Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss
Significant weight loss can leave excess skin and soft tissue that does not fully retract. For many patients, body contouring surgery is about improving comfort, skin hygiene, clothing fit, and overall body shape. Procedures are highly individual and tailored to the areas that bother each patient most.
Body countouring after massive weightloss
60 year old woman
11 months post procedure + Hybrid laser to scars
THE PROCEDURE
Body contouring after weight loss is often not a single operation. Some patients choose to address only one area, while others pursue more comprehensive correction over time.
A 360-degree body lift (circumferential body lift) is used when there is excess skin and tissue around the entire waistline, including the abdomen, flanks, and lower back. This procedure reshapes the trunk as a whole and is commonly used after massive weight loss.
Body contouring procedures may include, individually or in combination:
- Abdominoplasty
- Arm lift (brachioplasty)
- Thigh lift
- Facelift
- Other tailored contouring procedures, including back or flank correction
The exact combination is personalised to each patient’s anatomy, priorities, and safety considerations.
THE PROCESS
Body contouring begins with a detailed consultation and planning process. Important considerations include:
- Type and amount of weight loss (surgical or non-surgical)
- Weight stability (a stable weight for at least six months is generally recommended)
- Skin quality and distribution of excess tissue
- Whether procedures should be combined or staged to optimise safety and recovery
Where multiple areas are involved, Dr Raymond will advise which procedures can be safely combined and which are better performed in stages, with a clear and individualised plan.
THE RECOVERY
Recovery depends on the procedures performed and whether surgery is staged or combined. Most patients experience swelling and bruising, with a period of restricted activity that varies depending on the extent of surgery.
Treatment Risks
All surgery carries risks. Risks specific to body contouring after weight loss may include:
Pricing
Pricing for body contouring is individualised and reflects the procedures required. All quotes are provided as all-inclusive estimates following consultation.
Medically indicated 360-degree body lift (Item 30179, where strict Medicare criteria are met)
- Total upfront cost (insured): approximately $28,400
- A modest Medicare rebate applies, resulting in an estimated out-of-pocket of approximately $27,300 (private health fund benefits vary)
For patients not meeting Medicare criteria, or where multiple or alternative procedures are planned, pricing varies significantly. A personalised quote is provided following consultation based on the procedures required and whether surgery is combined or staged.
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