Body Lift Cost in 2026
Understanding the Investment
- National average: $10,500 (range: $8,000–$15,000)
- Insurance: Not Covered — Body lifts are cosmetic. Partial coverage possible post-bariatric if excess...
- Recovery: 28–56 days typical downtime
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
A body lift improves the shape and tone of underlying tissue after significant weight loss or aging. The procedure addresses sagging skin and fat around the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and sometimes arms. In 2024, nearly 11,000 lower body lifts were performed in the US, showing its increasing popularity.
The surgeon's fee represents the largest portion of the total cost, reflecting their expertise and time in the operating room. Facility and anesthesia fees also contribute significantly, depending on whether the procedure is performed in a hospital or surgical center. These variables impact the overall price.
Consider an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) instead of a hospital setting for your procedure. ASCs generally offer lower facility fees, potentially saving you a thousand dollars or more in out-of-pocket expenses. If your concerns are limited to the abdomen, a tummy tuck is a less extensive and more affordable option. Many post-weight-loss patients also consider an arm lift or thigh lift to address sagging in other areas. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Where does your money go?
Typical allocation for a body lift procedure at the national average price point.
Body Lift Cost by State
Geographic location plays a significant role — cost-of-living adjustments, regional demand for top specialists, and facility competition all affect pricing.
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi $9,292-11.5%
- West Virginia $9,429-10.2%
- Alabama $9,502-9.5%
- Arkansas $9,576-8.8%
- Missouri $9,639-8.2%
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii $12,222+16.4%
- California $11,896+13.3%
- New York $11,844+12.8%
- Massachusetts $11,708+11.5%
- District of Columbia $11,602+10.5%
State-by-State Pricing Atlas
Click any state to see detailed pricing, regional cost factors, and top cities.
Body Lift Cost in All 50 States
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| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $9,502 | -9.5% |
| Alaska | $11,414 | +8.7% |
| Arizona | $10,584 | +0.8% |
| Arkansas | $9,576 | -8.8% |
| California | $11,896 | +13.3% |
| Colorado | $11,046 | +5.2% |
| Connecticut | $11,529 | +9.8% |
| Delaware | $10,762 | +2.5% |
| District of Columbia | $11,602 | +10.5% |
| Florida | $10,531 | +0.3% |
| Georgia | $10,290 | -2.0% |
| Hawaii | $12,222 | +16.4% |
| Idaho | $10,206 | -2.8% |
| Illinois | $10,626 | +1.2% |
| Indiana | $10,059 | -4.2% |
| Iowa | $10,028 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $9,954 | -5.2% |
| Kentucky | $9,692 | -7.7% |
| Louisiana | $9,786 | -6.8% |
| Maine | $10,899 | +3.8% |
| Maryland | $11,214 | +6.8% |
| Massachusetts | $11,708 | +11.5% |
| Michigan | $10,448 | -0.5% |
| Minnesota | $10,868 | +3.5% |
| Mississippi | $9,292 | -11.5% |
| Missouri | $9,639 | -8.2% |
| Montana | $10,238 | -2.5% |
| Nebraska | $10,132 | -3.5% |
| Nevada | $10,552 | +0.5% |
| New Hampshire | $11,078 | +5.5% |
| New Jersey | $11,498 | +9.5% |
| New Mexico | $9,849 | -6.2% |
| New York | $11,844 | +12.8% |
| North Carolina | $10,374 | -1.2% |
| North Dakota | $9,996 | -4.8% |
| Ohio | $10,322 | -1.7% |
| Oklahoma | $9,744 | -7.2% |
| Oregon | $11,288 | +7.5% |
| Pennsylvania | $10,689 | +1.8% |
| Rhode Island | $11,004 | +4.8% |
| South Carolina | $9,818 | -6.5% |
| South Dakota | $10,164 | -3.2% |
| Tennessee | $9,891 | -5.8% |
| Texas | $10,101 | -3.8% |
| Utah | $10,416 | -0.8% |
| Vermont | $10,972 | +4.5% |
| Virginia | $10,836 | +3.2% |
| Washington | $11,256 | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | $9,429 | -10.2% |
| Wisconsin | $10,479 | -0.2% |
| Wyoming | $9,922 | -5.5% |
Primary Pricing Factors
Three variables explain most of the cost variation you'll see across the same procedure.
The Road to Results
Recovery is an investment of time. Understanding the phases helps you plan downtime and set expectations.
Before your body lift, you'll have extensive consultations with your surgeon to discuss your goals and medical history. You'll also undergo lab tests and a physical exam to ensure you're a good candidate. Be prepared to stop smoking well in advance, and your doctor will advise you on which medications to pause or start.
On the day of surgery, you'll be under general anesthesia for the 5–8 hour procedure. Your surgeon will make incisions to remove excess skin and fat from your abdomen, back, hips, and thighs. After surgery, you'll be closely monitored. Expect to spend the first 24–48 hours managing pain with medication and dealing with drains.
Full recovery takes 4–8 weeks. Plan for significant downtime and help at home. You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery and assist you for the first few days. Realistically, you'll need several weeks off work. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and address any concerns. Be patient with your body as swelling subsides and your new contours emerge.
Paying for Body Lift
Not Covered by InsuranceBody lifts are cosmetic. Partial coverage possible post-bariatric if excess skin causes documented medical issues.
Financing Options
- Promotional financing — CareCredit's 24-month 0% APR plan is the most common way patients finance body lift
- Provider installment plans — many practices let you start payments before surgery and continue after, spreading out the cost
- Tax-advantaged accounts — cosmetic body lift does not qualify for HSA/FSA unless your doctor documents a medical need
- Cash discounts — surgeons prefer upfront payment and often reduce the price by 10-20% for cash-pay patients
- Charitable care programs — hospital financial assistance programs may help offset costs for qualifying patients