What Is the Difference Between a Lower Body Lift and a Full Body Lift?

For patients who have undergone significant weight loss or are experiencing loose, sagging skin due to aging, body lift surgery offers a highly transformative way to restore a firmer, more toned appearance. Two common options for addressing excess skin are the lower body lift and the full body lift — leading many Oklahoma City, OK patients to ask what the difference is between these two procedures and how to know which one is right for them. Generally speaking, full body lift is used to address a wider range of areas compared to lower body lift surgery, which is confined to the lower portion of the body.

At Sawan Surgical Aesthetics near Oklahoma City, OK, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan offers a complete suite of body contouring surgeries, including lower body lifts and full body lifts. With extensive experience and a personalized approach, Dr. Sawan helps his patients achieve the striking, life-changing results they desire. Take a closer look here at some of the key differences between lower body lift vs. full body lift to help you get a better understanding of which procedure may be most suitable for your unique needs.

What is a lower body lift?

A lower body lift is a comprehensive body contouring procedure that targets excess skin, fat, and tissue in the lower half of the body. Lower body lift surgery is often performed for skin removal after weight loss, though it may be appropriate in other cases as well. While each lower body lift is personalized based on the patient's individual needs and goals, lower body contouring surgery typically focuses on the abdomen, flanks, and buttocks to create a smoother and more defined contour. One important thing to note is that Dr. Sawan's lower body lift technique does not include the thighs. However, a thigh lift can often be performed alongside the lower body lift to provide more complete results for patients who want to address sagging skin on the thighs as well.

What is a full body lift?

Compared with a lower body lift, the full body lift is a more extensive procedure that addresses excess skin on both the upper and lower parts of the body. This typically includes areas such as the abdomen, flanks, buttocks, arms, and even the breasts. Full body lifts are designed for patients who have more widespread loose skin and require a more complete transformation to achieve their desired results. While a lower body lift targets the midsection and below, a full body lift combines the effects of an upper body lift (arms, chest, and back) with the lower body lift for an all-encompassing approach. This procedure is usually reserved for patients who have experienced extreme weight loss and have significant skin laxity throughout the body.

What is the difference between lower body lift and full body lift?

Although both procedures are designed to remove excess skin and improve body contour, there are a few key differences between a lower body lift vs. full body lift, including:

Treatment area

Lower body lifts focus on the abdomen, buttocks, and flanks, while full body lifts address both upper and lower body areas.

Procedure length

Full body lifts are more extensive and typically take longer to perform than lower body lifts due to the number of areas being treated.

Recovery time

Since a full body lift involves more surgical sites, the recovery period is often longer than that of a lower body lift. However, Dr. Sawan ensures that each patient's recovery plan is tailored to their individual needs.

Do I need full body lift or lower body lift?

Choosing between full body lift vs. a lower body lift depends on several individual factors, including the specific areas of concern and overall goals. Patients with localized skin laxity in the midsection and lower body may benefit from a lower body lift. However, if you have significant sagging skin in both the upper and lower body, a full body lift may be more appropriate.

During your private consultation with Dr. Sawan, he will thoroughly assess your body, listen to your goals, and recommend the ideal course of action. For patients looking for more comprehensive results, a combination of procedures — such as a thigh lift or arm lift — can often be performed alongside the lower or full body lift to achieve a more balanced and sculpted appearance that can give you the body you've been dreaming of and the confidence you deserve.

Take the next step in your weight loss transformation with body lift surgery in Oklahoma City, OK

If you're considering a lower or full body lift to restore a more contoured figure, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan at Sawan Surgical Aesthetics is here to guide you every step of the way. With years of experience in body contouring surgery, Dr. Sawan can help you determine which procedure is right for you and create a custom treatment plan that aligns with your goals. Contact our plastic surgery office near Oklahoma City, OK today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for body contouring and skin removal.