Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring after significant weight loss can be due to diet and exercise, medications such as semaglutides or bariatric surgery such as gastric sleeves, bands or bypasses. In these situations, weight loss is more than usual and often faster than usual. It is also often from quite a high starting weight. This means that there is usually a lot of loose skin which can fall into overhangs and folds which causes problems with irritation and hygiene in the creases and folds, exercise, comfort, clothing and appearance. Several areas of the body may be affected but abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms are the most commonly treated.
Before having any surgery, your weight loss should be complete and your weight steady (for three months at a minimum after diet and exercise and up to 18 months after some bariatric surgery procedures). Ideally your BMI (body mass index) should have reached 30 or under and your nutrition needs to be good for healing as well.
Body contouring is an umbrella term for many procedures that reduce and tighten loose skin with or without muscle tightening or fat reduction as well. The most common procedures are abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, body lift, thigh lift, brachioplasty (arm lift), mastopexy (breast lift) but others can also be needed such as face and necklift. Combinations of these surgeries are often done at the same time.
The surgery is usually done under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure or with an overnight stay depending on the extent of surgery.
Reduction of excess and sagging skin, reduction of excess fat as well as lifting and reshaping of sagging tissue can be done. This is transformative for all aspects of life – mobility, exercise, fitting and choice of clothing, skin hygiene and health, social and intimate relationships.
Anaesthetic
General
Procedure Length
TBC Depending on which procedure
Facility Stay
TBC Depending on which procedure
Cost
TBC Depending on which procedure
Downtime
Light exercise can resume after 4-6 weeks
Available in-house at Purity Bridge
Yes
Anaesthetic
General
Procedure Length
TBC Depending on which procedure
Facility Stay
TBC Depending on which procedure
Cost
TBC Depending on which procedure
Downtime
Light exercise can resume after 4-6 weeks
Available in-house at Purity Bridge
Yes
The length of body contouring surgery varies depending on the areas being treated and whether multiple procedures are being combined.
Most procedures take between two and six hours and are tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
Recovery depends on the extent of surgery performed. Many patients require two to four weeks away from work and normal activities.
Swelling can take several months to fully settle, with final results developing gradually.
Body contouring surgery can remove excess skin, improve body shape and create smoother, more proportionate contours.
Patients who have experienced significant weight loss often find body contouring helps them feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance.
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, fluid collections, scarring and asymmetry.
Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail and explain how they can be minimised.
Body contouring is often suitable for patients who have excess loose skin following weight loss, pregnancy or ageing.
The best candidates are generally close to their ideal weight and able to maintain a stable lifestyle.
Yes. Many patients choose to combine body contouring procedures to address multiple areas during a single treatment plan.
Your surgeon will advise whether this approach is appropriate for your circumstances.
The amount of skin removed varies significantly between patients and depends on individual anatomy and treatment goals.
During your consultation, your surgeon will explain what improvements can realistically be achieved.
The results of body contouring surgery can be long lasting, particularly when combined with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight.
Future weight fluctuations may affect the outcome over time.
