Body Lift / Removal of Excess Skin After Major Weight Loss
After significant weight loss, the body undergoes profound physical changes. Even though you have reached a healthier weight, your new, slimmer self may still be hidden beneath excess skin. Problems once caused by obesity are now replaced by issues linked to loose, hanging skin – frequent rashes, irritation, moisture buildup and discomfort under skin folds. Walking becomes difficult due to constant friction, and symptoms worsen during physical activity. The greatest amount of loose skin typically remains on the abdomen and mons pubis, chest, thighs, upper arms and buttocks. Breasts become severely deflated and sagging, and excess chest tissue can also affect men, sometimes creating male breast deformity (gynecomastia). Due to lax tissues and deeper facial folds, the face can appear older and tired. Throughout every stage of your complete body transformation, we ensure your comfort, well-being and support on the path toward a healthier life.
Comprehensive reshaping of excess skin across the entire body is known as a full body lift or bodylift.
This demanding, lengthy and combined procedure includes abdominoplasty, breast lifting, male chest correction, buttock lift, thigh lift, upper-arm lift and facelift.
In one or, more often, two stages, we achieve a harmonious transformation of the whole body.
The surgical plan is tailored to the condition of your tissues and your personal goals.
A thorough preoperative evaluation, precise measurements and an in-depth discussion about expectations are essential for planning a complete body lift.
Bodylift procedures are always performed in stages. The first operation usually includes trunk procedures (buttock lift, abdominoplasty, sometimes thigh lift), while the second surgery addresses the breasts, thighs or upper arms. A facelift is performed as a separate procedure.
All surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, and we aim to limit each individual operation to 6–7 hours.
Recovery from extensive body-contouring surgery is demanding, unpredictable to a degree, and dependent on wound healing, risk of infection, general well-being and personal motivation. However, the satisfaction afterwards is immense, as patients regain full mobility and live without restrictions. Our medical team ensures your comfort throughout the extended recovery period.
After surgery, patients are encouraged to stand and walk as soon as possible to reduce the risk of blood clots.
For 4 to 6 weeks, we recommend wearing compression garments and a supportive sports bra, along with adjusting daily activities.
A full body lift is not recommended for patients with chronic illnesses or for smokers.
Can excess skin be removed non-surgically and without scars?
Unfortunately, no. Even the most elastic garment no longer fits the body the same after major weight loss – to fit properly again, it must be tailored. The same applies to our skin. While the skin can adapt to small weight changes, significant weight loss requires surgical removal of excess skin. Resulting scars are usually hidden under underwear or placed along the inner limbs, and they fade over time until barely noticeable.
Recovery After the Procedure
After a surgical brow lift (example of postoperative care), the treated area is covered with gauze and a bandage. A drain – a small silicone tube connected to a reservoir – may be placed to collect fluid and is removed at the first dressing change the following day. Hair can be washed the day after surgery; the cleaner the scalp, the lower the risk of infection. Resting with the head elevated is recommended. The less movement, the faster the healing. Aerobic exercise, lifting and straining should be avoided for one to two weeks. Activities that raise blood pressure increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. A special diet is not required, but light meals and plenty of fluids are recommended. Foods that thin the blood should be avoided (garlic, ginger, parsley, green tea, aspirin…).
Swelling and bruising vary greatly between individuals. Bruising and swelling around the eyes are common during the first three days. To reduce these symptoms, apply cold compresses (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) and sleep with the head elevated for one to two weeks. In rare cases, swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks.
Sutures or staples are usually removed after one week. Scarring depends partly on genetics and partly on surgical technique. After a brow lift, the scar is typically hidden within the hairline, fine and discreet. Temporary numbness in the forehead and scalp can occur. As nerves regenerate, tingling, itching or sharp sensations may appear. Caution is advised when using hot styling tools to avoid burns. Temporary hair thinning near the incision is also possible.
Normal sensation usually returns within 6 to 12 months. Pain is mild to moderate, most often described as tightness or pressure – similar to wearing a headband too tightly.
Patient Question: “I lost 40 kg in the past year. I plan to lose another 20 kg. My loose abdominal skin makes running difficult. I want surgery now so I can finish losing weight more easily. What do you recommend?”
Our recommendation:
Body-contouring procedures and removal of excess skin should be planned once your weight has been stable for at least one year. Ideally, your weight should be as close as possible to your target weight, with a BMI around 25–28. This ensures predictable results, faster healing and fewer complications. Significant weight changes after surgery, especially substantial weight loss, can greatly affect the surgical outcome and your satisfaction. Healing during active weight loss is impaired, and the risk of infection increases. We recommend wearing compression garments daily during your weight-loss phase and adjusting your training program to reach your target weight more effectively. Bodylift surgery should be performed after weight loss is completed.
