A slim, toned body is a hot commodity these days. It's a sign that one has achieved a level of health and fitness through proper diet and exercise. These are important parts of a healthy lifestyle, to be sure. But, for those who have sagging skin in the areas of the abdomen, upper arms and thighs and loose abdominal muscles due to age, childbirth or dramatic weight gain or loss, no amount of diet and exercise will ever produce the slim, toned results desired.

Surgeons have developed a surgical technique called the body lift, which combines the best of several common cosmetic procedures to reverse the adverse effects of time, gravity, childbirth and fluctuations in weight. In the body lift procedure, excess fatty deposits and skin are removed and inner musculature is tightened in order to produce a slimmer, more contoured profile.

The body lift procedure can enhance these areas of the body:

•  Stomach, waist, sides and lower back area

•  Buttocks

•  Inner, outer and rear thighs

•  Upper arms

The body lift is a composition of several surgical procedures, including the abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) and liposuction. For women who are also interested in either a breast augmentation, breast lift or reduction, a Mommy Makeover may be more appropriate. Your doctor can recommend the best procedure for you, depending on your needs and expectations.