Reaching a weight loss goal takes dedication, but the process often leaves behind loose skin. It is a common concern that can be treated with surgery if it bothers you. Post-weight loss body contouring brings together a selection of procedures to remove excess skin once your weight has stabilised. At his Sydney practice, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Ellis Choy helps patients understand their options and creates a treatment plan for each unique situation.
What Is Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring?
Post-weight loss body contouring is any surgical procedure that removes skin and reshapes the underlying tissue after major weight loss. It may be one surgery concentrated on a specific area or multiple surgeries treating different areas at the same time. The treatment plan is customised based on the individual patient’s body shape and aesthetic aims.
Why More Patients Are Considering Body Contouring After Weight Loss
Many people are reaching their weight loss goals because of newer weight loss medications that work alongside diet and lifestyle changes to reduce cravings and promote weight loss. During these programs, fat tends to reduce too quickly for the skin to adapt, and it can leave loose folds in areas like the abdomen or arms. Body contouring removes this loose skin as well as any stubborn pockets of fat that have not been impacted by weight loss.
Is Body Contouring a Weight Loss Procedure?
Body contouring is not a weight loss treatment and is not to be used to reduce a large amount of fat. Instead, it is used after the patient has already lost weight and is looking to address the resulting loose skin. If you are interested in body contouring procedures, you will work with Dr Choy to determine the right timing after you have lost weight.
What Are the Benefits of Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring
For the right candidate, body contouring can offer several benefits, including:
- Removing excess, hanging skin
- Tightening the skin that remains
- Easing rashes from overlapping skin folds
- Smoother body proportions
Am I a Candidate for Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring?
The best candidates for post-weight loss body contouring are patients who are at a healthy and stable weight, since weight changes after the surgery affect the results. Patients also need to be non-smokers or able to stop in the weeks before and after the surgery. As with all cosmetic surgeries, results vary from person to person, so Dr Choy looks for patients who have a realistic view of the type of outcomes they can expect.
Body Contouring Procedures That May Be Included
Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
A lower body lift, or belt lipectomy, is an extensive procedure used after weight loss. During this surgery, a single incision is created around the lower torso to treat loose skin across the abdomen, lower back and outer thighs.
Abdominoplasty / Panniculectomy
An abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen while tightening the muscles underneath to create a flatter shape. A panniculectomy is similar, but removes lower abdominal skin without tightening the muscle. The entire abdomen can be treated with a full abdominoplasty, or the lower half can be treated with a mini abdominoplasty.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Loose upper-arm skin is common after weight loss, and the skin cannot be altered through exercise. An arm lift removes the excess skin to tighten the tissue between the armpit and elbow. Incisions are created on the inner and back surfaces, where they are less noticeable.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift is used for the area between the legs where loose skin can appear after weight loss. This tissue tends to be uncomfortable and cause chafing while walking. One of the most commonly used techniques is an inner thigh lift, but techniques can also be used to specifically target the outer thighs.
Breast Lift, Reduction or Augmentation
Weight loss can change the size and position of the breasts. When this happens, Dr Choy can use a variety of breast surgeries to change their position or volume. A breast lift removes excess skin and lifts the nipple from a downward position to a higher place on the breast. Breast augmentation provides additional volume to replace any lost during weight loss. Some people request a breast reduction instead to decrease the size of the breasts and make them more proportional to the rest of the body after weight loss.
Upper Body Lift
An upper body lift is used for loose skin on the upper back, bra line and chest. Sometimes, it is planned alongside breast surgery to treat the entire upper body, or it may be used on its own.
Liposuction
Dr Choy uses liposuction to remove pockets of localised fat that remain after weight loss. It is meant to refine specific areas like under the chin, on the abdomen, near the bra line or the flanks, and can complement skin removal.
Body Fat Grafting
During body fat grafting, Dr Choy uses the fat that was harvested during liposuction to increase volume in certain areas. Some locations lose more volume than others during weight loss, a process which is unpredictable and beyond the control of the person losing weight.
Preparing for Your Surgery
Before body contouring surgery, you will need to stop smoking and taking any medications or supplements that could increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure. You will receive a full list during your consultation. Arrange for time off work, and make sure you have support from a friend or family member on the day of surgery to drive you to and from the office and to care for you once you get home.
Recovering From Your Surgery
Expect discomfort, swelling and bruising during the initial recovery period. You will need to wear compression garments for several weeks, and depending on the surgery, you may have surgical drains to care for. With body contouring surgeries, you can move right away with gentle movements such as walking, and your activity will gradually increase over the next six to eight weeks.
Risks and Considerations of Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring
All surgery carries risk. General risks of plastic surgery include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, blood clots, reactions to anaesthesia and results that differ from expectations. These are detailed on our Risks and Complications page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there non-surgical body contouring treatments that can be used after weight loss?
For milder laxity, or if you are not ready for surgery, non-surgical skin tightening may help. Our sister clinic AF Aesthetics offers energy-based options such as radiofrequency and ultrasound to treat mild laxity.
Are there options for facial changes after weight loss?
Weight loss can also impact the face and make it look more hollow in areas like the cheeks, temples, jawline and neck. Surgical options with Dr Choy include a facelift, neck lift or facial fat grafting.
How long should I wait after reaching a stable weight before surgery?
As a general rule, wait until your weight has been stable for six to twelve months. This gives your body time to settle and protects your results.
Will I have visible scarring?
Scarring is unavoidable with skin-removal surgery. Where possible, Dr Choy places incisions so they are concealed under clothing. Scars fade over time but never disappear completely. Good scar care helps them settle.
How much does post-weight loss body contouring cost in Sydney?
Cost depends on the procedures involved, the length of surgery and the hospital and anaesthetic fees. Some may have a Medicare item number if the criteria are met. A detailed quote follows your consultation.
Book a Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Consultation
To find out whether post-weight loss body contouring suits you, book a consultation with Dr Ellis Choy in Sydney: call (02) 8962 9388 or request a consultation online.