Body Lift in Metairie, LA

Name: Body Contouring
Brand: Aesthetic Surgical Associates
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (148 reviews)

After dramatic weight loss or as part of the natural aging process, many individuals find themselves dealing with sagging skin and excess fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. At Aesthetic Surgical Associates in Metairie, LA, Dr. Metzinger offers transformative body lift surgery designed to restore contours and improve quality of life. This comprehensive plastic surgery procedure removes excess skin and fat while tightening underlying tissue to create a smoother, more youthful body silhouette.

Table of Contents

What is a
Body Lift?

A body lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Unlike isolated procedures that target specific areas, a body lift addresses multiple regions in a single operation, providing more harmonious results. The procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have undergone massive weight loss, whether through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes. It’s also effective for those experiencing loose skin due to aging or genetic factors that cannot be corrected through exercise or non-surgical treatments. A body lift doesn’t just remove excess skin—it restructures and strengthens the underlying tissue, resulting in improved contours that can last for years with proper maintenance.

Our Body Contouring Procedure

Upper Body Lift

Our upper body lift procedure addresses excess skin and fat in the arms, chest, upper back, and breasts. This comprehensive treatment creates a more toned and contoured upper body appearance by removing hanging skin that often results from significant weight loss. Dr. Metzinger uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring while maximizing results for both male and female patients. The procedure can be customized to address your specific concerns, whether you’re struggling with sagging arms, excess tissue around the bra line, or upper chest laxity.

Mid-Body Lift

Our mid-body lift focuses on transforming the abdominal region, waistline, and lower back for a more sculpted midsection. This procedure removes the apron of excess skin and fat (pannus) that commonly persists after major weight loss or pregnancy. Our surgical approach tightens the underlying musculature while contouring the waist, creating a more defined silhouette. Patients experience not only aesthetic improvements but often report enhanced core stability and reduced skin irritation in the abdominal folds.

Lower Body Lift

Our lower body lift addresses the buttocks, outer thighs, and inner thighs to create more youthful contours in the lower extremities. This procedure is particularly effective for patients who have developed significant skin laxity in the lower body following weight fluctuations. Dr. Metzinger carefully places incisions to ensure they can be concealed under clothing while allowing for maximum tissue removal and repositioning. Many patients experience improved mobility and comfort in everyday activities following recovery from a lower body lift.

Dr. Metzinger carefully evaluates each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals to recommend the most appropriate procedure or combination of treatments to help patients achieve optimal results.

Body Lift Surgery: Step by Step

Step 1: Consultation and Pre-Surgical Preparation

Dr. Metzinger conducts a thorough assessment, discussing your goals, medical history, and expectations. Using advanced imaging techniques, he creates a customized treatment plan specific to your anatomy and objectives. You’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions, including guidance on medications, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments to ensure you’re physically and emotionally prepared for surgery.

Step 2: Anesthesia and Incision Placement

On surgery day, our team administers general anesthesia, ensuring you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Dr. Metzinger creates incisions following natural body contours to minimize visible scarring. For a lower body lift, incisions typically encircle the body along the lower waistline and buttocks.

Step 3: Tissue Removal and Contouring

Excess skin and fat are carefully removed, and the underlying tissue is tightened and secured with advanced suturing techniques. Dr. Metzinger meticulously sculpts the remaining skin to create natural-looking, harmonious contours across all treated areas.

Step 4: Closure and Recovery

Incisions are closed using progressive tension sutures that help minimize strain and optimize healing. Specialized dressings and compression garments are applied to support tissues and reduce swelling. After surgery, you’ll be closely monitored in our recovery area before being released with detailed, personalized aftercare instructions to begin your healing journey.

The entire procedure typically takes 4-7 hours, depending on the extent of correction needed and whether additional treatments are performed simultaneously.

View Our Body Lift
Before & After

Recovery After Body Lift

Initial Recovery (Days 1-3)

Patients typically experience moderate discomfort that is managed with prescribed medications. Mobility is limited during this time, requiring assistance with daily activities. Drainage tubes remain in place to prevent fluid accumulation, and compression garments must be worn continuously to support healing tissues. Rest is essential during this period, with movement restricted to only short, therapeutic walks.

Early Healing (Weeks 1-3)

Drainage tubes are removed after the first week as pain gradually subsides, allowing transition to oral pain medications. Patients progress to limited movement within the home, eventually resuming light activities and possibly returning to non-physical work by weeks 2-3. Driving may resume once patients are no longer taking narcotic medications. Swelling reaches its peak and then begins to noticeably decrease, though compression garments remain necessary throughout this phase.

Progressive Improvement (Weeks 4-8)

Patients experience a gradual return to normal daily activities with light exercise such as walking and gentle stretching permitted. A significant reduction in swelling and bruising becomes apparent during this time. Incisions begin maturing and flattening as healing progresses. Many patients can transition from heavy-duty compression garments to lighter supportive options. By weeks 6-8, most normal activities can be resumed, and more vigorous exercise can be gradually introduced with professional guidance.

Long-Term Results (3 Months-1 Year)

Patients enjoy a full return to all physical activities, including strenuous exercise, as the body continues to heal. Final results become increasingly apparent as residual swelling completely resolves. Scars progressively lighten and flatten over time, though they will never completely disappear. Sensation gradually returns to treated areas, with the final aesthetic results fully established by the one-year mark.

Throughout recovery, Dr. Metzinger and the Aesthetic Surgical Associates team provide comprehensive support, with regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.

The ideal candidate for body lift procedures exhibits several key characteristics that ensure optimal safety and results:

Has achieved stable weight, ideally maintaining it for at least 6-12 months after working to lose weight

Has significant skin laxity in multiple body areas, particularly after dramatic weight loss

Is in good overall health without medical conditions that impair healing

Does not smoke, or is willing to quit smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery

Has realistic expectations about results and recovery

Is committed to maintaining results through proper nutrition and regular exercise

Is psychologically prepared for surgery and the recovery process

Benefits of Body Lift

Physical Benefits

Patients who undergo body lift procedures experience a dramatic transformation in their physical comfort and appearance. The elimination of excess, sagging skin significantly reduces chafing and prevents potential infections that commonly occur in skin folds. Body proportion and contours are visibly improved, creating a more balanced silhouette that better reflects the patient’s weight loss journey. Many patients discover enhanced mobility and physical function, finding activities like walking, exercising, and even daily movements more comfortable without excess skin creating restrictions.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

The emotional transformation following a body lift can be equally profound as the physical changes. Patients typically report significantly improved self-confidence and body image, feeling that their outer appearance finally matches their inner identity. Many experience reduced anxiety about their appearance in both personal and professional settings. This renewed confidence often translates into greater comfort in social situations and willingness to participate in activities previously avoided due to body consciousness.

Cost of Body Lift
in Metairie, LA

The average cost for body lift surgery in Metairie, LA typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000, though this varies based on your individual needs and specific treatment plan. This comprehensive investment includes surgical fees, anesthesia, facility costs, pre-surgical evaluations, post-operative care, and necessary compression garments. Several factors influence your specific investment, including the extent of your procedure, which treatment areas are being addressed, and whether additional plastic surgery procedures are performed simultaneously. At Aesthetic Surgical Associates, we believe in transparency regarding costs and will provide you with a detailed breakdown during your consultation with Dr. Metzinger. Our experienced financial team will help you navigate insurance possibilities and explore all available financing options to make your transformation journey as smooth as possible.

Why Choose Us for Your Body Lift?

At Aesthetic Surgical Associates, Dr. Metzinger brings board-certified expertise and specialized training in complex body contouring procedures, working from our state-of-the-art accredited surgical center that ensures optimal safety with advanced technology. Our comprehensive approach includes customized treatment plans addressing your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, supported by an experienced team of nurses and staff who provide attentive care throughout your surgical journey from initial consultation to long-term follow-up. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of cosmetic surgery advancements, as evidenced by our portfolio of successful transformations and high patient satisfaction rates, while maintaining a patient-centered philosophy that focuses on education, realistic expectations, and prioritizing your comfort and safety.

At Aesthetic Surgical Associates in Metairie, we don’t just perform procedures—we partner with you to achieve the transformation you deserve, combining technical excellence with genuine care for your well-being. We take pride in delivering exceptional results that enhance both appearance and confidence.

Aesthetic Surgical Associates

@bodybymetzinger