Body

Body Contouring in Sydney

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 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 INCLUDE:

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.

BODY CONTOURING CANDIDATES

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 Surgeons 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.

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.

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 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.

Scarring 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.

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.

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) 8962 9388 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

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.