Body Lift in Farmington Hills

What a body lift addresses

A body lift removes excess skin and fat from multiple regions, primarily the abdomen, flanks, back and outer thighs, following massive weight loss or significant body changes. Where a targeted procedure treats one area, a body lift treats several together in a single circumferential operation.

Types of body lift

• Lower body lift (belt lipectomy) — a 360-degree procedure addressing the abdomen, flanks, back and outer thighs.
• Upper body lift — targets the bra line, back and back of the arms.
• Total body lift — combines both, in staged operations.

Each removes excess skin, tightens the underlying tissue, and may include liposuction to refine contours and smooth the transitions between treated areas.

Am I a good candidate?

A body lift may help:

• post-bariatric patients who have reached a stable weight after gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy
• massive weight loss patients whose loose skin impairs mobility or causes recurrent infections
• people with reduced core stability from fascial separation after weight fluctuation

Dr. Hardaway requires 12 to 18 months of stable weight, within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal, after bariatric surgery or massive weight loss. Candidacy is decided at consultation, where your anatomy, weight loss history and goals shape the surgical plan.

How the procedure is performed

Incisions are made around the waist in a belt-like pattern. Dr. Hardaway removes the excess skin, removes fat with liposuction where needed, and lifts the underlying tissue. The skin is then redraped and closed with layered sutures. Depending on your anatomy, the procedure may include an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), back lift, buttock lift and outer thigh lift.

The main incision sits along the natural belt line, low enough to be hidden by most underwear and swimwear. The center’s surgical facility is accredited by Quad A.

Recovery

A body lift is major surgery, and recovery begins with at least three weeks of limited activity.

• Days 1–7 — a compression garment reduces swelling and protects the surgical areas. Small drains prevent fluid buildup, and you are shown how to care for them. Discomfort, bruising and restricted movement are common, and most patients need help with daily tasks. Pain medication is prescribed, a “no-bend” protocol protects the incisions, and most patients sleep in a recliner or an elevated position.
• Weeks 2–6 — most patients return to light activity and desk work within two to three weeks. Drains are typically removed at 7 to 14 days. You may be referred for lymphatic drainage to help reduce swelling.
• Months 3–12 — early results show as swelling subsides, and final contours emerge over 6 to 12 months as tissues settle and scars mature. Scar management, such as silicone sheeting, topical treatments and laser revision, begins at six weeks.

Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and physical labor wait six to eight weeks, to protect the incisions and prevent complications such as wound dehiscence or seroma formation.

Staging with other procedures

Dr. Hardaway frequently stages procedures for safety: a lower body lift first, followed by upper body contouring such as a breast lift, arm lift or back lift three to six months later. Staging limits anesthesia time and supports healing.

Cost and financing

Cost depends on surgical complexity. A 360-degree body lift generally costs more than an isolated lower body lift. Your quote reflects surgical time, anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist, accredited facility fees, garments and drain supplies, and follow-up care including scar management.

Body lift surgery is typically considered cosmetic. We do not accept insurance. Financing is available through CareCredit and Alpheon.