
Body Lift
Transform your body’s appearance after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging with expert body lift surgery at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Michigan. This surgical procedure effectively removes excess skin and tissue that can remain after dramatic body changes, restoring firmness and creating more pleasing body contours.
Why Choose Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center for Body Lift Surgery
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center is recognized as a leading choice for body contouring procedures, guided by the expertise of Dr. Michelle Hardaway. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with a wealth of experience in body lift surgeries, Dr. Hardaway combines technical precision with a keen artistic eye to deliver results that naturally complement and refine your physique.
Our cutting-edge facility is proudly accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (QUAD A), ensuring the utmost commitment to patient safety and care. Dr. Hardaway takes a customized, patient-focused path with every procedure, designing each body lift to reflect your personal needs and cosmetic aspirations. Our dedicated team is by your side from your first consultation through a smooth and supportive recovery. With a proven track record of outstanding outcomes, we are proud to be a trusted provider of body lift surgery throughout Michigan.

Liposuction Techniques
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center provides advanced liposuction techniques tailored to your specific needs and desired outcomes. Understanding the various approaches to this body contouring procedure helps you make informed decisions about your treatment plan. Liposuction has evolved significantly over the years, with several specialized methods now available to address different concerns.
Tumescent liposuction remains the gold standard and most commonly performed technique at our Michigan facility. During this procedure, Dr. Hardaway infuses the treatment area with a specialized solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine before fat removal begins. This solution minimizes discomfort, reduces bleeding, and facilitates more precise fat extraction from specific areas of the body.
For patients with denser fat deposits, we offer ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL). This innovative approach uses ultrasonic vibrations to liquefy fat cells before they’re suctioned out, allowing for more effective removal from challenging areas while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
Laser-assisted liposuction (SmartLipo) represents another cutting-edge option, using laser energy to melt fat cells prior to extraction. This technique provides the added benefit of skin tightening, making it particularly beneficial for areas with mild to moderate skin laxity. The thermal effect stimulates collagen production, enhancing overall results.
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) employs a specialized cannula with a vibrating tip to break up and remove fat more efficiently. This technique reduces surgeon fatigue and allows for more precise contouring, especially in fibrous areas that may resist traditional approaches.
During your consultation, Dr. Hardaway will recommend the optimal technique based on your body type, treatment areas, and aesthetic goals. Our commitment to personalized care ensures you receive the most appropriate approach for your unique situation, maximizing results while minimizing recovery time.

What is Body Lift Surgery? Details and benefits
A body lift is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from various body areas, primarily after massive weight loss or significant body changes. Unlike targeted procedures that address single areas, a comprehensive body lift can transform multiple regions simultaneously.
The procedure typically involves making incisions around the waist in a belt-like pattern, allowing to remove excess skin and fat while lifting and tightening the underlying tissues. The skin is then redraped over your newly contoured frame and secured with sutures, creating smoother, firmer body contours. Depending on your specific needs, a body lift may include components such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), back lift, buttock lift, and outer thigh lift.
Body lift surgery is particularly beneficial for patients who have lost significant weight through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes, as well as those experiencing skin laxity due to aging or pregnancy.

Comprehensive Body Contouring: Transforming Your Silhouette
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center provides transformative body contouring through customized body lift procedures. Understanding that each patient has unique concerns, Dr. Hardaway offers several body lift variations to ensure optimal results for every patient. A full body lift addresses multiple areas including the abdomen, back, buttocks, and thighs, providing comprehensive rejuvenation for those with significant skin laxity.
For patients with concerns concentrated in specific regions, targeted approaches like the lower body lift (also known as a belt lipectomy) focus on the buttocks, hips, and outer thighs, while a mid-body lift or torsoplasty addresses both the lower body and abdominal areas.
Tummy Tuck and Abdominoplasty: Core Components of Body Lifting
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center provides expert abdominoplasty procedures as essential components of comprehensive body lift surgery. While a body lift addresses multiple areas, the abdominal portion—commonly known as a tummy tuck—often serves as the centerpiece of the transformation.
For patients with less extensive abdominal concerns, a mini-abdominoplasty may be incorporated into the body lift plan, focusing primarily on the lower abdomen below the navel. This modified approach can be ideal for those with good skin elasticity above the navel but excess skin in the lower abdominal region.
The integration of abdominoplasty techniques into your body lift creates a more balanced relationship between your abdomen, back, and lower body. This holistic approach to body contouring delivers superior results compared to addressing these areas separately.
Liposuction Integration for Enhanced Surgical Results
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, we provide strategic liposuction integration to your body lift. While a body lift primarily addresses excess skin, combining it with liposuction allows Dr. Hardaway to also target stubborn fat deposits, creating more refined and defined contours. This powerful combination delivers comprehensive body transformation that neither procedure could achieve alone.
Liposuction serves as a valuable sculpting tool within your body lift, precisely removing fat from specific areas to polish the overall result. Common target areas include the abdomen, flanks, back, and thighs—regions where fat often persists despite weight loss.
This integrated approach is particularly valuable for patients with poor skin elasticity, as the skin removed during the body lift compensates for the skin’s inability to contract fully after liposuction alone. The combination also allows for more precise body sculpting, as Dr. Hardaway can adjust the amount of fat removal and skin excision.
For many patients, the addition of liposuction to their body lift represents the difference between good results and exceptional ones. During your consultation, Dr. Hardaway will evaluate whether adding liposuction to your body lift would elevate your results, creating a customized surgical plan.
Recovery Process: What to Expect After Body Lift Surgery
Recovery from a body lift is a significant part of your surgical journey, and at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way. Because this is a major procedure, the healing process involves several stages and typically begins with a period of limited activity lasting at least three weeks. You’ll be given a compression garment to reduce swelling and protect your surgical areas, along with specific instructions for its use to promote proper healing.
Right after surgery, your incisions will be covered with dressings, and small drains may be placed to help prevent fluid buildup. Discomfort, bruising, and restricted movement are common during the first week, so you’ll likely need help with daily tasks. Dr. Hardaway will prescribe pain medication to keep you as comfortable as possible, and you’ll receive detailed care guidelines for managing your incisions and drainage tubes. Most patients are ready to resume light activity within two to three weeks, though more strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six weeks.
Ongoing care doesn’t stop after surgery. You’ll have scheduled follow-up visits with Dr. Hardaway to check your progress, adjust care instructions, and guide your gradual return to normal activity. While some results are noticeable early on, the full benefits of your body lift will become more apparent over time as swelling decreases and your body adjusts. Throughout the process, our team is available to answer your questions, provide reassurance, and ensure your recovery is as smooth and successful as possible.

Cost and Insurance Coverage for Body Lift Surgery
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, we believe in providing clear, upfront information about the costs associated with body lift surgery. Pricing can vary widely depending on the extent of the procedure. For example, comprehensive body lifts generally involve a greater investment than more targeted options, such as a lower body lift. Factors like surgical complexity, anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative garments all contribute to the overall cost.
During your personal consultation, Dr. Hardaway will assess your needs and create a tailored surgical plan. From there, you’ll receive a detailed quote that reflects your specific procedure, so you’ll know exactly what to expect—no surprises or hidden fees. While body lift surgery is usually considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance, there are exceptions. Patients who have experienced significant weight loss may be eligible for partial coverage if excess skin is causing health issues, such as infections or impaired mobility. Our knowledgeable team can help determine if you qualify and assist with the necessary paperwork.
For those paying out of pocket, we offer financing options to help make your procedure more affordable. We partner with trusted medical lenders who provide flexible payment plans and competitive rates, allowing you to move forward with your transformation at a pace that works for you. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through all available financial options, helping you make confident, informed decisions about your care.
Contact Us Today
Ready to transform your body and your life with expert body lift surgery in Michigan? Contact Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center today at (248) 221-1957 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Michelle Hardaway.
Our friendly staff is ready to answer your questions about body lift procedures, candidacy requirements, recovery expectations, and financing options. We understand that taking the first step toward body contouring can feel significant, and we’re here to provide the information and support you need to make confident decisions about your transformation journey.
FAQs
How much do arm lift procedures cost?
The cost of the surgery varies from patient to patient, depending on the needs and wants of each specific patient, and the procedures performed. Dr. Hardaway will help you find a procedure and payment plan that suits your needs.
How is an arm lift performed?
An arm lift is performed under general anesthesia, while the patient is fully asleep. It is an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient will be sent home after surgery. During the procedure, incisions are made on the underside of the arms. The length of the incisions depends on the patient’s needs, and how much skin will need to be removed. The underlying tissues of the arms are then tightened, and any excess skin is removed. Liposuction may also be performed to remove excess fat. The incision will then be closed with stitches, and the arms loosely bandaged. Drains may be placed in the arms to remove excess fluid.
How long is the recovery from an arm lift?
Compression garments may be recommended to help minimize swelling after surgery. You can return to work when cleared by the doctor. Avoid lifting the arms above the head for 3 to 4 weeks, and avoid any activity that may strain the arms for 4 to 8 weeks after surgery.
How long does the outcome from an arm lift last?
Results from an arm lift are long lasting. However, factors such as weight gain can affect the appearance of the arms. As well, the skin can lose firmness and sag as aging progresses, but usually not enough to warrant another procedure. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy fitness habits will help the outcome lasts longer.
What are the risks of an arm lift?
The most common risk of an arm lift is scarring around the surgical incisions. However, the incisions are made in an area that is typically hidden. Infection is a risk with any surgery, as well as excess bleeding. Following the doctor’s instructions closely after surgery will help decrease the chance of these risks.
Schedule Your Consultation
Why wait?
Schedule your first visit to Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center by using online form
… or by calling (248) 780-0558
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Schedule Your Consultation
Why wait?
Schedule your first visit to Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center by using online form
… or by calling (248) 780-0558
"*" indicates required fields