Body Sculpting With Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Ellis Choy
Although weight loss alone is rewarding, skin that has previously ballooned will loosen and create hanging layers of excess flesh. Surgical removal of excess skin, along with reshaping of healthy underlying tissue, results in a more contoured and balanced physique.
To schedule a consultation with Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Ellis Choy, please contact us. Dr Choy and his team are committed to providing you with the education and empowerment you need to decide if body contouring surgery is right for you.
The Benefits of Body Contouring
Body contouring, or body sculpting, refers to surgical procedures that reshape areas of the body. These procedures achieve the following goals:
- Eliminate excess skin
- Smooth and tighten the remaining skin
- Remove excess fat
- Reshape or contour the area
- Improve overall body proportions
People often choose to have body contouring surgery to change their shape, to celebrate the end of a weight loss journey, or to look fitter and healthier. It is usually used to target areas of the body where diet and exercise are not making a difference.
Surgical body contouring after major weight loss removes stretched and excess tissue while improving the shape of the underlying support tissue. The result is a more proportionate appearance with smoother contours.
What Areas Does Body Contouring Target?
Body contouring surgeries can reshape almost any area of the body. Usually, a body contouring procedure is a combination of existing surgical procedures, such as a ‘lower body lift’ that includes the tummy, midsection, and outer thighs. An ‘upper body lift’, on the other hand, reshapes the breasts, back, arms, neck and face.
Common areas of treatment include:
- Abdomen
- Upper arms
- Neck and chin
- Face
- Breasts
- Upper back / bra band area
- Lower back / love handles
- Sides / flanks
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Inner and outer thighs
Together, you and Dr Choy will determine what approach is right for your body and the optimal timing for your surgery.
Body Contouring Procedures That May Be Included
Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)
An abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. It also tightens the underlying abdominal muscles that sometimes become stretched during pregnancy or weight fluctuations. The procedure involves an incision along the lower abdomen, suturing to bring the muscles together and repositioning of the belly button. A full abdominoplasty targets the entire abdomen, while a mini abdominoplasty addresses the lower half of the abdomen.
Breast Lift
A breast lift may be performed as part of body contouring after weight loss or pregnancy. The breasts can also begin to lower as part of the natural aging process. Breasts are lifted higher onto the chest through incisions that remove extra skin and reshape the breasts. You may have incisions around the areola, vertically down the breas, and along the breast crease. This surgery does not change the size of the breasts, but repositions them.
Breast Augmentation
If you want to increase the size of your breasts with or without lifting them, you may choose a breast augmentation. This body sculpting procedure is used to increase the volume of naturally small breasts or restore volume after weight loss and pregnancy. Breast size can be increased either by the use of breast implants or through breast fat grafting. Dr Choy often prefers a dual-plane surgical technique where the implant is placed between two planes of tissue to allow more soft tissue to cover the implant.
Facelift
Facelift surgery addresses age-related changes in the lower face, such as skin laxity, jowling and shifting facial fat. During this surgery, we lift and tighten the underlying tissue layers rather than just the skin for a more comprehensive correction. The techniques that we use vary from patient to patient and may include standard, short-scar, SMAS, MACS or deep plane methods. During your consultation, we will consider the degree of facial ageing, your anatomy and other factors to choose the approach that suits you.
Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift is one of the more comprehensive types of body contouring procedures and is often performed after major weight loss. It targets loose skin and tissue around the abdomen, flanks, lower back, buttocks and outer thighs. We use a circumferential incision around the lower torso to remove excess skin and reposition underlying structures. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital setting and usually requires several days of postoperative care.
Arm Lift
The area on the underside of the arms often cannot be addressed through eating healthy foods or exercising. If you have excess skin or fat in this area, it can be removed with arm lift surgery. Brachioplasty addresses the area from the armpit to the elbow, tightening the tissues and making the area smoother. Incisions are placed along the underside or the back of the arm, and we determine the length based on how much excess skin and fat there is.
Thigh Lift
Skin laxity and excess fat along the inner thighs can cause discomfort and concerns about aesthetics. We offer several types of thigh lifts to remove this excess tissue. An inner thigh lift targets the area where the thigh meets the pubic region, while a mini thigh lift focuses on mild skin laxity in the upper thigh. A bilateral thigh lift removes tissue from the front and outer thigh, and a medial thigh lift tightens skin along the upper inner thigh.
Liposuction
When localised fat deposits do not respond to physical activity or dietary changes, liposuction may be used to reshape the area. This body sculpting and fat reduction technique removes unwanted fat through a small tube called a cannula, inserted through small incisions. We can use liposuction on the abdomen, thighs, arms, flanks and other areas to remove unwanted fat.
Body Fat Grafting
Body fat grafting involves removing fat from one part of the body and transferring it to add volume to the target area. Fat may be removed from areas like the abdomen, flanks or thighs, and reinjected into the face, breasts and more. Since the transferred fat must develop a blood supply to survive, the final result depends on how much of the grafted fat remains long term.
Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring
Post-pregnancy body contouring refers to a combination of procedures performed in a single surgical session to address physical changes that occur after childbirth. We may include abdominoplasty, breast surgeries (lift, augmentation or reduction), labiaplasty and liposuction. Combining procedures allows us to treat multiple areas in one operation. Although recovery may take longer than with a single procedure, it involves just one recovery period rather than several. This approach is typically considered when childbearing is complete and overall health is stable.
Can Body Contouring Help With Weight Loss?
Body contouring is not to be confused with weight-loss surgery. Weight-loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, is designed to help patients lose weight and manage medical conditions related to obesity.
Body contouring, on the other hand, targets excess skin and fat left behind after weight loss. These concerns can cause side effects for people, despite their weight loss success. For example, excess skin is prone to rashes and infections where folds of skin overlap.
Surgical body contouring is often described as a “finishing touch” that concludes a weight loss journey.
Who Are the Ideal Candidates for Body Contouring?
The ideal candidate for surgical body contouring is already at or very close to his or her goal weight. This improves the safety of the surgery and promotes more favourable results. If you are still in the process of reaching your weight loss goals, ask Dr Choy what you can do now to improve your body contouring results down the road.
Like any surgery, body contouring requires patients to be in good physical health without medical conditions that could impair healing. It’s also important to have reasonable expectations, be prepared to follow all post-operative instructions, and be committed to a healthy lifestyle.
Body Contouring Pre-Operative Steps
Body contouring results are reliant upon pre-operative steps. Prior to the operation, patients are expected to achieve and maintain weight loss goals. Adequate recovery is impaired by smoking, so quitting, at least for a time, is highly recommended.
Plan to take time off work and away from other responsibilities. We recommend establishing a reliable support network of family and friends ahead of time who will help you during recovery.
Make sure you understand all aspects of your body contouring surgery. It’s natural to feel both excitement and anxiety as you anticipate your new look; don’t be shy about discussing your questions, feelings and concerns with Dr Choy.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations and determination to follow through with recovery and post-operative instructions. Ultimately, body contouring is suitable for individuals who are ready, able and determined to return to a healthy, active lifestyle.
Your Body Contouring Consultation
It is best to consult with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon like Dr Ellis Choy. He and his team perform plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures at their purpose-designed facility in Northbridge, close to the Sydney CBD. Dr Choy is a highly qualified surgeon in his field, providing solutions beyond the reach of less experienced surgeons.
From the outset, a consultation with Dr Choy is confidential and caring. Everyone is different, with hopes and expectations to match, and Dr Choy can provide a realistic and encouraging plan that is personalised for each individual’s body contouring goals. A consultation can include:
- Health evaluation, including pre-existing conditions and risk factors
- Detailed physical measurements to facilitate proportionate body contouring
- Treatment options and recommendations
- Discussion regarding expected outcomes
- Discussion of alternative treatment options
- Information regarding the operation, recovery and return to regular activities
- Any costs associated with plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures
Body Contouring Procedural Steps
As body contouring involves several procedures, an appropriate surgical plan is essential from the outset. Surgical goals must be thoroughly and thoughtfully defined, including adequate time allotted for post-operative recovery. Surgery can commence once this plan is outlined. The operation can last several hours, and general anaesthesia is used for invasive operations.
Body contouring incisions can be extensive. Incision length and pattern are determined based on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed. Every effort is made to position the incisions in discreet locations. Using advanced techniques, Dr Choy is usually able to make incisions that are concealed by regular clothing.
Procedure Staging and Timing
Body contouring is often performed in stages, with different procedures taking place at different times. Staging is important because smaller, shorter operations have lower risks and complications than longer ones. Body shaping procedures may be grouped by region, with one stage focusing on the upper body, such as the arms and breasts, and another on the lower body, including the abdomen, thighs or buttocks.
Recovering From Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring procedures can provide significant changes. As follow-up procedures are likely, a long-term approach to recovery is required.
Immediately after the procedure, you will feel a certain amount of discomfort. The incision areas may be sore, swollen and bruised. You will have various options to help alleviate pain, and you should prioritise rest during the initial healing process.
Body contouring recovery will involve caring for your incisions and, in many cases, surgical drains. Dr Choy and his team will provide detailed instructions for post-operative care. They may also prescribe specific sleep positions, bathing procedures and exercises.
Compression garments are a critical part of recovery after body contouring. These medical garments help reduce swelling, support the healing tissues and encourage your body to conform to its new shape. Patients typically wear their compression garments for four to six weeks following larger body contouring operations.
Expect activity restrictions after body contouring. Gentle movement should be started early to prevent blood clots, but vigorous exercise should be delayed for at least two weeks. Activities should gradually increase in intensity until full activity release is granted.
Results to Expect From Body Contouring
Although the initial results of the operation can be apparent quickly, full improvements take place over time. The full benefit of weight loss and excess skin removal becomes increasingly noticeable as natural bodily mechanisms restore and rebuild, with further natural contouring possible by introducing healthy exercise and lifestyle habits.
The results of your body contouring surgery can be long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight. Be sure to lead a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and regular exercise, and take care of your skin with daily sun protection. Although your body will naturally lose some firmness as it ages, taking good care of yourself can help much of your initial improvement to remain.
It is important to understand that outcomes can vary based on individual anatomy, the extent of the procedure and the body’s healing response. Surgical results are not guaranteed and may differ from person to person, even with similar procedures. Dr Choy will provide a detailed overview of what is surgically possible in your case during your consultation.
FAQs
How Much Does Body Contouring Cost?
The cost of body contouring varies depending on the number and type of procedures performed, the complexity of the surgery, hospital fees, anaesthesia, and more. We can provide a detailed quote after a consultation and full assessment. Medicare and private insurance do not usually cover cosmetic surgery, but some surgeries may address functional concerns that could qualify for coverage.
How Long Should I Wait After Weight Loss or Pregnancy Before Getting Body Contouring?
You will need to wait until your weight has stabilised, you are no longer breastfeeding and you do not plan on becoming pregnant for most body contouring surgeries. Fluctuating weight and hormonal changes can affect the quality of your results or increase surgical risks. Waiting at least six to twelve months after reaching a stable weight is ideal.
How Visible Will My Scars Be?
Scarring after body shaping is an inevitable part of this extensive surgery. Scars will become less visible over time, but they will never disappear entirely. This is something you must accept as part of the surgical process.
When Can I Return to Work After Body Sculpting?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the physical demands of your job. Some individuals can resume desk-based work within two to three weeks, while those with more physically active roles may require more time. Follow your postoperative instructions closely and only return to work when cleared to do so by your surgeon.
Request More Information About Body Contouring With Dr Ellis Choy
If you’ve worked hard to improve your health and were able to achieve significant weight loss, you have a lot to be proud of!
At Dr Ellis Choy’s Sydney plastic surgery clinic, body contouring after weight loss helps women and men put the finishing touches on their weight loss. Dr Choy has extensive experience in lifting, tightening and contouring procedures for all parts of the face and body. This allows him to tailor your surgical plan to your precise needs.
To meet with Dr Choy in Sydney, please call (02) 5104 9703 or enquire here.
Making an Informed Decision
Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.
General Risks and Complications
There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.
Specific Risks and Complications
In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For body contouring procedures, these may include:
- Surgical lifting risks and complications, such as temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation or colour, contour irregularities, disruption of blood supply, and excessive scarring
- Liposuction risks and complications, such as contour irregularities, skin laxity, skin numbness, fat embolism, and internal organ damage
- Fat grafting risks, including uneven fat absorption, oil cysts, calcification, and the potential for partial loss of grafted fat volume
- Breast surgery risks, such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, altered nipple sensation, and asymmetry
- Labiaplasty risks, such as prolonged swelling, altered sensation, wound separation, and discomfort during activity or healing
- Thigh and arm lift risks, including delayed wound healing, lymphatic disruption, and scar migration or widening
Next Steps
Request a consultation with Dr Choy for a detailed discussion of these considerations. Dr Choy will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. He and his team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.