Considering Body Contouring After Weight Loss? Here’s What You Need to Know

Losing a significant amount of weight—whether through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery—is a major achievement. But for many people, it can leave behind loose or sagging skin that doesn’t go away with exercise or time. This excess skin can affect not only how you feel about your appearance but also your comfort, hygiene, and mobility.

That’s where body contouring surgery comes in. These procedures are designed to remove or tighten excess skin and reshape areas of the body, helping you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

What Is Body Contouring?

Body contouring includes a range of surgical procedures that aim to improve the body’s shape and function after major weight loss. It’s important to know that body contouring is not a weight-loss solution—it’s intended for people who have already lost a large amount of weight and are dealing with the effects of stretched, sagging skin.

Common areas that may be treated include the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts, buttocks, and flanks (sides of the body). Patients may choose to have some or all of these procedures, depending on their own individual needs and recommendations from Dr Safvat.

Body contouring procedures may include:

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Removes extra skin and fat from the lower abdomen and often tightens the abdominal muscles, especially helpful for those with separation (diastasis) of the abdominal muscles. It can improve posture, reduce back pain, and help with core strength.

Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy): A more extensive procedure that targets loose skin all the way around the lower body—abdomen, hips, lower back, buttocks, and outer thighs. It can also lift and reshape the buttocks using the patient’s own tissue. This is often a good option for people with significant loose skin around their midsection.

Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): Removes loose, hanging skin from the upper arms—often called “bat wings.” This is common after major weight loss and may include some liposuction to help shape the area.

Thigh Lift: Reduces sagging skin on the inner thighs. Depending on where the skin is loose, the surgery may involve an incision in the groin area, down the inner thigh, or both. A thigh lift can improve comfort, ease of movement, and hygiene.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and/or Breast Reduction: Lifts and reshapes sagging or heavy breasts, sometimes with a reduction in size. These procedures help improve posture, reduce back and neck pain, and restore a more youthful breast shape, especially after weight loss or pregnancy.

These procedures are often performed in stages, based on your goals, health, and ability to recover.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Body contouring might be a good option if:

• You have lost a large amount of weight (typically 5 BMI points or more)
• Your weight has been stable for at least 6 months
• You are bothered by loose, hanging skin that affects your comfort or general activities
• You are in good general health and don’t smoke
• You have realistic expectations and are emotionally prepared for surgery and recovery

What to Expect

These are significant procedures performed under general anaesthetic, and they do require downtime. Most patients need at least a few weeks off work, and it can take several months to fully recover. Some surgeries—like Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or Body Lift—may require a hospital stay.

As with any surgery, there are risks to consider, such as swelling (seroma), infection, wound issues, scarring, or temporary numbness. These risks are discussed in detail during your consultation with Dr Safvat.

Costs, Medicare & Health Insurance

Some procedures may be eligible for a Medicare item number if you meet specific criteria. These include:

• Weight loss of at least 5 BMI points
• Ongoing physical problems caused by excess skin
• Stable weight after weight loss

If eligible, this may help with private health fund rebates. We’ll go through all of this with you during your consultation and provide a clear, personalised estimate of costs.

Dr Safvat performs these procedures at fully accredited private hospitals including:

• Kareena Private Hospital (Sutherland Shire)
• Southern Highlands Private Hospital (Bowral)
• Strathfield Private Hospital

A Personalised Approach

Dr Safvat believes in tailoring every surgical plan to suit the individual. While a natural-looking cosmetic result is important, the priority is always your health, safety, and quality of life. Each body contouring journey starts with a detailed consultation where your goals, concerns, and options will be carefully discussed.

Want to learn more or book a consultation?
If you are considering body contouring after weight loss or just want to understand your options, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Please contact us to discuss further – 02 8544 3270.