Body Lift Surgery

Body lift surgery is an operation which involves the removal of excess skin and soft tissue. It is most commonly performed on the abdomen and lower back areas. This surgery can involve lifting of the abdominal skin, tightening of the abdominal muscles, repositioning of the belly button and lifting and repositioning of the skin of the buttocks.

It is possible to undergo a full body lift surgery procedure whereby a number of individual procedures are performed as one operation. This type of surgery usually requires liposuction and skin removal techniques.

At Manchester Private Hospital, we understand that every patient’s body — and every body journey — is different. That’s why we offer a full range of body lift procedures designed to target specific areas of concern and deliver a natural, balanced result.

Whether you’re looking to smooth your upper arms, lift your buttocks, or reshape your entire midsection, our specialist surgeons will develop a customized surgical plan just for you. Here’s a closer look at the types of body lift surgeries available at our Manchester clinic:

Upper Body Lift

An Upper Body Lift is ideal for patients with excess skin on the upper torso, especially after significant weight loss. This procedure targets the chest, upper back, arms, and underarm area — helping to restore a lean, toned silhouette.

Common components of an Upper Body Lift include:

• Upper Back Lift (Bra-Line Lift): This procedure removes sagging skin and fat rolls along the upper back and around the underarms (axilla area). Incisions are carefully placed within the bra line for discretion, and liposuction may be used for added contouring.
• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Often referred to as removing “bingo wings”, an Arm Lift tightens loose skin on the upper arms. The incision typically runs along the inner arm and may be combined with liposuction for smoother results.
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Designed to lift sagging breasts and remove excess skin, a breast lift reshapes the breast tissue and repositions it higher on the chest. Implants may be added if increased volume is desired, in what’s called an augmented mastopexy.

An Upper Body Lift is best suited for those who are concerned about loose skin on the top half of their body, but who are satisfied with the appearance of their abdomen and lower body.

Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)

A Lower Body Lift — sometimes called a belt lipectomy — focuses on reshaping the areas below the waistline. It’s particularly popular with patients who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy and are left with sagging skin around the abdomen, hips, thighs, or buttocks.

A Lower Body Lift may include:

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): This procedure removes loose skin from the upper and lower abdomen and tightens underlying abdominal muscles. Options like the Extended Tummy Tuck or Brazilian Abdominoplasty (with liposuction) can also address the flanks and back for enhanced shaping.
• Lower Back Lift: Targeting the love handles and lower back, this lift removes loose, excess skin and fat from the back of the waist, helping to define the body’s natural curves.
• Thigh Lift: A Thigh Lift removes loose, sagging skin from the inner and outer thighs — ideal for patients bothered by skin irritation or difficulty wearing fitted trousers. Incisions are placed strategically along the thighs, and liposuction may be used to refine the contour.

The Lower Body Lift is ideal for patients seeking a dramatic improvement to their midsection, hips, and legs — and is commonly performed after major weight loss.

Full Body Lift (Total Body Lift)

For patients with loose skin across both the upper and lower body, a Full Body Lift — also known as a total body lift or full body tuck — may be the most comprehensive option.

This procedure combines elements of both the Upper and Lower Body Lift to treat the torso, back, arms, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. It’s often performed in stages to ensure patient safety and optimal recovery.

A full body lift is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced rapid or significant weight loss, as it addresses the widespread impact that fat loss can have on skin elasticity. Patients often report both physical and emotional improvements, including better posture, increased mobility, and greater comfort in everyday clothing.

360 Body Lift

A 360 Body Lift is a term used when surgical techniques are used to reshape the full circumference of the body — either in the upper or lower regions.

• A 360 Upper Body Lift may involve a combination of breast lift and upper back lift to enhance the full upper torso.
• A 360 Lower Body Lift treats the abdomen, hips, lower back, and buttocks — creating smooth, continuous contours all the way around the midsection.

This approach is ideal for patients wanting uniform results and a more defined, contoured look from every angle.

Prior to your procedure, you will have a detailed consultation with one of our qualified surgeons. You will have the opportunity to highlight any problem areas and talk through the improvements you’d like to make. Your surgeon will also ask about your general health, including allergies, any medication you’re currently taking and any past procedures you may have had.

It’s likely the surgeon will perform a physical examination of your body. This will give them a clear understanding of your physique and what you’d like to achieve.

Your surgeon will help you gain a realistic expectation of the surgery and discuss the options that are available to you before agreeing upon a suitable procedure plan. Your consultation also provides you with a comfortable, safe space to ask any questions or discuss any concerns you may have regarding the procedure.

During your consultation, your surgeon will be able to tell you which liposuction and skin removal techniques will be used, and what you can expect in terms of your aftercare and recovery process. You will also be advised of any further testing or scans you may need ahead of the operation.

Body lift surgery is a major operation which is performed under general anaesthetic. The operation time will depend on the number and type of procedures you’re undergoing, but it’s likely this will take several hours.

When you arrive for your surgery, the areas that are being operated on will be cleaned and marked, and you will then be given your anaesthetic and sedation medication.

Body lift surgery can involve a number of individual procedures, such as liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift and buttock lift. Your surgeon will use specialist equipment and techniques in order to carry out each procedure effectively.

Once the surgery is complete, your incisions will be closed using stitches and bandaged up to support and protect the wound. It’s likely surgical drains will be put in place too. These allow fluid to flow out, reducing the chances of infection.

After your surgery, you will be monitored closely. As your anaesthetic wears off, you may find that you feel some pain and swelling around your incisions. You will be given medication to help relieve your discomfort. You may also find that you need to be mindful of your sleeping position to minimise the amount of pressure applied to your incisions.

It’s likely you will be required to stay in hospital, but the length of your stay will be determined by the extent of the surgery you have had. This will have been discussed with you at your consultation.

Once you are well enough, you will be allowed to go home. However, it’s important to note that you will not be able to drive immediately after your surgery, so you will need to organise alternative travel arrangements.

Your recovery journey is just as important as your procedure. Here’s what to expect:

• You’ll wear compression garments for several weeks to support healing
• Drains may be placed temporarily to reduce fluid build-up
• Most patients return to desk jobs after 2–3 weeks
• Light exercise can resume after 4–6 weeks
• Full healing, including scar maturation, takes several months

While scarring is part of the process, our surgeons place incisions strategically and provide aftercare guidance to ensure your body lift scar fades and blends as well as possible.

As with any operation, there is an element of risk to undergoing body lift surgery. The most common complications include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Swelling, especially around scar lines

Uncommon side effects of this type of operation include:

• Infection
• Haematoma (bleeding under the skin)
• Delayed healing
• Seroma formation (an accumulation of clear fluid under the skin, typically near the incision)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Respiratory or cardiac compromise

The cost of body lift surgery depends on the complexity of your procedure, number of areas treated, and whether it is performed in stages. At Manchester Private Hospital, we offer clear, all-inclusive pricing and personalised quotes based on your body and goals.

A full body lift cost in the UK typically starts from £10,000, while a total body lift involving upper and lower regions may range from £12,000 to £25,000, depending on surgical time, hospital stay, and follow-up needs.

Our pricing includes:

• All pre-operative assessments
• Consultant surgeon and anaesthetist fees
• Hospital and operating theatre costs
• Compression garments and post-op reviews

We also provide flexible finance options to help you manage your investment in yourself. If you’re searching for full body skin removal surgery cost in the UK, rest assured we offer expert surgery and transparent guidance with no hidden fees.