Abigail Rodriguez M.D. Plastic Surgery
4400 Post Oak Pkwy, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77027
Phone: (713) 352-3199
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Abigail Rodriguez M.D. Plastic Surgery
12727 Kimberley Lane, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77024
Phone: (713) 799-9999
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Patients are often surprised by the suggestion of a body lift. Many patients come to Dr. Rodriguez wanting and expecting a tummy tuck alone.
If a tummy tuck alone will not provide an optimal result, Dr. Rodriguez will be honest and straightforward and may suggest a body lift. Dr. Rodriguez’s goal is to give you genuine advice so that you can make a well-informed decision about surgery.
Most patients are concerned about the additional scar on the back. Compared to a tummy tuck, a body lift results in a circumferential scar. However,the additional benefits that a body lift can provide are often well worth the additional scar above the buttocks.
A body lift is done under general anesthesia. The traditional tummy tuck incision is placed low to make it easier to hide beneath underwear. This incision is extended low on the hip, curving along the upper buttocks on each side. All excess skin is removed, and the skin is meticulously stitched closed in several layers.
As part of a body lift, Dr. Rodriguez performs all the standard components of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to provide the best possible outcome. Rectus diastasis, if present, is repaired, and a long-acting local anesthetic (EXPAREL®) is injected during surgery to minimize pain after surgery.
If you are a woman or a man in the Houston area, you may be a candidate for a body lift with Dr. Rodriguez. Great candidates for this surgery should:
Depending on how long your surgery will take, Dr. Rodriguez may recommend that you stay overnight in our facility on the night of your surgery. You may return home the next day, but you will need a caregiver to be with you.
Dr. Rodriguez recommends wearing compression garments for about 6 weeks after surgery. This helps reduce swelling and provides gentle support as you heal.
A special surgical tape is placed along the incision during surgery. This tape stays in place for about 3 weeks and does not need to be changed, making it easy for you and your caregiver after surgery.
To avoid pulling on the stitches, you will walk in a slightly stooped posture, bent forward at the waist for the first 3-5 days after surgery. After that, you should gradually work on walking with a more normal, upright posture. By about a week after surgery, you should be walking fully upright.
Most patients return to work about 2 weeks after a body lift surgery. You can gradually resume exercise about 6 weeks after surgery, but avoid sit-ups and crunches for 3 months.
Dr. Abigail Rodriguez blends advanced surgical expertise with refined artistry to create results that look natural, balanced, and enduring. Known for her compassion, transparency, and commitment to patient education and safety, she provides individualized care supported by a state-of-the-art facility, enhanced recovery protocols, and comprehensive follow-up—all designed to ensure you feel cared for, confident, and understood throughout your transformation.
Widely regarded as a top board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston and beyond, Dr. Rodriguez's excellence has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons and by Texas Super Doctors multiple times. She is trusted for her meticulous precision and genuine dedication to helping patients look and feel their most authentic and confident.
Post-surgery swelling of the area is to be expected. This means that some of the more subtle contouring of the abdomen and flanks may not be visible for a few months after surgery. Some swelling may come and go for up to 6 months after surgery.
Dr. Rodriguez takes great care to minimize the tension placed on the body lift incision. This allows it to heal with a thinner scar. The incision at the abdomen and upper buttocks is placed in a low position so that it can be more easily hidden by underwear and swimsuits.
Starting about 3 weeks after surgery, silicone scar therapy is begun to help soften the scar. It is essential to protect the scar from sun exposure, as this can cause it to darken significantly.
As always, maintaining a stable, healthy weight is crucial to ensuring your body lift result is long-lasting!
A body lift does involve a scar that extends around the lower body. Dr. Rodriguez carefully places incisions low on the body so they can be concealed beneath most clothing and swimwear.
While Dr. Rodriguez does not have a strict weight or BMI requirement for a body lift, she generally prefers that your BMI be under 35 for an elective body contouring surgery. She considers each patient’s specific situation, body habitus, and weight distribution and makes a recommendation accordingly.
To achieve the best possible result, you should be at a healthy weight and have reached your goal weight before undergoing surgery. Not only does this reduce your risks associated with having anesthesia, but it also gives you a better result because the amount of internal (visceral) fat is reduced.
Results are long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While natural aging continues, the improvements in contour and skin tightness can be enjoyed for many years.
The cost of a body lift in Houston can vary widely depending on the extent of surgery and other individual factors. Dr. Rodriguez will provide a personalized quote based on your anatomy and goals. Our convenient financing options help you attain your dream physique while maintaining your budget.
Paying for your procedure shouldn't stand in the way of feeling confident and comfortable in your skin. We offer flexible financing options, including CareCredit® and PatientFi®, to help make your treatment more manageable and accessible.
Our team will guide you through your options and support you during every step of your transformation.
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Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Abigail Rodriguez if you’re interested in learning more about body lift surgery in Houston. We’re here to help you achieve a look that makes you feel more comfortable in your body.
