The surgeries fall into two categories:

  • A lower body lift, also called a belt lipectomy, involves the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and back
  • An upper body lift, which involves the breasts, chest, and middle back

These may be combined in a variety of ways to produce the optimal firmness and form for the individual patient.

Before & After

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Who is a candidate for post-bariatric body lift surgery?

Bariatric procedures include gastric bypass, Lap-Band, sleeve gastrectomy and others. Patients who have had any of these surgeries and lost a massive amount of weight are good candidates for a body lift, provided they:

  • Are eating well, exercising regularly and have, overall, adopted a healthy lifestyle.
  • Maintained their optimal, post-surgical weight for at least three to six months following the procedure.
  • Other candidates may include anyone whose excess skin is sagging and/or stretched after a program of diet and exercise.

All prospective patients will meet with Dr. Beck in a one-on-one consultation to determine which procedures will best address their situation. and develop a treatment plan.

Beck Aesthetic Surgery

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Body Procedures Offered at Beck Aesthetic Surgery

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How is post-bariatric body contouring performed?

Both the lower and upper body lifts generally involve a single incision, placed in the natural folds of the skin to minimize the visibility of any scarring. These incisions allow Dr. Beck to tighten and remove excess skin both above and below the incision line:

  • The incision for the lower body lift goes completely around the torso and tightens the fascia and muscle of the abdominal wall giving your body a toned, sculpted look.
  • The incision for the upper body lift is typically along the bra line; it may be accompanied by a breast lift procedure.

Both upper and lower body lifts are complex procedures. They can be performed all at one time or in a series of shorter surgeries to accommodate the health and schedule of an individual patient. Performed under general anesthesia, surgery can last from three to seven hours, depending upon the extent of the surgery.

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How Much Does Major Weight Loss Surgery Cost in Charlotte?

Cost for body surgery after major weight loss depends on how much excess skin is present and the degree of laxity, so pricing is determined individually. After significant weight loss, every patient's needs are different. Schedule a consultation for pricing with Dr. Beck to receive an estimate built around your goals.

Recuperation

After an overnight, in-hospital stay for monitoring, the initial recovery time is approximately one to two weeks. Both pain medication and compression garments can be used to minimize swelling, bruising and discomfort. Drainage tubes may also be in place and removed after two weeks. Light exercise can be resumed after two to three weeks and normal activity can be resumed in four to six weeks. Full recovery from body contouring typically takes two to three months – although the results are visible far sooner.

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Other Options

Upper and lower body lift procedures may be combined with virtually any other cosmetic surgery to help you achieve the whole-body look you desire. These may include breast augmentation, face lift, neck lift, arm lift and inner thigh lift.

Dr. Beck will be happy to answer your questions and explain all your options during your consultation.

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Major Weight Loss FAQs

Will insurance cover skin removal after major weight loss?

Can I get body contouring after weight loss injections like Ozempic?

What is the difference between a tummy tuck and a body lift?

Will body contouring help me lose more weight?

Does body contouring after weight loss leave scars?

Can all my procedures be done in one surgery?

Is body contouring after major weight loss safe?

Will insurance cover skin removal after major weight loss?

Insurance sometimes covers skin removal after major weight loss, but only when it is medically necessary. Cosmetic body contouring is not covered, while a panniculectomy may qualify when hanging skin causes documented medical problems.

Insurers often look for issues such as:

  • Chronic rashes or skin infections under the excess skin
  • Recurring irritation that does not respond to treatment
  • A stable weight maintained for several months

Dr. Beck's team can help you understand whether your skin removal surgery may meet these criteria.

Can I get body contouring after weight loss injections like Ozempic?

Yes, body contouring is a strong option after losing weight with GLP-1 injections such as semaglutide. Rapid medical weight loss often leaves loose skin and volume loss, much like bariatric surgery does.

Once your weight is stable, Dr. Beck can address the loose skin surgically. If you are still losing, it is usually best to reach your goal first. You can learn more about the practice's weight loss injections.

What is the difference between a tummy tuck and a body lift?

The main difference is how much of the body each procedure addresses. A tummy tuck focuses on the front of the abdomen, while a body lift wraps around the entire torso.

  • A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal wall and removes skin from the stomach
  • A lower body lift removes skin around the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and outer thighs in one continuous procedure

After major weight loss, many patients need the more extensive body lift to address skin on every side.

Will body contouring help me lose more weight?

No, body contouring after weight loss is not a weight loss procedure. It removes loose, excess skin and a small amount of tissue, so any change on the scale is minor.

The goal is to reveal the shape your weight loss created, not to reduce your weight. For this reason, Dr. Beck recommends reaching a stable weight before surgery so your results last.

Does body contouring after weight loss leave scars?

Yes, body lift procedures leave scars, but they are placed to stay hidden. Dr. Beck positions incisions in natural creases and along areas covered by underwear or a swimsuit.

Scars fade over the following months and keep improving for up to a year. For most patients, trading loose, hanging skin for a well-placed scar is a worthwhile exchange. You can see real outcomes in the after weight loss gallery.

Can all my procedures be done in one surgery?

It depends on how much skin needs removal and your overall health. Some patients have multiple areas treated in a single operation, while others do better with staged surgeries.

Staging can be safer when:

  • A large amount of skin must be removed
  • Several areas are involved, such as the arms, breasts, and torso
  • Longer operating times would raise surgical risk

Dr. Beck builds a plan around your safety and your schedule.

Is body contouring after major weight loss safe?

Body contouring after major weight loss is safe for healthy patients treated by a board-certified plastic surgeon. As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, and slow wound healing.

Good nutrition and a stable weight lower these risks. Choosing a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Beck, who performs these complex procedures regularly, is the best way to protect both your safety and your result.

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