September 19, 2025

Written and reviewed by Dr. Carmen Kavali, MD, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, and Dr. Teri N. Moak, MD, Fellowship-Trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon.

For many of our patients, the decision to pursue body lift surgery represents the final step in an incredible journey. After losing a significant amount of weight—whether through bariatric surgery, lifestyle changes, or steady perseverance—you’ve achieved something life-changing. Yet, excess skin around the abdomen, thighs, back, or buttocks can keep you from feeling fully “finished.” At Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center in Sandy Springs, a body lift helps your appearance reflect the pride and confidence you’ve earned.

What a Body Lift Really Means

A body lift is more than just skin removal. It’s a procedure focused on **redefining proportion, comfort, and balance**. By tightening tissues and contouring multiple areas, a body lift restores harmony between how you feel and how your body looks. Depending on your needs, treatment can target the abdomen, flanks, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. Every plan is fully customized to your anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Our mission is simple—to celebrate your success by helping you see yourself clearly again, without distraction or discomfort.

Why People Choose a Body Lift

Even after dramatic weight loss, loose skin and stretched tissue can cause frustration or discomfort. Many patients tell us they expected to feel complete after reaching their goal weight but still struggle with fit, confidence, or mobility. A body lift can change that.

• Relief from irritation and rashes caused by skin folds
• Improved fit and comfort in clothing
• Smoother, more proportional body contours
• Enhanced posture and mobility
• Increased self-confidence and self-image

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates for body lift surgery are individuals who:

• Have maintained a stable weight for at least six months
• Are in good overall health and close to their target weight
• Do not smoke or are willing to quit prior to surgery
• Have realistic expectations and a commitment to healthy living

If you’re planning additional weight loss or future pregnancies, our surgeons may suggest waiting until those milestones are complete to ensure the most stable, lasting results.

Your Consultation Experience

During your private consultation, Dr. Carmen Kavali or Dr. Teri Moak will review your medical history, evaluate skin tone and elasticity, and discuss your goals. You’ll see examples in our body lift before-and-after gallery and explore what’s possible for your frame. Together, we’ll design a safe, personalized surgical plan with clear recovery guidance.

How the Procedure Works

Body lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts three to six hours, depending on the extent of correction. Incisions are strategically placed to follow natural contours or remain hidden beneath clothing. During the procedure, excess skin and fat are removed, the underlying tissues are tightened, and the remaining skin is carefully redraped for smoother definition. Sutures and compression garments are used to support healing.

In some cases, surgery is performed in stages to maintain safety, optimize results, and allow your body to heal comfortably.

Recovery and Healing

Recovery is a gradual process, but every day brings visible and emotional progress. You’ll receive detailed instructions and ongoing support from our team. Here’s what to expect:

• Week 1: Focus on rest, hydration, and light walking for circulation. Swelling and tightness are normal.
• Weeks 2–3: Energy improves; most patients resume non-strenuous work and daily activities.
• Weeks 4–6: Light exercise may resume; bruising and swelling decrease steadily.
• 3–6 Months: Your contours refine, scars fade, and comfort continues to improve.

Most patients feel like themselves again within 8–12 weeks and see their full transformation within one year as the skin softens and adjusts to its new shape.

What About Scarring?

Every surgical procedure leaves scars, but modern techniques make them discreet and easy to conceal. Incisions are placed carefully along natural lines or beneath clothing. We also offer postoperative scar care solutions such as silicone therapy and laser resurfacing to help scars fade beautifully over time.

Combining Procedures

For a more comprehensive transformation, body lift surgery can be combined with other contouring procedures, including:

• Breast Lift to restore youthful shape and position
• Arm Lift to smooth and tone the upper arms
• Thigh Lift for improved leg definition
• Tummy Tuck to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin
• Liposuction for fine contour refinement

Our surgeons will help you prioritize your goals, balancing safety with efficiency to achieve cohesive, natural results.

The Emotional Benefits

Patients often tell us that a body lift brings an overwhelming sense of relief and pride. Beyond comfort, it helps them see their hard work reflected in the mirror for the first time. Confidence, posture, and even wardrobe choices transform. One patient described it perfectly: “I finally saw the person I always believed I could be.”

Why Patients Trust Monarch Plastic Surgery

• Experienced Surgeons: Dr. Carmen Kavali and Dr. Teri Moak are nationally recognized for expertise in post-weight-loss contouring.
• Accredited Facility: Our AAAASF-accredited surgical suite meets the highest safety standards.
• Comprehensive Support: From your first consultation to follow-up visits, our team provides compassionate, continuous care.
• Natural Results: We emphasize proportion and elegance—results that look authentically yours.

Questions & Answers

How long after weight loss should I wait before getting a body lift?

We recommend maintaining a stable weight for at least six months to ensure the most lasting results and minimize postoperative changes.

Is a body lift painful?

Discomfort varies but is generally manageable with medication. Our surgeons use long-acting anesthetics and advanced recovery techniques for a smooth experience.

Will I have visible scars?

Scars are carefully placed in discreet areas and fade significantly over time. Proper care and our advanced scar treatments help minimize their appearance.

How long before I can return to normal activities?

Most patients resume light activity within two weeks and full workouts around six to eight weeks, depending on healing progress.

Are results permanent?

Yes. With stable weight and healthy habits, your new contours are long-lasting, though natural aging will continue.

How do I get started?

Call (404) 250-3333 or schedule your consultation online. We’ll help you complete your transformation with expertise, empathy, and artistry.

Take the Next Step

You’ve already achieved something extraordinary. If excess skin stands between you and total confidence, a body lift may be your next milestone. Contact Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center in Sandy Springs—serving Buckhead and Atlanta—to begin your journey today.