Body Contouring Surgery Explained: Find the Right Procedure for Your Goals

Body contouring is a popular solution designed to reshape and tone areas of the body that may not respond to diet and exercise. Many people consider body contouring for reasons such as stubborn fat deposits, loose or sagging skin, changes after pregnancy, or the effects of significant weight loss. Whether your goal is to smooth, tighten, or reshape specific areas, choosing the right body contouring procedure is essential to achieve your desired results.

Dr Andre Safvat is a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a lifetime of qualifications, training, and experience under his belt. He offers multiple methods for body contouring procedures, ensuring his patients receive the approach that best suits their needs. This guide will help you understand the various options available and how to find the best approach for your goals.

Understanding Body Contouring

Body contouring refers to a range of cosmetic procedures aimed at enhancing the shape and appearance of the body. It’s important to note that body contouring is not a weight-loss solution. Instead, it targets areas where fat persists despite weight management efforts or addresses issues like excess skin after major weight loss. Body contouring can be performed surgically or non-surgically, depending on the individual’s needs and desired outcomes. Surgical options include procedures like tummy tucks, liposuction, and body lifts, which physically remove fat or skin and sculpt the body.

Types of Body Contouring Procedures

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the underlying muscles. This is especially helpful for individuals who have loose or sagging skin after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are those with loose abdominal skin, separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), or stubborn fat in the midsection. In addition to removing excess skin, a tummy tuck repairs the abdominal muscles, resulting in a flatter or more toned midsection.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a versatile fat-removal procedure that can target various areas of the body, including the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and back. It involves suctioning out fat deposits through small incisions, creating a smoother and more contoured appearance. Liposuction can be performed on almost any area of the body where fat tends to accumulate, and can create more balanced proportions and a slimmer appearance, but it’s not a substitute for weight loss. Ideal candidates for liposuction are those near their ideal weight but with localised pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise. Liposuction can also be done in conjunction with other Body Contouring Procedures.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms, which can become saggy due to aging or significant weight loss. This procedure can improve the contour and tone of the arms and results in smoother, firmer arms. It can be combined with liposuction for more comprehensive results. Those with loose, hanging skin on the upper arms, often referred to as “bat wings,” are ideal candidates for brachioplasty.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the thighs, improving their shape and tone. There are different types of thigh lifts depending on the area of focus: an inner thigh lift targets the skin and fat on the inside of the thighs, and a horizontal thigh lift removes excess skin from the upper and front of the thigh. Thigh lifts result in tighter, more sculpted thighs with smoother skin, and are ideal for people who have loose skin on their thighs due to weight loss or aging.

Body Lift

A body lift (also known as Belt Lipectomy, Circumferential Lipectomy or 360 Abdominoplasty) is one of the most comprehensive body contouring procedures, targeting multiple areas such as the abdomen, back, thighs, and buttocks. It is often sought by individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess, sagging skin. A body lift can dramatically improve the appearance of the entire midsection, back, thighs, and buttocks, resulting in a smoother and firmer body contour. Ideal candidates are those with loose skin in multiple areas of the body, typically following major weight loss.

Body contouring offers a wide range of procedures to help individuals achieve their goals by addressing stubborn fat, loose skin, and other concerns. Whether you’re considering a tummy tuck or a full body lift, it’s important to choose the right procedure based on your unique needs and body type.

Dr Andre Safvat at Ethique Plastic Surgery is a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon with extensive experience treating patients in need of body contouring. Located in Sydney and the Southern Highlands, he strives to treat each patient like he would his own family—with respect, care, expertise, and professionalism. If you’re considering body contouring surgery, consult with Dr Andre Safvat to discuss your goals and find the best approach to achieve the results you desire.

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Patients should discuss with their GP and Plastic Surgeon as to whether surgery is a good option for them. All surgery comes with risks which will be discussed during consultation. Your final results can take up to 12 months or more to be seen. Before proceeding, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

DR ANDRE SAFVAT  (MED1155201)
Registered Medical Practitioner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery).