After significant weight loss, patients often require procedures to reshape and remove excess, unsightly skin.

Surgical removal of excess skin may assist in addressing concerns related to excess skin and associated discomfort. Many patients struggle with excessive sweating, recurrent skin infections, and even skin breakdown in the folds of excess skin. Scarring from these procedures varies, and incisions are typically placed in discreet locations where possible.

What is Surgical Body Contouring?

Surgical body contouring includes procedures designed to reshape the body by removing excess skin following weight loss. These procedures address areas such as the upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.

Body contouring surgery involves various techniques that may assist in altering body shape following weight loss. Patients who undergo body contouring in Perth or other regions should have stable weight and be in good general health before proceeding.

Things to consider before weight loss (body contouring) surgery

This procedure is complex, and multiple operations may be required.

It is often safest to have two plastic surgeons working together to reduce anaesthetic time and complications.

Patients should have a stable BMI of 30 or less for at least three to six months before surgery.

Smoking should be stopped at least six to eight weeks before surgery to reduce complications.

Loose skin surgery can address both functional and aesthetic concerns, but realistic expectations are essential.

What does a body contouring (weight loss) surgery procedure involve?

Skin removal after weight loss focuses on several key areas of the body:

Abdomen, flanks, and buttocks – Removal of excess tissue via an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or belt lipectomy (lower body lift).

Breasts and back – Procedures such as mastopexy (breast lift) can reshape breast tissue.

Inner thighs – Thighplasty (thigh lift) – removes excess loose skin from the inner thighs.

Arms – Brachioplasty (arm lift) – removes excess skin from the upper arms.

Before the procedure, surgeons mark areas where tissue may be removed and plan incisions with care to help reduce the visibility of scars. During the surgery, excess skin that remains after significant weight loss may be removed, the stomach muscles may be tightened, and the incisions are closed with the aim of lifting the buttocks and thighs. Patients generally stay in the hospital for around three to five days, depending on individual circumstances.

Breast mastopexy (breast lift)

Loose breast tissue can be improved by lifting and reshaping the residual breast and fatty tissue and removing excess skin. After the excess breast and areolar skin have been reduced, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast. The nipples and areolae remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and perhaps also the ability to breast-feed.

In some cases, the breast gland at the bottom of the mound is repositioned underneath the gland at the top. This provides change in the shape of the breast and the fullness in the upper part (auto-augmentation).

In most cases, drains are inserted at the time of surgery and patients are required to stay in hospital overnight. The drains are usually removed after the first night and patients are then able to go home. Post-operative pain is usually minimal and is controlled with tablets prescribed by the anaesthetist who is present for the procedure.

Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Brachioplasty is a procedure for removal of excess skin affecting the upper arms. During the operation, excess skin and fat are removed through a long incision extending from the elbow to the armpit. A drain is inserted before skin closure and dressings before firm bandages / compression garments are applied. The procedure may be combined with liposuction or breast surgery.

Thighplasty (Thigh Lift)

Excess loose skin from the inner thighs can be removed through a medial thigh lift. The area for excision is usually first treated with liposuction before removal of excess skin. The wound is closed with a scar either running from knee to groin on the inside of the thigh or through an incision hidden in the inner groin crease depending on the pattern of skin excess determined pre-operatively. A surgical drain is inserted in each thigh and firm bandages / compression garments applied over the dressings.

What to expect after body contouring (weight loss) surgery?

Patients are encouraged to mobilise early to aid recovery.
Surgical drains are typically in place for up to seven days.
Most patients require two to three weeks off work.
Pain management includes prescribed tablets, though most discomfort subsides within 48 hours.
Scarring varies between individuals and may take several months to fade.
Topical scar therapy (e.g., silicone gel) is often recommended from the fourth postoperative week.

Risks of body contouring (weight loss) surgery

Like all surgical procedures, body contouring surgery carries some risks, including:

Anaesthesia-related reactions
Bleeding, bruising, or infection
Minor asymmetry in body contour and scars
Potential for wound healing problems, including delayed healing or infection
Seroma (fluid collection under the skin) requiring drainage
Temporary or permanent alterations in skin sensation
Blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism), requiring preventive measures.

Body Contouring in Perth WA

For those considering body contouring in Perth WA, it is essential to consult a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon to understand the best approach for excess skin removal after weight loss. If you are interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation, please contact us today.

Body Contouring (Weight Loss) Surgery Perth