Lipectomy (Body Lift)

• You may be a good candidate if:

  • You’re physically healthy

  • Your expectations are realistic

  • You understand the risks that come along with surgery

  • You have soft tissue looseness in one or multiple body areas

Body lifts aren’t intended for the removal of fat alone. Liposuction can remove excess fat deposits if you have good skin elasticity.

• The costs for the procedure will vary based on your specific needs and goals. Most insurance plans don’t cover body lifts, although partial coverage may be available when excess skin causes recurrent problems.

When you come in for your consultation visit, we’ll be better able to discuss fees in detail with you. Our staff will also review the financing options available and help with insurance approval paperwork.

• In most cases, body lift surgery isn’t covered by insurance. However, some carriers offer partial coverage for just the removal of excess abdominal skin and fat (called a panniculectomy) when it causes recurrent skin problems or other issues. It’s always best to discuss coverage questions with your insurance carrier.

• If you’re exploring options for insurance coverage, you may need to request a referral from your primary care doctor, depending on your health insurance plan. Check with your carrier to see if medical coverage is an option for you and, if so, whether a referral is required.

• As with any surgery, body lifts do pose some risks. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, risks include:

  • Anesthesia complications

  • Bleeding

  • Fat tissue death (necrosis)

  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)

  • Imperfect or asymmetrical results

  • Infection

  • Numbness or changes in skin sensation

  • Persistent pain or swelling

  • Poor wound healing

  • Poor scarring

  • Possibility of revision surgery

  • Skin loss, discoloration, or looseness

  • Sutures that surface through the skin

• Before surgery, you may be asked to get blood tests and take or adjust medications. If you smoke, quitting will help you heal faster and better avoid complications.

You’ll also need to arrange for transportation to and from the surgery and for someone to stay with you the night after the surgery.

For more information visit Patient Resources or Preparing for Surgery.