Body Contouring and Skin Removal Surgery

Body contouring surgery encompasses procedures designed to alter the shape of your body. It can include procedures ranging from liposuction to body lift surgery. These procedures are more often are undertaken to address the residual changes seem after significant weight loss. A body lift or body contouring is a series of cosmetic or plastic surgical procedures that involves removal and tightening of skin to reshape the body and reduce excess saggy skin. Body lift procedures entail ‘lipectomy’ which means skin and fat removal.

The primary purpose of the a body lift is to remove excess sagging skin fromt eh affected body region. In some cases of weight loss, stubborn fat is still evident, and in such cases, liposuction is often combined with the body lift procedure to more definitively address the areas being treated. A body lift offers an effective way to remove the excess skin from areas like abdomen, thighs, buttocks, back, and areas surrounding the breasts.

• An upper body lift (hyperlink) as the name implies, entails skin removal surgery from the upper part of your body. Following skin removal, the midback and lower back area is lifted, and these manouvres typically address the ‘back rolls’. The incision is often placed along the bra line, and is therfore sometime referred to as a ‘bra line back lift.’
• A lower body lift (hyperlink) entails skin removal around the waistline. This is followed by relifting of the buttock, and outer thigh regions. Skin removal and lipectomy from the front of the abdomen (along with abdominoplasty) is also combined with the procedure.

Some patients require body-contouring procedures to address excessive skin, remaining fatty tissue, and lack of tissue elasticity after weight loss. Results from body contouring and cosmetic surgery procedures after massive weight loss are typically long lasting but it is important to maintain the results with proper diet and exercise. It is absolutely possible to gain weight post-surgery so it is really important to keep up to date with a healthy diet and exercise routine so you enjoy the benefits and results of your weight loss and surgery journey.

As with any major surgery there are a certain amount of risks and potential complications. Common side effects include bruising and swelling. Numbness around the site of surgery is common and typically improves with time. Wound healing issues can arise and it is important to optimise your general health prior to surgery to reduce this risk. Smoking and nicotine consumtption is a known risk factor for wound healing complications and infection. A favourable Body Mass Index (BMI) is also indicated prior to surgery as wound healing issues are usually more likely if your pre-operative BMI is high prior to surgery. The shape of the body may change over time, and the final result may not be realized for a few months.

Because of the number and complexity of the surgeries involved, the cost of body contouring surgery varies depending on the number of sites being treated. When the surgery is undertaken to address abdominal muscle separation (more than 3cm of muscle seperation), or to address the loose skin after significant weight loss, then Medicare and health fund rebates apply. When multiple areas of the body need to be addressed with body contouring and skin removal surgery, the procedures can also be staged. If you prefer to stage your surgery (or if Dr Reddy recommends that this approach is in your best interest), Dr Reddy recommends a minimum of 3 months between procedures. This allows enough time for recovery, and the swelling to settle. Costs for surgery can vary significantly between clinics. Our fees reflect the quality fo surgical care and after care provided by Dr Reddy. The fees also reflect the technical skills and more than 10 years of expertise that Dr Reddy holds in body contouring surgery. Body contouring surgery can be a life-changing event but it is important to get a good understanding of what the procedures entail and what may be best indicated in your particular situation Upon consultation with Dr Reddy ample opportunity will be provided to discuss your concerns, have a detailed assessment performed and our clinic then provides detailed costings pertaining to your specific surgery needs.