Body Contouring Sydney
Losing a significant amount of weight requires great commitment and determination. After major weight loss, the skin may tighten over several months, but in some cases it does not fully retract. This can leave loose skin around areas such as the face, neck, breasts, arms, abdomen, and thighs. Some people may also carry persistent deposits of fat in specific areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.
Loose or excess skin can sometimes cause functional issues, including rashes, skin infections (intertrigo), boils, reduced mobility, or difficulty wearing clothing comfortably.
Body contouring surgery refers to a group of reconstructive procedures that may be performed to address excess skin and soft tissue after major weight loss, pregnancy, or other changes to body shape. These procedures aim to restore function and improve comfort while also considering appearance. In Sydney, particularly in Southern Sydney and the Eastern Suburbs, body contouring procedures are offered in accredited hospitals by qualified plastic surgeons.
What is Body Contouring Surgery?
Body contouring surgery can involve operations on different parts of the body, often in combination with liposuction and skin removal techniques. It is generally considered for patients who have reached a stable weight following significant weight loss or childbirth. Loose skin can sometimes lead to discomfort, rashes, infections (intertrigo), or difficulty with mobility and clothing. In these cases, reconstructive surgery may be discussed as an option.
Types of Body Contouring Procedures
Several procedures may be considered depending on the areas of concern:
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and may also involve tightening of the abdominal muscles. It is commonly considered after weight change or pregnancy when skin and muscle do not return to their previous position.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): A breast lift reshapes and lifts the breast by removing excess skin. This procedure is sometimes sought after significant weight loss, where the breast tissue may appear droopy (ptotic). In male patients, body contouring may also include removal of redundant chest skin in selected cases.
- Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): A brachioplasty involves removal of excess skin from the upper arm. The incision generally extends from the armpit toward the elbow along the inner aspect of the arm. In some cases, skin excision may be extended to the side chest area if there is skin excess above the bra line.
- Thigh Lift: A thigh lift may address skin laxity in different regions of the thigh. A medial thigh lift focuses on the inner thigh, while outer thigh skin redundancy may be addressed with an abdominoplasty or body lift.
Who Should Not Undergo Body Contouring Surgery?
These operations are not intended for weight loss but rather for reshaping areas after weight has already been lost. Patients with unstable weight, uncontrolled medical conditions, or poor nutritional status may not be suitable candidates.
Consultation and Planning
An initial consultation usually includes a review of medical history, discussion of concerns, and a physical examination. Clinical photographs and measurements may be taken to plan surgery. Written information is provided so that patients can carefully consider their options. For larger treatments, staged operations may be recommended to reduce risks and recovery time.
Hospital Stay and Recovery
The length of surgery and hospital stay depends on the type and number of procedures performed. Patients are often advised to wear compression garments for several weeks to help with healing. Return to work and physical activity will vary depending on the extent of surgery, generally ranging from a few weeks to longer for more complex procedures.
Health Insurance and Medicare
Private health insurance may cover some procedures if there is documented functional impairment after major weight loss. Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers, such as 30169, 30177, or 30179, may apply in certain circumstances. Patients should confirm coverage directly with their health fund.
Who Should Perform Body Contouring Surgery?
Body contouring involves real surgery and carries risks. It should be performed in accredited hospitals by appropriately qualified surgeons. In Australia, this generally means surgeons who hold a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons have undergone this training and are recognised as specialists in this field.
Body Contouring in Sydney
Dr Amira Sanki and Dr Ilias Kotronakis are Specialist Plastic Surgeons (FRACS) who provide body contouring surgery in Sydney, including Southern Sydney and the Eastern Suburbs. Both trained at Australian universities, graduating with Honours, and are members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. They have experience in abdominoplasty, breast lift, brachioplasty, thigh lift, and related procedures, performed in accredited hospitals with appropriate peri-operative support.
Individualised treatment planning
If multiple areas require treatment, procedures may be performed in stages. This can reduce the length of a single anaesthetic and help to make recovery more manageable. At Southern Aesthetic in Kogarah and Bondi Junction, we take an individualised approach to planning surgery for each patient in line with their needs and overall health.
Where to Find More Information
Further information about body contouring surgery can be found on professional association websites such as the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). A consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is the best way to receive advice tailored to individual circumstances.
Plastic surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, asymmetry, unfavourable scarring, and anaesthetic complications. Your surgeon will explain the risks most relevant to you, in the context of your health and the specifics of your surgery.
Body contouring procedures (such as abdominoplasty, arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift or reduction, and liposuction) carry similar risks to other major operations. The possible risks and complications include:
1. Anaesthetic risks – complications related to general anaesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing problems.
2. Bleeding (haematoma) – bleeding may occur during or after surgery, occasionally requiring further treatment.
3. Infection – uncommon, but may require antibiotics or additional intervention.
4. Delayed wound healing – stretched or long incisions can sometimes heal slowly, particularly at junction points.
5. Scarring – scars are permanent, and while they usually fade, some patients may develop thickened, stretched or widened scars.
6. Seroma (fluid collection) – fluid may collect beneath the skin and require drainage.
7. Skin or fat necrosis – reduced blood supply can cause small areas of skin or fat to heal poorly.
8. Umbilical necrosis – in abdominoplasty procedures, the blood supply to the belly button may be affected, leading to partial or complete loss.
9. Numbness or altered sensation – temporary or permanent changes in skin feeling are common in the treated areas.
10. Chronic pain – persistent nerve-related pain or discomfort can occur, although it is uncommon.
11. Asymmetry or contour irregularities – differences in shape, tightness, or scar position may result.
12. Changes in skin laxity – skin may not retract evenly, particularly after large-volume fat removal.
13. Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) – rare but serious risks linked to reduced mobility after major surgery.
14. Need for revision surgery – further procedures may be required to improve results or address complications.
It’s crucial for individuals considering plastic surgery to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can thoroughly explain the risks and benefits specific to their desired procedure. Understanding and carefully weighing these risks against the potential benefits can help individuals make informed decisions about whether to proceed with plastic surgery.
Please read the specific procedure page for the procedure (eg abdominoplasty, thigh lift) that you are considering
These photos are of a real patient of Southern Aesthetic Plastic Surgery who has given consent for their use on this website. The outcomes shown are only relevant for these patients and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Individual results can and will vary according to a patient’s genetics, age, diet and exercise.
Breast Augmentation and Extended Abdominoplasty
