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Body Lift in Charlotte, NC

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Reclaim Your Shape With a Body Lift

An unfortunate side effect of aging and weight loss is that skin that was once youthful and taut can start to sag, and stubborn fat deposits start to resist a healthy diet and exercise routine. Fortunately for our patients in Charlotte body lifts can offer a safe and effective remedy to sagging skin and unwanted fat.

A body lift is a cosmetic procedure for removing excess skin and sculpting a firmer, more toned appearance. Many patients experience sagging skin and stubborn fat after significant weight loss or aging, and a body lift helps restore confidence by enhancing the body’s natural shape. At Aesthetic Surgery of Charlotte, Dr. Adam Augenstein provides personalized body lift procedures that deliver natural, long-lasting results. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, he specializes in advanced body contouring techniques to help you achieve a smoother, more sculpted physique.

Body Lift Charlotte

Actual Patient

What is a
Body Lift?

A body lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure that reshapes and tightens areas of the body affected by significant weight loss, aging, or loss of skin elasticity. The treatment focuses on removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissues to create a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who have undergone major weight loss—either through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes—and are left with loose, sagging skin that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone.

The body lift procedure typically involves a combination of skin excision, fat removal, and tissue repositioning, tailored to each patient’s needs. Depending on the areas treated, liposuction or a tummy tuck may be incorporated to refine body contours further. During the procedure, Dr. Augenstein carefully removes excess skin, tightens the remaining tissue, and smooths the treated areas for natural-looking, long-lasting results. Because the procedure is highly customized, the surgical plan will vary based on the patient’s unique body type, skin condition, and goals.

What areas of the body can be treated with
Body Lift?

A body lift is a versatile procedure that can address multiple areas where sagging skin is present. It is most commonly performed after significant weight loss, but it can also benefit individuals who have experienced loss of skin elasticity due to aging.

  • Abdomen – One of the most common areas treated in a body lift, the lower abdomen is tightened and contoured to remove excess skin and improve definition. This may include elements of a panniculectomy, which removes the overhanging apron of skin that can occur after weight loss.
  • Lower Back and Flanks – The midsection is reshaped to create a smoother waistline and reduce the appearance of sagging or excess skin around the back and sides.
  • Buttocks and Outer Thighs – For patients with sagging in the lower body, a body lift can improve buttock projection and shape while lifting and firming the outer thighs.
  • Hips and Waistline – A body lift enhances contours around the hips, defining the waistline and creating smoother transitions between the torso and lower body.

Each patient’s surgical plan is fully customized to target the areas that will provide the most balanced, natural-looking results.

Body Lift Charlotte

Benefits of Body Lift

A body lift restores confidence by addressing the frustrating effects of loose, sagging skin. For many patients, this procedure is the final step in their weight loss journey, allowing them to fully enjoy their new shape without the discomfort of excess skin. Beyond aesthetics, a body lift can also help improve mobility, clothing fit, and overall quality of life.

Key benefits of a body lift include:

  • Improved Body Contours – Achieve a smoother, firmer, and more sculpted shape
  • Removal of Excess Skin – Eliminate sagging skin that cannot be tightened through exercise
  • Better Clothing Fit – Enjoy a more flattering fit and wider clothing options
  • Enhanced Comfort and Mobility – Reduce discomfort caused by excess skin folds
  • More Youthful Appearance – Rejuvenate the body’s natural shape for a tighter, toned look
  • Long-Lasting Results – When combined with a healthy lifestyle, body lift results are permanent
  • Increased Confidence – Feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin

For many patients, the emotional and physical benefits of a body lift extend far beyond the operating room. The procedure helps restore self-assurance, allowing individuals to fully embrace their new bodies.

Are You A Candidate For Body Lift Surgery?

If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight—whether through surgery or sheer determination—and now find yourself dealing with loose, sagging skin, a body lift might be the finishing touch. This procedure is especially helpful for people who feel like their hard work isn’t fully reflected in the mirror. Maybe you’re dealing with skin that hangs over your stomach, soft tissue along your thighs, or extra folds around your lower back or buttocks. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re likely a strong candidate for this surgery.

In general, Dr. Augenstein recommends that patients:

  • Are at or near their goal weight
  • Have maintained a stable weight for several months
  • Are in good overall health and don’t smoke
  • Understand what the surgery can (and can’t) do

If you’ve had weight loss surgery, it’s also best to wait about 18 months post-op, so your body has time to settle and stabilize. During your consultation, Dr. Augenstein will give you honest feedback about what’s possible and what approach would best suit your body and goals.

Consultation and Preparation for Body Lift

The first step in the body lift process is an in-depth consultation with Dr. Augenstein. During this visit, he will take the time to understand your goals, evaluate your unique body contours, and develop a customized surgical plan to achieve the best results. This consultation is essential for determining which areas will be treated, discussing realistic expectations, and answering any questions about the procedure and recovery.

Dr. Augenstein will review your medical history, current health status, and lifestyle to ensure you are a good candidate for surgery. He will also discuss the expected recovery process, scarring, and long-term maintenance of results. Patients who have recently undergone significant weight loss should have maintained a stable weight for at least 6 to 12 months before surgery to achieve the best outcome.

Preparing for Surgery

Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth procedure and optimal healing. Patients will receive detailed pre-operative instructions, which may include:

  • Stopping certain medications that can increase bleeding risk
  • Quitting smoking (if applicable), as smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications
  • Maintaining a stable weight to optimize surgical results
  • Staying hydrated and eating a nutrient-rich diet to support recovery
  • Arranging for post-surgical care, as patients will need assistance in the first few days after surgery

Patients should also prepare their home for recovery, setting up a comfortable, supportive environment with easy access to essentials. Dr. Augenstein will provide a personalized plan to guide patients through their recovery journey, ensuring the best possible outcome.

What Can I Expect During
A Body Lift?

Once your plan is in place and you’re ready to move forward, Dr. Augenstein will walk you through exactly how your surgery will work. Since every body is different, no two body lifts look the same—and that’s a good thing.

Some patients focus on the lower abdomen, flanks, and buttocks, while others include areas like the outer thighs or lower back. The procedure may include liposuction to refine and sculpt the shape even more. In some cases, everything can be done in one surgery; in others, it may be safer to stage the process over time.

Most body lift procedures take between three to six hours, depending on how many areas are being treated. You’ll be under general anesthesia, and your safety and comfort are our top priority throughout. Dr. Augenstein uses careful incision techniques to minimize visible scarring while maximizing the final contour—and he’ll go over every detail in advance so you’re never left wondering what to expect.

Body Lift Recovery

While this is a big surgery, healing is very manageable with the right support and mindset. Most patients go home the same day, though if you’re having multiple areas addressed at once, we may recommend an overnight stay for extra care and comfort. You’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home and help out during the first couple of days.

Swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort are all part of the process, but you’ll have everything you need to stay comfortable. Dr. Augenstein will provide detailed aftercare instructions, and you’ll be fitted with a compression garment to support your new shape and minimize swelling. Depending on your surgical plan, you may also have drains or dressings in place, which we’ll walk you through ahead of time.

Most people feel ready to return to desk work within two to three weeks, though strenuous activity—including workouts—should be paused for at least six weeks. That said, walking is encouraged early on to help with circulation and healing. Your body will continue to improve as swelling goes down over the next few months, and scars will fade beautifully with time and care. Results are often visible right away, but they only get better as everything settles into place.

Body Lift Charlotte

Actual Patient

Why Choose Dr. Augenstein for Your Body Lift?

At Aesthetic Surgery of Charlotte, we understand that every patient’s journey is unique. Dr. Adam Augenstein is committed to providing:

  • Natural-looking results that enhance your confidence
  • Personalized care with a comprehensive, one-on-one consultation
  • Advanced surgical techniques for a smooth, contoured appearance

With double board certification and a reputation for exceptional patient care, Dr. Augenstein ensures that your experience is safe, comfortable, and tailored to your aesthetic goals. Confidence is Beautiful. If you’re ready to reshape your body and restore your contours, we invite you to schedule a consultation today.

Body Lift Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, body lift surgery is a highly common procedure, especially for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and want to remove excess skin. It is frequently performed to enhance body contours and skin tightness after major weight loss.

Patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and tightness after surgery, but pain is manageable with prescribed medication. Most describe the sensation as soreness or tightness rather than sharp pain, and discomfort gradually subsides over the following weeks.

As with any surgery, potential risks include scarring, infection, bleeding, and delayed healing. Dr. Augenstein takes extensive precautions to minimize risks and ensure a smooth recovery, providing detailed post-surgical care instructions for the best outcome.

Results from a body lift are long-lasting, especially when maintained with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While skin continues to age naturally, most patients do not require follow-up procedures unless they experience significant weight fluctuations.

Yes, patients should be at or near their goal weight before undergoing surgery. The best candidates have maintained a stable weight for at least 6 to 12 months, as weight fluctuations can affect the long-term results of the procedure.

Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine a body lift with procedures like liposuction, tummy tuck, or breast lift to achieve a more comprehensive transformation. Dr. Augenstein will develop a customized treatment plan based on your goals.

Schedule your consultation to discuss personalized aesthetic treatment in Charlotte

For the highest quality care and results, book your consultation with Dr. Augenstein at Aesthetic Surgery of Charlotte. We can’t wait to help you realize your best life.