Body Lift San Diego

A Body Lift (circumferential abdominoplasty) is a transformative procedure designed to restore balance and contour to the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks by removing excess skin and residual fat deposits. It is often the final step for individuals who have achieved substantial weight loss—whether through GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide or tirzepatide), diet and exercise, or weight-loss surgery including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or lap-band procedures.

 

While these methods can lead to impressive weight reduction and improved health, they often leave behind stretched or deflated skin that cannot be corrected through non-surgical means. A body lift tightens and smooths these areas, lifts sagging tissue, and refines the body’s proportions to reveal the toned figure underneath. The results can dramatically enhance confidence and provide lasting rejuvenation of your natural shape.

 

At Marin Aesthetics, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Vincent P. Marin combines nearly two decades of experience with advanced surgical artistry to deliver natural, elegant outcomes. Each procedure is carefully tailored to your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle, helping you fully enjoy and celebrate the body you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Cost & Financing

Typically, the cost of a body lift in La Jolla and San Diego ranges from $12,000 – $18,000. The final, personalized price depends on additional procedures performed (such as liposuction), the areas of the body to be treated, the anesthesia used, the surgeon’s fee, and other miscellaneous operating room (OR) expenses.

Marin Aesthetics accepts cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards.

Techniques

Otoplasty covers many forms of surgical enhancements for one or both ears. The specific ear problem dictates which surgery is required to correct the deformity.

Lower Body Lift

Lower body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, addresses the thighs, hips, and buttocks, which are the areas in which most of the weight loss occurs. This procedure does not only remove the sagging skin caused by significant weight loss but refines and lifts the contours of the body.

Buttock and Thigh Lift

A buttock and thigh lift is a procedure designed to tighten a sagging buttock and outer thighs commonly seen after significant weight loss. This helps refine and contour the entire buttock and outer hip while keeping the incisions well hidden on the waist’s posterior portion.

Extended Abdominoplasty

The extended abdominoplasty is designed for patients who experience significant weight loss in the front (anterior) of the abdomen. This procedure addresses the loss of skin elasticity by combining the tightening power of the tummy tuck and the extended skin removal with a scar that extends further along the sides of the waist. This approach allows for more aggressive contouring of the skin in combination with the tightening of the abdominal wall muscles.

The Procedure

You will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and concerns during your initial consultation with Dr. Marin. In turn, he will determine the ideal type of body lift that will best improve your shape and contour.

Our surgical team is composed of Dr. Marin, a Scripps Memorial Board-Certified anesthesiologist, a registered nurse, and experienced scrub tech.

Body lift surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately 6 hours to complete. It usually begins with Dr. Marin marking ideal incision sites on your body, then proceeds to the operating room.

After getting general anesthesia, Dr. Marin will contour your body by removing any loose or excess skin. In some cases, stubborn fat deposits may also be removed with liposuction so that your body will be even more defined postoperatively. All incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures.

Frequently, overnight care nurses are recommended to help patients and families manage postoperative pain and dressings. We routinely place a drain tube within the surgery area to prevent fluid buildup. This is usually removed 7 – 10 days after the surgery.

What to expect for your

BODY LIFT

Length

6 hours

Anesthesia

General Anesthesia

in/outpatient

Usually outpatient; larger treatment areas may require an inpatient stay

Duration of Results

Permanent with diet and exercise

rISKS

Bleeding, bruising

rECOVERY

3 – 6 weeks

SIDE EFFECTS

Swelling, bruising, and scarring

Final APPEARANCE

2 – 3 months

Your New Look After Body Lift Surgery

Your body lift results will be considered final after 3 – 6 months. Your skin will better conform to your body’s contours, giving you a refreshed and youthful shape and appearance. When paired with a balanced diet and exercise, the results are permanent. Scars will fade into thin white lines after some time and will be easily hidden beneath your undergarments.

Recovery & Scars

The recovery period for a body lift generally takes 3 – 6 weeks. Dr. Marin will provide a compression garment that you will need to wear for your recovery duration or until the swelling goes down.

Rest and sleep in an inclined position for one week. Do not take long showers or submerge your incisions in water for 2 – 3 weeks.

You may return to work after 3 – 4 weeks or upon Dr. Marin’s approval.