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Body Lift Topics

What Does a Body Lift Cost? What is a Body Lift? Benefits of Body Lift Surgery Am I a Candidate for a Body Lift in Baltimore? Body Lift Options and Procedure Body Lift Aftercare and Recovery Why Choose Dr. Shermak for a Body Lift?

What Does Body Lift Cost?

A body lift (belt, including abdomen and back) after weight loss ranges from $17,400 to $21,000.

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What is a Body Lift?

A body lift is a plastic surgery procedure customized to a patient’s unique needs. It raises and reshapes areas of the midsection—the abdomen, back, and thighs—that have drooped and sagged over time, reduces excess skin and fatty tissue, and refreshes the area for a more attractive, youthful look and feel.

The skin loses its firmness, tautness, and natural elasticity as part of the body’s natural aging process, and each individual’s biological makeup impacts how severe the laxity will become. By removing accumulated loose skin and stubborn fatty deposits, your body lift in Baltimore will restore a youthful look that lets you enjoy greater self-confidence and beauty.

Step-by-Step: How a Body Lift Is Performed

Consultation & Planning

Dr. Shermak conducts an in-depth evaluation to understand your goals and customize a surgical plan.

Incision Placement

Incisions are carefully placed along the beltline or in concealed natural folds to minimize visibility while allowing full access to remove excess skin and fat.

Closure & Dressing

The incisions are meticulously closed with layered sutures to support optimal healing. Compression garments are applied to reduce swelling and support the new contours.

Anesthesia

Body lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia in Dr. Shermak’s accredited surgical center.

Tissue Removal & Contouring

Loose skin and underlying fat are removed, and the remaining tissue is lifted and tightened. Liposuction may be used to enhance contouring in adjacent areas.

Recovery & Monitoring

Most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay, with detailed aftercare instructions and follow-ups scheduled by Dr. Shermak’s team.

Am I a Candidate for a Body Lift in Baltimore?

Physically, candidates for body lift surgery in Baltimore include both men and women who are in good health. Patients should be close to their ideal weight and maintain healthy eating and exercise habits. Their weight should also be stable over 4-6 months. Finally, they should have areas of their midsection that they would like to contour and align to their physical goals.

Mentally, patients should be of sound mind and have a strong desire to transform their body with life-changing surgery. In a personal consultation, Dr. Shermak will let you know if a body lift surgery would be the best procedure to benefit you, or if she feels a different procedure might better suit your needs.

Benefits of Body Lift Surgery

Some of the benefits of a well-done body lift that patients can look forward to:

  • Removes excess and sagging skin
  • Reveals a tighter and more toned physique
  • Restores a slimmer, more shapely figure
  • Reduces discomfort or chafing caused by excess skin and tissue
  • Reshapes and contours the abdominal area, hips, lower back, flanks, and thighs
  • Improves self-confidence
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Types of Body Lifts by Dr. Shermak

Body lift surgery is highly customizable and tailored to patients' unique anatomy and goals. Dr. Shermak offers a variety of body lift procedures depending on where excess skin and tissue are most prominent:

  • Circumferential Body Lift (also called a belt lipectomy): This comprehensive lift addresses the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and buttocks. It is often ideal for patients after massive weight loss.
  • Lower Body Lift: Focused on lifting and tightening the lower torso and upper thighs. This is a commonly chosen procedure for overall waistline rejuvenation.
  • Posterior Body Lift: Targets the back and buttocks, removing sagging tissue and lifting the buttocks for a firmer, more youthful contour.
  • Thigh-Focused Lift: Specifically addresses sagging skin in the inner or outer thighs. It can be performed as part of a larger lift or as a standalone procedure.

Dr. Shermak will recommend the most appropriate type—or a combination—based on your aesthetic concerns, skin quality, and post-weight-loss changes.

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Body Lift Aftercare and Recovery

Body lift surgery is done under general anesthesia. The procedure typically requires between 3 to 6 hours. Patients will be provided full postoperative recovery guidelines and care instructions, but can generally expect to be required to:

  • Have a friend or family member drive you home after the surgery and remain with you to provide assistance for at least 3 days
  • Refrain from any lifting and strenuous activity for 4 weeks
  • Optimally sleep in a recliner to make recovery more comfortable and ease having to get in and out of bed
  • Walk immediately
  • Wear bandages and a compression binder to help minimize swelling
  • Have surgical drains that will require recording output of fluids
  • Take pain medication as needed, focusing on non-narcotic options
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How Is Scarring Minimized After a Body Lift?

As with any surgery, scarring is part of the healing process, but Dr. Shermak takes every step to minimize it:

  • Strategic incision placement along natural creases and beneath undergarments
  • Tension-reducing sutures for smooth healing
  • Advanced closure techniques and post-op scar care protocols
  • Optional laser treatments to improve scar appearance over time
  • Most scars fade significantly within 6–12 months and are easily concealed by clothing.

How Can I Maintain My Results From Body Lift Surgery?

Body lift surgery delivers dramatic, long-lasting results—but maintaining them depends on your lifestyle:

  • Stable weight: Fluctuations can compromise your results. Patients should be near their goal weight for at least 4–6 months before surgery.
  • Healthy habits: A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and good hydration all contribute to sustained outcomes.
  • Sun protection: Protecting incision areas from UV exposure helps scars heal better and keeps your skin looking its best.

Patients often report improved mobility, self-confidence, and clothing fit long after their surgery.

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Can You Combine a Body Lift with Other Procedures?

Many patients choose to combine body lift surgery with additional procedures for a more comprehensive transformation. Dr. Shermak commonly performs:

Combining surgeries can often reduce overall recovery time and anesthesia exposure while maximizing aesthetic harmony. During your consultation, Dr. Shermak will design a safe, strategic plan based on your priorities and health.

What Financing Options are Available For Body Lift With Dr. Shermak?

Dr. Shermak offers several trusted financing options to make your procedure more affordable. Here are the top choices:

  • Advance Care
  • CareCredit

  • Alphaeon™ Credit
  • Prosper Healthcare Lending

During your consultation, our team will help you choose the best option based on your goals and budget. Learn more about financing.

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Why Choose Dr. Shermak for a Body Lift?

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michele Shermak has been rated one of the best surgeons in the United States. In 2021, she was also voted by her professional peers as one of America’s 50 Best Female Plastic Surgeons. With 26 years of experience since establishing her practice in January 1999, Dr. Shermak has built a reputation for exceptional surgical skill, artistry, and patient-focused care.

Her intensive education and extensive expertise in cosmetic surgery allow her to provide best-in-class care, helping patients achieve their beauty and body goals with precision and natural-looking results. In addition to her renowned surgical career, Dr. Shermak literally wrote the book on “Body Contouring,” published by McGraw-Hill as a key industry textbook to educate the next generation of plastic surgeons.

As a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) Board of Directors since 2022, Dr. Shermak continues to shape the future of plastic surgery, ensuring the highest standards of excellence, safety, and innovation in the field.

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References

This is your life . . .
Make it Beautiful Confident Amazing Empowered

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