I was very skeptical about aesthetic surgery until I came to Redeker Aesthetics. The process felt honest, calm and considered.
Summary
Type of procedure
Inpatient under general anaesthesia
Pain level
Strong
Suture removal
Resorbable sutures
Scars
See description
Return to regular activity
2-3 weeks
Avoid sport
6-12 weeks (depending on the sport)
Final result
12 months
Cost
About body lift surgery
The natural ageing process or weight fluctuations can lead to a general laxity of the body skin, or loose, sagging skin across several areas. This is especially common after significant weight loss, when the skin has been stretched for a long time and cannot fully retract.
A body lift removes excess skin from areas such as the back, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, and can reduce unwanted fat deposits at the same time.
A pleasant side effect is often a reduction in cellulite and other dents and irregularities. The procedure is planned to create firmer body contours and a more stable body shape, while keeping scars as discreet as possible.
Depending on where the excess tissue is located, surgery may focus on the lower body or upper body, with a circumferential 360° correction. A lower body lift focuses on the belly, buttocks, and outer thighs. An upper body lift addresses excess skin around the arms, chest, upper abdomen, and back. Body lift surgery is suitable for both women and men after significant weight loss.
When do we recommend body lift surgery?
Body lift planning depends on skin laxity, fat distribution, weight stability, previous weight loss, scar placement, and the number of areas affected. These factors are assessed together before deciding whether body lift surgery is appropriate.
Excess skin after weight loss
After major weight loss, the skin may remain loose even when body weight is stable. This can affect several areas at once, including the abdomen, back, buttocks, and thighs.
Recommended procedure:
A body lift after weight loss can remove excess skin and improve body contours when diet, exercise, or less invasive treatments cannot address the remaining tissue laxity.
Laxity around the lower body
Loose skin around the lower abdomen, buttocks, and outer thighs can change the way clothing fits and how the body silhouette appears. In some patients, the tissue laxity extends around the body rather than being limited to the front.
Recommended procedure:
A lower body lift or lower body lift surgery can remove excess skin in a circular pattern and lift the lower body tissues.
Excess skin on the upper body
Some patients have excess skin around the back, chest, upper abdomen, or arms following weight loss or ageing. This can create folds, irregular contours, or a feeling of heaviness in the upper body.
Recommended procedure:
An upper body lift may be considered when this tissue excess affects several upper body areas. At REDEKER AESTHETICS, we usually treat excess skin on the back through a lateral thorax incision to reduce the risk of wide scars.
Several areas affected at once
Body lift surgery may be recommended when excess skin affects several connected areas rather than one isolated region. This is often the case after major weight loss, when tissue laxity involves the abdomen, back, buttocks, or thighs together.
Recommended procedure:
In this situation, a body lift can be the first step toward restoring body contours through a staged surgical approach.
“When excess skin remains after weight loss, it can lead to both aesthetic and functional concerns. A body lift can be the first step in restoring body contours and enhancing physical comfort and confidence.”
Jonathan Redeker
Board-certified Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
Body lift surgery explained
A body lift is a surgical procedure used to remove excess skin, improve body contour, and reduce unwanted fat deposits where appropriate. The exact technique depends on the anatomy and whether the lower body or upper body is treated. Because the operation is extensive, careful planning and recovery preparation are especially important.
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STEP
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Consultation and assessment
Skin laxity, fat distribution, scar position, and the anatomy of the affected areas are carefully assessed. Stable health, realistic expectations, and a stable weight are important before body lift surgery is considered.
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Preparation and anaesthesia
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Detailed verbal and written pre- and post-operative instructions are provided before surgery, including guidance on protein and micronutrient supplementation.
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Lower body lift technique
In a lower body lift procedure, excess skin is removed in a circumferential pattern around the waistline to tighten the abdomen, pubic area, buttocks, and outer thighs.
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Upper body lift technique
In an upper body lift, excess skin on the back and upper body is treated according to the individual anatomy. Often, excess skin on the upper back can be addressed with a lateral thoracic lift. An upper body lift may also be combined with a breast lift or arm lift when this is appropriate, although combined procedures are considered carefully because of surgical duration and risk.
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Scar planning
Scar placement depends on the type of body lift performed. In a lower body lift, the incision usually runs from the pubic mound in a circular pattern to above the buttock crease, so the resulting scar can often be concealed by underwear. In an upper body lift, the scar position depends on the area being treated. Traditionally, the incision may run around the bra-band area towards the breast crease. However, to reduce the risk of wide scars on the back, excess skin is often removed through a lateral incision, which may run towards the bra band or further down. If an arm lift is performed at the same time, this scar joins with the scar on the inside of the upper arms.
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Closure and recovery
The incisions are closed carefully. Drains can generally be avoided with our technique. After a body lift, at least 1 to 2 overnight stays in the private clinic are necessary. We will be happy to discuss a personalised treatment plan with you to help you achieve a firmer body.
See body lift results: Before & after
Before
After
Ideal body lift result
We provide AI-generated examples that reflect ideal body lift before and after results. These illustrate improvement in body contours, reduced excess skin, and a firmer body shape while keeping the result natural. During your consultation, we would be happy to show you photographs of actual patient results.
What our patients say
Many patients describe feeling more at ease in their body after the excess skin has been removed. Clothing often feels easier to wear, and the body may feel more aligned with the weight loss they have already achieved.
Meet our experienced medical team
At REDEKER AESTHETICS, all body lift procedures are performed by highly experienced plastic surgeons with over 10 years of experience in aesthetic plastic surgery, body lift surgery, and post-weight-loss body contouring procedures. Each treatment is planned individually, based on skin laxity, weight history, tissue quality, and the desired body contour, with a focus on safety and natural results.
Expert Advice
Why are plastic surgeons recommended for hyaluronic acid and botulinum injections?
“Before treatment, it is essential to clearly identify the anatomical problem and determine whether a non-surgical approach is the best option. This is why such treatments should ideally be performed by plastic surgeons, who are experts in facial anatomy and skilled in both non-surgical and surgical techniques. As the saying goes, ‘If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.’ Having the right knowledge and tools ensures each patient receives the most appropriate and effective solution.”
Dr. Fulvio Palmieri
Pre-care and post-care
Before and after body lift surgery, these measures can help support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Before
How to prepare for body lift surgery?
Although a body lift is an extensive operation with a prolonged healing time, patient satisfaction is usually high as it leads to a significant improvement in appearance and quality of life.
A few measures before surgery can help reduce risks and make the procedure easier to manage.
Maintain a stable weight before surgery, as the result is best preserved when weight remains stable afterwards.
Ensure adequate nutritional supplementation with protein and micronutrients, as this supports healing after an extensive procedure.
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and other blood-thinning substances approximately 7-10 days before surgery. Always follow your specialist’s advice.
Inform us about any medical conditions, medications, allergies, or previous procedures.
Arrange support at home during the first recovery phase, especially with lifting, household tasks, and daily movement.
After
What to consider after the surgery?
Body lift recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing.
After a body lift, at least 1 to 2 overnight stays in the private clinic are necessary.
If your work does not involve physically strenuous activity, you should usually expect to take around 2 to 3 weeks off work. Physically demanding work may require 6 weeks or longer.
Light activities such as walking can usually be resumed after a few days, according to the instructions provided.
Exercise can be resumed after 3 to 4 weeks at the earliest, depending on the healing process and the type of procedure.
Strenuous sports and exercises that strain the abdominal and back area should be avoided for at least 6 to 12 weeks. To ensure beautiful scars, it is important not to interfere with the healing process.
Scars remain after a body lift as excess skin is removed. However, the scars are planned so that they are concealed by underwear. Over time, the scars fade and become less and less noticeable.
Contact the clinic if severe pain, increasing swelling, bleeding, signs of infection, wound healing problems, or unexpected symptoms occur.
View more
Enhance your post-body lift recovery with photobiomodulation
At REDEKER AESTHETICS, we offer photobiomodulation (LED light therapy) to all surgical patients. Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive adjunct therapy that helps make post-body lift recovery faster, smoother, and more comfortable. Here’s how it supports your healing:
Photobiomodulation uses a gentle, low-level laser to support the body’s natural healing processes. It stimulates cellular repair and regeneration, helping the body heal more quickly after surgery while reducing infection risk, swelling, and bruising.
Pre-operative
Cleanse and reset the tissue
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Blue light for faster healing and reduced infection risk
The first step is performed pre-operatively to prepare the treated area. By reducing bacterial load and rebalancing excess oil production, targeted blue light optimises the skin environment and supports the body’s natural inflammatory response, creating an ideal foundation for efficient healing.
Celular level cleansing
Tissue reset
Post-operative
Accelerate healing and recovery
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Yellow light for less discomfort and inflammation
Photobiomodulation with yellow light supports the body's natural healing processes after surgery. It promotes lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce swelling, bruising, and inflammation. Patients often report less discomfort and tenderness, as well as a smoother, more comfortable recovery and a faster return to daily activities.
Energy boost
Fast healing
Less Bruising
Long-term phase
Enhanced tissue repair and skin quality
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Red light to boost cellular energy
Red light therapy stimulates mitochondrial activity to boost cellular energy (ATP) and activates fibroblasts to enhance collagen and elastin synthesis. Over time, this improves skin quality, minimises visible scarring, and contributes to longer-lasting results.
Collagen Boost
Elastin support
Who is a good candidate for a body lift?
You are suitable for a body lift if you have a stable weight and excess skin around the waist. Stable health and realistic expectations are also important.
Does a lower body lift include thighs?
Partially, yes. A lower body lift usually treats the abdomen, buttocks, and the upper part of the outer thighs. The exact extent of the correction depends on the amount of excess skin and scar planning.
What is the difference between a lower body lift and a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck focuses on the abdomen. A lower body lift treats the waistline in a 360-degree approach, including the abdomen, buttocks, and outer thighs. It is therefore a more extensive procedure and is usually associated with a longer recovery.
Are the results of a body lift permanent?
Yes, the results of a body lift are usually permanent as long as the weight is kept stable. A healthy lifestyle helps to maintain the result.
What are the risks associated with a body lift?
Like any major surgical operation, a body lift harbours certain risks. These include bleeding, impaired scarring, wound healing issues, or asymmetries. In rare cases, blood clots or complications in connection with the anaesthetic can also occur. Careful planning, choosing an experienced plastic surgeon, and following the aftercare instructions help to minimise the risks.
How much does a body lift cost?
The cost of a body lift varies depending on the complexity and starts at CHF 20,000.
Does health insurance cover the costs of this procedure?
After massive weight loss, it may be possible in rare cases for health insurance to cover the costs of a body lift. With us, however, this procedure is only possible as a self-pay service.