Body Contouring Surgery After Significant Weight Loss

18th March 2025

Losing a substantial amount of weight is a remarkable achievement, but it can leave behind excess skin and tissue that can impact physical comfort and confidence.

Post-massive weight loss surgery, also known as body contouring surgery, is designed to address these concerns by removing excess skin and reshaping the body.

Weight loss journeys have lots of ups and downs and can affect confidence.

We are here to celebrate your achievements and to hold your hand on the next part of your journey which also can have a positive impact on your physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing.

If you’re considering such procedures, here are a few tips and things to consider.

What is Post Massive Weight Loss Surgery?

Post-massive weight loss surgery is a collection of body contouring procedures aimed at removing excess skin and improving body contouring after significant weight loss.

These surgeries help patients achieve a better silhouette and proportionate appearance as well as increasing their self-confidence and well-being.

Several surgical procedures are available depending on your area(s) of concern and goals.

These include:

• Weight loss abdominoplasty (also commonly called a tummy tuck), which aims to remove excess skin on the lower abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles for a firmer, flatter stomach.
• Weight loss Mastopexy (also called a breast lift), which can elevate and reshape sagging breasts and can be combined with implants for added volume if desired (called an augmentation mastopexy).
• Weight loss Brachioplasty (arm lift), which removes excess skin from the upper arms, improving contour and firmness
• Weight loss Thigh lift, which addresses loose skin on the inner and outer thighs for a more sculpted leg appearance

Am I a Good Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

It is important to have achieved and maintained a stable weight for at least 6 months, preferably even 12 months.

You need to be in good overall general health without underlying conditions that could affect wound healing (no smoking or vaping!).

You may wish to be followed up by a nutritionist who can check if you have any nutritional deficiencies, as this may also affect wound healing.

Most patients experience all sorts of symptoms associated with excess skin including rashes, sores, itching, pain, irritation and reduced mobility, and this is usually greatly improved following surgery.

Finally, you should have realistic expectations about what body contouring surgery can achieve and understand that often several operations are required to achieve the desired result and the financial implications of this needs to be considered.

A thorough consultation with Dr Katia or Dr Paul will help you determine the most suitable procedure for your specific needs.

What does the surgical journey look like?

These procedures are performed under general anaesthesia and usually require an overnight hospital stay.

Your surgeon will make appropriate incisions to remove excess skin and reshape the body.

The length and complexity of the surgery depend on the number of areas being treated.

Sometimes, more than one area can be treated in the same operation.

The recovery time varies depending on the extent of surgery, but generally includes swelling, bruising and mild discomfort during the first couple of weeks.

It is imperative to wear compression garments to support healing during that time. From the 4^th week after surgery, you can gradually return to your normal activities, avoiding strenuous exercises until your wounds are completely healed.

An immediate improvement will be apparent following your procedure, but your final results will only be visible several months after surgery as the swelling subsides.

Risks you need to consider and accept

As with any surgery, there are inherent risks, some appearing shortly after the procedure and others developing over time. These include acceptance of scarring, bleeding, DVT, asymmetry, delayed wound healing, suture problems, infection and the accumulation of fluid under the skin (seroma) which may need drainage.

Your surgeon will discuss your specific case and any risks in detail at consultation.

Book a consultation for Body Contouring today!

Post-massive weight loss surgery is a transformative step toward achieving the body shape you desire after significant weight loss.

If you’re considering these procedures, we would be delighted to meet you for a consultation to discuss your options and ensure the best possible outcome. Please feel free to contact us today!

Back to Blog

• Share this article: