Body Lift
Surgery
in New Jersey

Over 25 Years of Experience badge

By Dr. Joseph F. Capella

  • Over 3,000 Body Lifts Performed
  • The World’s Largest Published Series by a Single Surgeon
  • Removes excess skin after weight loss
  • Smoother contour and improved comfort
Dr. Joseph F. Capella has spent more than 25 years dedicated exclusively to patients who have achieved significant weight loss and are ready to complete their transformation. Body lift surgery is the sole focus of his practice, shaped by decades of experience with patients who have lost weight through bariatric surgery, lifestyle changes, or GLP‑1 medications.

Body Lift Before & Afters  

A curated look at body lift outcomes from one of the most extensive
documented collections in post–weight‑loss contouring.

What Is a Body Lift?

A body lift, also referred to as a lower body lift or belt lipectomy, combines procedures such as abdominoplasty, thigh lift, and buttock lift to address excess skin and tissue laxity across the lower body in a single operation. It tightens the abdominal wall, removes excess skin from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, and often incorporates liposuction to achieve balance between the torso and thighs.

Many patients who initially seek a tummy tuck discover that a body lift provides a more complete and harmonious result by treating the areas above and below the hips together rather than in isolation.

Dr. Joseph F. Capella in professional portrait wearing dark suit and blue striped tie

Meet Dr. Joseph F. Capella

A Pioneer and World Leader in Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss and Body Contouring

Dr. Joseph F. Capella in professional portrait wearing dark suit and blue striped tie
Dr. Joseph F. Capella is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in body contouring after weight loss. He is board certified, fellowship trained at the Mayo Clinic, and has devoted his career entirely to post weight loss body contouring, building the largest published series of body lifts, arm lifts, and medial thigh lifts by a single surgeon. His approach is grounded in techniques he developed, refined, published, and taught long before modern weight loss medications existed, shaped early by training with his father, Dr. Rafael Capella.
He serves as Chief of Post Bariatric Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, caring for patients who travel from across the United States and internationally.
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Procedures That May Be Included

A body lift can include several surgical components. Dr. Capella determines which elements are appropriate based on your anatomy and goals, creating a plan that restores proportion and balance.

Tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin for a smoother midsection.

Elevates and firms inner and outer thigh tissue for a more defined leg contour.

Repositions and reshapes the buttocks, reducing lower folds and improving silhouette.

Refines areas of excess fat to enhance overall contour and symmetry.

Your surgical plan is customized after a full evaluation of your anatomy and goals.

We accept financing
through CareCredit.

Targeted Improvement
Across the Lower Body

A body lift can refine multiple connected regions in one operation,
creating a more continuous and balanced contour.

Woman in white bikini displaying toned abdominal and body contour

Procedures That May Be Included

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A body lift is designed for patients whose weight loss has left them with excess skin and contour irregularities that affect comfort, function, or confidence.

Once your weight is stable, a body lift can be planned to address the remaining excess skin and help complete your transformation.

Woman from behind wearing nude compression top and high-waisted briefs
Top 10 plastic surgeons New York award badge Voted Best Doctors 2015-2016 badge New Jersey Top Docs badge Top plastic surgeons award badge 10 Best Plastic Surgeon Patient Satisfaction award seal 2017 ABC 20/20 news program logo with blue and purple lighting effects The View ABC television show logo with four female hosts ELLE magazine cover featuring woman with wavy hair and red ribbon accent Life and Style magazine logo with four women American Society of Plastic Surgeons member badge CNBC logo Dr. Joseph F. Capella, plastic surgeon in Ramsey, New Jersey U.S. News & World Report logo ObesityHelp logo with tagline 'making the journey together' Top 10 plastic surgeons New York award badge Voted Best Doctors 2015-2016 badge New Jersey Top Docs badge Top plastic surgeons award badge 10 Best Plastic Surgeon Patient Satisfaction award seal 2017 ABC 20/20 news program logo with blue and purple lighting effects The View ABC television show logo with four female hosts ELLE magazine cover featuring woman with wavy hair and red ribbon accent Life and Style magazine logo with four women American Society of Plastic Surgeons member badge CNBC logo Dr. Joseph F. Capella, plastic surgeon in Ramsey, New Jersey U.S. News & World Report logo ObesityHelp logo with tagline 'making the journey together'

Why Choose Dr. Joseph
Capella for Your Body Lift?

Five Distinctions That Define Capella Plastic Surgery and Dr. Capella.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scars typically follow the natural contours of the lower abdomen, waist, and back, and are placed to be concealed beneath most clothing.

Most patients resume light activity within one to two weeks, with full activity gradually returning over several months as swelling resolves.

Body lift surgery takes approximately three hours under general anesthesia.

Rapid weight loss often results in excess skin that cannot retract on its own. A body lift is the definitive surgical option to restore contour and comfort.

A consultation is recommended once your weight has been stable for several months so planning and preparation can align with the optimal surgical window.

Your Consultation With a Recognized Leader in the Field

You deserve the highest level of surgical insight. Meet with Dr. Capella, virtually or in person, to review your goals and determine the most precise surgical plan.

What Our Patients Are Saying