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Body contouring after major weight loss

Weight Doctors® RESHAPE Body lift

Comprehensive surgical body contouring in which excess skin and tissue are removed from several areas of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks and thighs. For people after massive weight loss.

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How your therapy is structured

Two building blocks.
One plan.

The Weight Doctors® MEMBERSHIP is the foundation of every therapy: medical oversight, progress monitoring and aftercare. The treatment you choose together with your specialist builds on it.

Building block 1

Weight Doctors® MEMBERSHIP

The foundation for every Weight Doctors® therapy – with the tools that support your treatment and record your progress for your medical consultations.

  • Weight Doctors® AppKeep an eye on weight, activity and sleep, for iOS and Android
  • Digital body scalesBluetooth scales – the readings flow straight into the app
  • 3D BodyscanMeasure body composition objectively, up to twice a year
  • Priority access to specialistsby phone, video or on site, without a long wait
  • 360 coaches and Weight Doctors® MiraNutrition and behaviour in everyday life, aftercare with your coaches
  • E-prescription servicePrescriptions issued digitally – after medical approval
More on the Membership
Building block 2

Weight Doctors® RESHAPE Body lift

Comprehensive surgical body contouring in which excess skin and tissue are removed from several areas of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks and thighs. For people after massive weight loss.

Procedure
Operation, as a rule under general anaesthesia
Duration
3–5 hours
Price
from approx. €12,000
Costs

The Membership does not replace a medical decision: whether treatment makes sense, and which one, is decided by your specialist after a medical assessment.

In comparison

Types of body lift

A body lift usually consists of several steps, which vary depending on your findings. What is suitable for you is set out in your treatment plan.

  • Lower body lift

    Abdomen, hips, buttocks and thighs; often through long, curved incisions along the lower abdomen, over the hips and along the lower back.

  • Upper body lift

    Upper back, flanks and chest; if needed together with a breast lift or an arm lift.

  • Combinations

    For example with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), a buttock lift or a thigh lift.

Personally here for youDr. med. univ. Nura Zamani · Plastic and aesthetic surgery

Your guide

The body lift at a glance

Who comprehensive body contouring may be suitable for, how the procedure works and how you recover in the weeks afterwards.

How the body lift works

After successful weight loss, especially after a bariatric procedure such as a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, many people initially focus on their health. But after losing many kilos, tissue, skin and proportions have changed: often loose skin remains in several places at once – on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and arms. Diet or exercise cannot reduce it any further.

The body lift is a comprehensive surgical body contouring procedure: it removes excess skin and fatty tissue, tightens the underlying tissue and reshapes the body’s contours – in several areas in a single procedure. It is not for further weight loss, but for tightening the body.

The body lift is part of Weight Doctors® RESHAPE, body contouring after weight loss; for more on the path afterwards, see the article You’ve done it – and now what?

It usually consists of several steps, depending on your findings:

Weight Doctors® RESHAPE surgical team during an operation
  • Removing skin and fatThrough the planned incisions, the surgeon removes excess skin and fatty tissue. Where they run depends on the type of body lift.
  • Tightening and shaping tissueThe remaining skin and the underlying tissue are tightened so that a smoother, firmer contour results.
  • Further areas as plannedIf needed, further tightening procedures are added, such as a breast lift or an arm lift.
  • Dressing and protectingSpecial dressings and compression garments enclose the treated areas. They reduce swelling and support healing from the very beginning.

Who is a body lift suitable for?

Excess skin can cause skin irritation and infections, restrict mobility, be emotionally distressing and detract from the overall result of the weight loss. For many people, a body lift is therefore the conclusion of a long journey. These points speak in its favour:

Weight Doctors® patient adviser in the consultation room
  • After a bariatric operation or considerable weight loss, larger amounts of excess skin and loose tissue remain that can no longer tighten naturally.
  • The excess skin causes problems such as skin irritation, infections or restricted mobility.
  • Your weight is stable and your general health is good.
  • You have realistic expectations of the result.
  • Careful planning and consultation are essential before the procedure – we discuss every aspect with you in person.

How the body lift works in practice

From the first consultation to aftercare – this is how your body lift proceeds:

Operating theatre, prepared for the procedure
  1. Consultation and planningA plastic surgeon takes your medical history and examines your skin and tissue. Your individual treatment plan sets out which areas are treated using which technique; risks, healing and aftercare are explained.
  2. PreparationBefore the procedure, you have a blood test. You receive advice on diet and medication, you refrain from alcohol and nicotine, and you also prepare mentally for the weeks after the operation.
  3. SurgeryYou arrive at the clinic having fasted. Your surgeon goes through the procedure with you once more and marks the areas to be treated; then the anaesthetic is started – usually a general anaesthetic, so that you feel no pain. In total, the procedure takes 3–5 hours.
  4. After surgeryDressings and compression garments cover the treated areas. After the recovery room, where you are monitored until you are fully awake, you will usually stay in the clinic for 2–3 nights for observation.
  5. AftercareYou wear compression garments for 6–8 weeks. At follow-up appointments, your surgeon checks the wounds and, where appropriate, removes the stitches. Short walks are beneficial; anything strenuous only after your surgeon has given the go-ahead.

After the body lift: back to everyday life,
step by step

For the first days and weeks you receive precise instructions: on wound care, on taking painkillers and antibiotics, and on compression garments. How long recovery takes depends on the extent of the procedure and your personal healing:

Nurse monitoring vital signs after the procedure
  1. Day of surgeryProcedure under general anaesthesia3–5 hours, followed by monitoring in the recovery room.
  2. Day 1–32–3 nights in the clinicDressings and compression care for the areas, pain is treated.
  3. first weeksRest and movementNo strenuous activities, but short walks – good for circulation and healing.
  4. 4–8 weeksBack to everyday lifeNormal everyday life usually after 4–6 weeks; you wear the compression garments for 6–8 weeks.
  5. after monthsThe final resultOnce swelling has subsided and skin and tissue have adapted – sometimes after a year.

In specialist hands: how a major procedure is made safe

At Weight Doctors® RESHAPE, your body lift is carried out by specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery with experience in body contouring after major weight loss. Because several areas are treated in a single procedure, planning and information take up a great deal of time: together you discuss every step, your expectations and the risks.

Like any operation, a body lift can involve swelling, bruising, infections and scarring, and rarely also thrombosis or wound-healing problems. The risks can be reduced above all through careful planning, observation in the clinic and aftercare as planned – it is important to follow the medical instructions exactly.

Surgeon and theatre nurse working together at the operating table
  • GermanyProf. WittSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. HerrboldtSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. ZamaniSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. KlarnerSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery

All specialists

How effective is a body lift after a bariatric procedure?

Studies and the experience of many patients show: after successful weight loss, a body lift can considerably improve the overall aesthetic and functional result. If loose skin remains in several places after massive weight loss, this can usually only be changed surgically.

Many people gain physical and emotional well-being, self-esteem and quality of life as a result. Results vary from person to person. The aim is a harmonious result that suits your figure – the decision should be carefully considered and agreed closely with a specialist.

The result can be long-lasting if you keep your weight stable. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial for this; the Weight Doctors® 360° nutrition coaching can accompany you in this.

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Weight Doctors® RESHAPE: your support around the body lift

A body lift is rarely a single step, but part of a longer journey. Weight Doctors® RESHAPE accompanies you from the first consultation through to aftercare, with a plan that takes your goals and your health into account:

  • One dedicated contactYour Weight Doctors® 360 coach is there for you throughout the whole treatment; contact with your specialist remains in place.
  • Making progress visibleThe Weight Doctors® 3D Bodyscan creates a digital avatar and shows how your measurements, body values, balance and posture change – more in the article on the 3D Bodyscan.
  • Weight Doctors® ShapeWearAfter the RESHAPE treatment, you receive access to ShapeWear made to your precisely measured body dimensions.
  • Combined with other treatmentsfor example following a weight-loss surgery or together with GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapy, which can help to maintain your weight after the procedure.

Treatments, specialists, team and patient stories on film: take a look at the Weight Doctors® media library.

Only one area, or mainly fat?

Whether a body lift is the right path depends on where skin has remained – and whether it is more a matter of skin or of fat:

Weight Doctors® surgeons performing liposuction
  • Only one area affected?If the skin remains mainly in one place, a single tightening procedure may be enough: the tummy tuck, arm lift or thigh lift.
  • Stubborn fat depositsIf it is less about skin than about fat that remains despite weight loss, liposuction may be an option – all round the trunk as 360-degree liposuction.

What does a body lift cost?

The cost of a body lift depends on your medical indication and the extent of the procedure; it starts at around €12,000. You receive an exact cost estimate after the personal initial consultation; our patient advisers will help you with any questions.

Weight Doctors® patient adviser at a laptop
  • Severe physical complaintsThe excess skin leads to skin inflammation, wound irritation or restricted movement that significantly affect daily life.
  • Psychological burdenDocumented, considerable emotional distress caused by the excess skin can also count as a reason; it usually has to be substantiated by expert reports from specialists.

The application must set out the medical necessity in detail and is supported by your treating doctor; further medical reports can improve the prospects. You do not have to submit it yourself: we take care of the application and all documents entirely.

All prices

Paying in instalments: how it works

If you would like to spread the costs over a longer period, payment in instalments via our partner Cosmetic Finance is possible. You decide the instalment amount and term yourself; Cosmetic Finance reviews your application promptly. You submit the application together with us during your consultation, by phone or entirely paperless online – more under Pay in instalments.

The requirement is sufficient creditworthiness. In detail:

  • Main residence in Germany
  • no negative Schufa entries
  • employed or retired, with disposable income
  • Students, trainees and homemakers can enter a second person from the same household as the borrower – a parent, child, spouse or partner

Apply for instalmentsMore on instalments

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Your specialists

In specialist hands.

39 doctors in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and South Africa – at the Weight Doctors® Nationalklinik in Wertheim and at your location.

  • GermanyDr. HerrboldtSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. ReifenrathSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. SimidjiiskaSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. HenscheidDoctor
  • GermanyDr. KochSpecialist in surgery
  • GermanyL. HiernerExpert in post-bariatric skin tightening
  • GermanyDr. BrombaSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyNetherlandsDr. GrunerSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyProf. WittSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. ZamaniSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. KlarnerSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. BaierSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. Dette-OltmannSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
  • GermanyDr. SchubertSpecialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery

All specialists

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Weight Doctors® RESHAPE Body lift

Your question isn’t listed? Your specialist will take time for it during the consultation.

How long does a body lift take?

The operation takes 3–5 hours and is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. Exactly how long depends on how many areas of the body are tightened in one procedure.

How long do I stay in the clinic after a body lift?

Usually 2–3 nights. After the recovery room, you are observed on the ward until your circulation, pain and wounds allow you to be discharged.

Lower or upper body lift – what is the difference?

The lower body lift tightens the abdomen, hips, buttocks and thighs, usually through curved incisions along the lower abdomen, over the hips and on the lower back. The upper body lift affects the upper back, flanks and chest. What makes sense for you is set out in your treatment plan.

Can a body lift be combined with other tightening procedures?

Yes. It is often combined with a tummy tuck, a buttock lift or a thigh lift; with the upper body lift, a breast lift or an arm lift is added if needed.

Can I lose weight with a body lift?

No. A body lift tightens the body and removes excess skin; it is not intended for weight loss. Your weight should be stable before the procedure. If you would still like to lose weight, we will advise you on the treatments for weight loss from Weight Doctors®.

How do I prepare for a body lift?

Before the procedure, you have a blood test. Your doctor tells you which medications to continue or stop, gives you advice on diet, and you refrain from alcohol and nicotine. Also prepare yourself inwardly for the weeks afterwards. On the day of surgery you arrive having fasted, and the areas are marked before the anaesthetic.

How long do I have to wear compression garments after a body lift?

For the first 6–8 weeks after the operation. Compression helps to control swelling, promotes circulation, supports the skin in adapting to the new contours and reduces the risk of complications.

When will I be back to everyday life after a body lift?

Most people resume their normal everyday activities after about 4–6 weeks. In the first few weeks you take it easy, but short walks are good for circulation and healing. Anything strenuous and sport only once your surgeon gives the go-ahead.

How long does healing take, and when can the result be seen?

Swelling and bruising subside over the first weeks; depending on the extent of the procedure, recovery takes several weeks to months. The final result usually becomes apparent after three to six months, sometimes only after a year, once skin and tissue have adapted. Results vary from person to person. Until then, you should rest physically and pay attention to a healthy diet.

Is the result of a body lift permanent?

The result can be long-lasting, especially if you keep your weight stable. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial for this. Results vary from person to person.

Will a body lift leave scars?

Yes. A body lift often requires long incisions – with the lower body lift, for example, along the lower abdomen, over the hips and on the lower back. Your surgeon will discuss with you before the procedure exactly where they run; he or she will give you advice on caring for the scars.

What risks and side effects can a body lift have?

As with any surgical procedure, risks and side effects are possible: swelling, bruising, infections and scarring, and in rare cases thromboses or wound-healing disorders. Choosing an experienced specialist and careful aftercare can reduce the risk; it is important to follow all medical instructions closely. Your doctor will inform you about possible risks and complications before the procedure.

What should I look for when choosing a doctor for a body lift?

Look for a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery with extensive experience in body lifts, especially after major weight loss. Check qualifications and certifications. Open, trusting communication is also important, so that your needs and expectations are taken into account.

What does a body lift cost?

Treatment costs start at around €12,000. How much they are in your case depends on the medical indication and the extent of the procedure; you receive an exact cost estimate after the personal initial consultation. All prices at a glance: Costs & prices.

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All paths.
From gentle to surgical.

Every method has its place. Here you can see at a glance how major the procedure is, how long it takes and what starting price you can expect.

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You are hereAfter weight loss

Weight Doctors® RESHAPE

After weight loss

Post-bariatric body contouring after successful weight loss.

Durationindividual
Pricefrom €4,990

All treatments

Locations

Consultation and treatment at many locations

You can have your body lift carried out at any Weight Doctors® location that offers Weight Doctors® RESHAPE, for example in the Weight Doctors® Nationalklinik in Wertheim – which one is suitable for you, we clarify in the consultation. Enter your postcode or choose your city:

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