Body Contouring Surgery Sydney
Losing an excessive amount of weight is a massive accomplishment that can be deeply rewarding — and a feat worth celebrating. However, many still don’t feel comfortable with the skin they’re in. Or rather, they don’t feel comfortable being encased in excessive skin that hangs off them like oversized clothing.
After significant weight loss, your skin and tissues have stretched excessively, and sadly, this problem can’t be reversed on its own. Such excessive tissue makes dressing, everyday activities and exercising difficult. It also causes several health problems. This is why Dr Dona will frequently refer to Body Contouring surgery after weight loss as reconstructive surgery — per the definition of reconstruction, it is restoring to a state that is considered normal — helping correct functional problems so the individual can enjoy a better quality of life.
A secondary or obvious byproduct of the reconstruction is the enhanced aesthetics of the individual. Another vital medical benefit of the surgery is the psychological impact such surgery can have, as the excess skin following massive weight loss is a constant reminder for patients of their former heavier selves, which can have severe mental health issues.
WHAT IS BODY CONTOURING SURGERY
Body Contouring surgery is reconstructive plastic surgery that removes excess sagging skin and tissue and reshapes healthy, underlying tissues. The result is an improved shape and tone of the underlying tissue with smoother contours. Body Contouring Surgery also helps to eliminate problems associated with excessive skin, such as chafing and infections, aches and pains, and mobility issues.
WHAT AREAS ARE COMMONLY TARGETED DURING BODY CONTOURING SURGERY?
Many areas of the body can be targeted during Body Contouring surgery. Common areas include:
- Neck, jawline and chin
- Arms
- Breasts
- Upper back and bra area
- Flanks (sides of waist)
- Tummy
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Inner and outer thighs
PROCEDURES PERFORMED IN BODY CONTOURING SURGERY (DR DONA’S 7B’S OF BODY CONTOURING SURGERY)
Body Contouring surgery can comprise of many surgical procedures. Every individual is different, so your surgery will be tailored to suit you and your new body weight and key concerns. Over the years, Dr Dona has continued to refine, define and develop his techniques to deal with the many varied and often complex patients who require his professional expertise. In doing so, he has defined ‘The 7B’s Of Body Contouring Surgery’. They are:
- Brachioplasty – Removes excessive loose skin along the upper arm.
- Breast Surgery – Breast Reductions, Breast Lifts or Breast Augmentations.
- Bra Lipectomy – Removes skin and tissues in the upper middle of the back around the bra strap area (bra rolls). Various names for this procedure include an Upper Body Lift, Bra Line Back Lift and Upper Truncoplasty.
- Belly Surgery (Abdominoplasty, a.k.a. Tummy Tuck Surgery) – The type of Abdominoplasty Surgery required will be determined by the amount of excess skin and fat in the middle and lower abdominal wall.
- Belt Lipectomy – Removes roles of excess fat and skin circumferentially, around the lower back, side of waist and abdomen. It is effectively two combined operations – an Abdominoplasty and a Buttock Lift. It goes by several names, including 360 Tummy Tuck, Lower Body Lift, Total Body Lift and Lower Truncoplasty.
- Buttock Lift – Lifts and tightens the buttocks, removing excess skin from the lower back and creating a far more comfortable form along your back and buttocks.
- Below the Waistline Surgery – Tightening and improving the form of the inner thigh by removing excess skin and fatty tissue. This can also refer to surgery involving the mons and genital region.
YOUR BODY CONTOURING SURGERY CONSULTATION WITH DR DONA
To determine if you’re an ideal candidate for Body Contouring surgery, your first step is to book an Initial Consultation with Dr Dona at our Bella Vista, Sydney clinic. During your Initial Consultation with Dr Dona, he will:
- Listen to all your concerns
- Gain an understanding of how your excess skin tissue is affecting you
- Ask you about your desired outcomes
- Go through your medical history
- Carefully examine and assess the areas you’d like to address
- Take measurements before discussing the surgical options available, along with any alternatives you may wish to consider
- Explain all risks and potential surgical complications
- Explain the surgical process — what it involves
- Explain your recovery period and lifestyle changes you must make in the short term while you heal
- Outline the costs associated with all plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures discussed
At the end of your consultation, you will be given a detailed quote outlining Dr Dona’s fees for all the potential procedures, anaesthetic fees and hospital costs. If you qualify for a Medicare rebate, the quote will include any applicable Medicare item numbers and a clear explanation of how your private health insurance may contribute to your surgery.
IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR BODY CONTOURING SURGERY
It’s important to remember that Body Contouring surgery is not Weight Loss surgery. Consequently, you must have lost all (or close to) the weight you’ve set out to lose. Additionally, you should be in good health, have realistic expectations about the surgery, be aware that you’ll be left with certain scars and be fully mindful of the risks of the surgical procedure you’re considering. It’s also vital that you don’t smoke or consume any nicotine-based products.
HOW IS BODY CONTOURING SURGERY PERFORMED?
Every individual is unique and has different needs. Consequently, your surgical procedures will need to be discussed and outlined by your surgeon. You may only need one surgical procedure or you may need several. If you require several procedures, they may be performed during one session or scheduled at intervals. Typically, patients need to wait at least three months between scheduled surgeries.
Common surgical procedures that are combined in one session include:
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) with Breast surgery (Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift/Mastopexy or Breast Reduction)
- Belt Lipectomy with a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
- Bra Lipectomy with an Open Book Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
- Breast surgery (Breast Lift/Mastopexy or Breast Reduction) with an Arm Reduction (Brachioplasty)
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE WEIGHT AFTER SURGERY?
We strongly advise that you reach your ideal weight and be confident that you can keep it stabilised before venturing into Body Contouring surgery. If you continue to lose considerable weight, this may affect the results, possibly resulting in requiring more surgery. If you only lose a small amount of weight, this should not be a problem. Essentially, the effects of any changes will depend mainly on your anatomy and skin quality.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I GAIN WEIGHT AFTER SURGERY?
If you gain a substantial amount of weight that results in significant stretch marks and the development of excess skin, then that is obviously an issue. However, this is extremely unlikely to occur. Again, this is why you should reach your ideal weight and be confident that you can maintain this weight before undergoing these surgical procedures.
HOW LONG DO I NEED TO WAIT IN BETWEEN BODY CONTOURING SURGERIES
Fortunately, many patients can undergo several procedures simultaneously, minimising the need for multiple surgeries (and general anaesthetics). However, some patients will be advised to have specific surgical procedures at a later date. Typically, waiting three months or more in between surgery is advisable.
WHY DOESN’T MY SKIN CONTRACT AFTER I’VE LOST WEIGHT?
When someone gains significant weight, their skin stretches and develops stretch marks. There is also an increase in the overall surface size and surface area of the skin and a reduction in skin elasticity. This increase in skin surface area and reduced elasticity make it impossible to contract back after the individual loses weight. Consequently, they are left with sagging and debilitating excess skin hanging off their smaller body.
WILL ALL MY SCARS BE VISIBLE AFTER BODY CONTOURING SURGERY ?
The number of scars you have after a Body Contouring surgery will depend on the number of procedures required. It’s important you realise that there will sometimes be visible scars. However, Dr Dona will always attempt to make incisions in areas that won’t be visible in day-to-day life.
WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF BODY CONTOURING SURGERY?
In addition to the considerable aesthetic benefits of Body Contouring surgery, numerous health benefits can greatly improve an individual’s quality of life. By removing excessive skin and tissue, we can eliminate health problems such as:
- Fungal and bacterial infections
- Sweat rash and intertrigo
- Skin chafing
- Postural problems
- Back and neck pain
- Limited mobility and an inability to exercise regularly
- Significant mental health benefits
HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN SEE THE RESULTS OF MY SURGERY?
You’ll see major improvements almost immediately after your surgery. However, the full effects of your Body Contouring surgery take time and may take as long as 12 to 18 months before you can see your final surgical results.
RECOVERY AFTER BODY CONTOURING SURGERY
Your recovery after Body Contouring surgery will depend on how many procedures you’ve had. You can find more details on your recovery on each procedure page.
As it’s common for people to have several procedures at once, you’ll likely need at least a couple of nights in the hospital before you return home. This way, we can monitor you carefully in your early stages of recovery.
Immediately after surgery, you will feel some pain and discomfort. However, you’ll be given strong medication to alleviate pain and will be well looked after. Once you get home, you’ll be instructed to rest. However, regular, gentle movements, such as taking a few steps around the house, will be encouraged.
It may take two to four weeks before you can leave your home and gently return to some everyday activities. However, you mustn’t lift anything or physically exert yourself for a good six weeks.
During your recovery, you must take good care of your wounds and follow all post-operative instructions. You may have to wear postsurgical compression garments for up to six weeks to reduce swelling and help with your healing process.
Rest assured, Dr Dona and his team of nurses will give you specific information on your post-surgery recovery based on the procedures tailored for you. If you’d like to read more about postsurgical recovery for particular procedures, please visit the appropriate procedure pages on our website.
RISKS AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
All surgical procedures carry risk. It’s essential you understand all the possible complications before you go ahead with your surgery. Once fully informed, you’ll be better positioned to weigh the pros and cons of surgery and decide whether Body Contouring surgery is for you.
- To discover more about potential general surgical complications, please click here.
- To learn about the potential risks and complications of each procedure you’re interested in, please go to each of the specific surgical procedure pages.
HOW MUCH DOES BODY CONTOURING SURGERY COST?
As Body Contouring surgery typically involves several procedures, each individual’s surgical costs will differ. The fees you must consider include the type of surgery/surgeries you require, how many hours it will take to operate on you and how complex your surgery will be.
This will all be discussed during your initial consultation with Dr Dona. You’ll also receive an itemised account of all required procedures and associated costs. If an applicable Medicare item number is identified, you may be eligible for partial rebates. Importantly, meeting Medicare criteria is a prerequisite for accessing private health insurance benefits. Read more below.
DOES MEDICARE COVER BODY CONTOURING SURGERY?
Medicare may provide rebates for your Body Contouring surgery procedures if deemed medically necessary. For example, if parts of your body are causing chafing and infections or the excess weight of skin and tissue is affecting your posture and causing back pain, you may receive a partial rebate from Medicare.
DOES PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE COVER BODY CONTOURING SURGERY?
Private health insurance will only cover Body Contouring surgery if deemed medically necessary. You may need the highest level of hospital cover to be entitled to a rebate. Further, you must meet Medicare criteria to access your private health insurance benefits. Once you’ve had your consultation, if any Medicare item numbers apply to you, you must contact your private health insurer to determine if they will cover your hospital costs.