Body lifts are booming, but what’s behind the rise in demand? A leading plastic surgeon breaks down what the procedure involves, who it’s suited to and why more Aussies are considering it.

Dr. Mark Kohout is a highly skilled Specialist Plastic Surgeon with more than 25 years of expertise in cosmetic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Based in Sydney, Dr. Kohout is known for his patient-first approach, combining advanced surgical techniques with a compassionate care philosophy to deliver preferred results.

If you’d asked me five years ago what the most commonly requested procedure in my practice was, I would have answered without hesitation: breast surgery. Augmentations, reductions, lifts. These were the bread and butter of plastic surgery, and my practice in Sydney is no exception.

But today, there’s a new frontrunner. Almost overnight, body lifts have become one of the most in-demand procedures I perform for both men and women. And the reason is clear: the rise of weight loss medications has dramatically changed the patient landscape.

Why are body lifts on the rise?

Week after week, I consult patients (mostly men and women in their 40s and 50s) who’ve experienced significant weight loss in a relatively short period. Whether they’ve been on GLP-1 agonists, had bariatric surgery, or achieved their results through lifestyle changes, the outcome is often the same: an amazing drop in weight, but also an overwhelming amount of loose, hanging skin.

This excess skin isn’t just cosmetic; it can interfere with movement, hygiene, clothing and self-esteem. Some patients tell me that they feel like their bodies haven’t caught up with their success. 

One patient in her late 40s recently told me, “I’ve finally lost the weight, but I still don’t feel like I can wear a swimsuit or look in the mirror without being reminded of how far I had to come.” For her, and many like her, body lift surgery offered more than vanity, it offered closure.

What does body lift surgery involve?

Body lift surgery is extensive, often involving a combination of multiple surgeries. These include abdominoplasty, buttock lift, outer thigh lift, liposuction and more. Essentially, I perform five procedures in one.

It takes up to eight hours in theatre, a four-day hospital stay and six to eight weeks of recovery. But the results are dramatic. I’ve seen patients who’ve lost 40 or 50 kilograms walk out of my clinic months later with not just a new body, but a new level of confidence.

When is the best time to get a body lift?

It’s important to note this isn’t a procedure to be rushed into. I advise all patients to wait until their weight has been stable for at least six months – usually around 12 to 18 months after their initial weight loss. Surgery before this point can lead to disappointing or unpredictable results.

Who is the procedure suited to?

The ideal candidate is a non-smoker in good health, with a BMI under 35 and a strong understanding of both the risks and rewards of the operation. Scarring is inevitable, but I place incisions where they can be concealed by underwear or swimwear. Most patients feel the trade-off is worth it.

As a surgeon with over 25 years of experience, it’s incredibly rewarding to help someone complete their transformation. Weight loss is only half the journey, and surgical refinement, when appropriate, is the finishing touch.

For many of my patients, a body lift is not just a cosmetic procedure. It’s the final step in reclaiming their body, and their life.

This article first appeared on Beauty Truth.

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