procedure
The lower body lift is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Before the patient is put under anesthesia, the incision line will be marked while they are standing. After the anesthesia is administered, an incision will be made over the marking, encircling the waistline. Excess fat and skin will be carefully removed, the underlying tissues sculpted and contoured, and then the remaining skin will be sutured. Skin adhesives, bandages, and fluid drains will be placed before the patient is taken to a recovery room. Surgery takes up to six hours, and patients may need to spend 1-2 nights in the hospital for observation.
Lower Body Lift Recovery
Recovery from a lower body lift requires careful attention and patience. Moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected but can be managed with prescription medications and compression garments. Bandages must be changed regularly to prevent infection. Early mobilization is encouraged to promote circulation, but strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for about six weeks. Most patients return to normal daily activities within two to four weeks and resume exercise gradually upon their surgeon’s approval. Post-operative appointments will be scheduled regularly to provide support during your recovery and ensure proper healing.
Results from a Lower Body Lift
It can take several weeks to see the final results of a lower body lift because of swelling and bruising. As healing progresses, patients will see a tightened and more contoured lower body. Scars will also fade and become less noticeable. Many patients report increased self-esteem, a boost in confidence, and easier mobility because they are no longer affected by hanging skin and excess fat.
Schedule a Lower Body Lift Consultation
A lower body lift can provide long-lasting improvements in body contour and increase your confidence. To learn more about how you can benefit from this procedure, schedule a consultation at Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD. Our office is located just 2 miles from North Bethesda and 5 miles from Potomac & Rockville.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
Complementary Procedures
Non-Surgical Brazilian Butt Lift
Pairing perfectly with Cellulaze, the non-surgical BBL uses fillers like Sculptra or Radiesse to add volume and lift for a smooth, contoured silhouette—all with minimal downtime.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure incorporated with many body contouring surgeries. Using various advanced techniques and medical technologies, stubborn fat can be eliminated from almost any area, including the stomach, thighs, back, and hips.
Thigh Lift
The thigh lift creates more toned, slimmer thighs and reduces painful chaffing, offering many benefits to patients with excess skin and fat. This procedure can be combined with other body contouring procedures to address signs of aging or bodily changes after significant weight loss.
The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
– verified patient
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
– verified patient
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
– verified patient
Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
– verified patient
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