What is Body Contouring Surgery?
Body Contouring Surgery is reconstructive surgery that removes excess, sagging skin and tissues following significant weight loss or pregnancy. It aims to address function and mobility, reduce discomfort from chronic rashes and skin concerns and remove hanging skin that does not shrink back after weight loss.
Which Surgeries Fall Under Body Contouring?
Body Contouring Surgeries encompass a wide range of procedures to address the often significant functional and aesthetic concerns associated with excess skin. Given the nature of weight loss, individuals often have excess skin in multiple areas of the body and may require multiple surgeries. Each surgery is tailored to the patient’s unique needs; however, the most common Body Contouring procedures are listed below.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
An Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses changes in the abdominal wall. It reduces excess skin and tissue and, if required, addresses muscle separation (diastasis recti) and any hernias. The procedure is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia.
There are various types of Abdominoplasties offered to suit the many and varied individuals who require them. The most common types are as follows:
Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty):
A Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) typically only removes a small portion of the lower half or third of the skin from public region, half way up to navel. It only tightens skin and tissue in this area and doesn’t alter the skin above the navel.
The scar lies across the lower abdomen at a level similar to a cesarean scar and is typically not much longer. In contrast, a standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) has a scar that typically runs from hip to hip, and also a small circumferential scar around the navel.
As a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is less invasive than a Standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), the hospital stay is typically shorter. Most patients go home on the same day of their surgery. In contrast, patients undergoing a Standard Abdominoplasty usually stay in hospital for a couple of nights.
Standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A Standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and tissues above and below the navel and also addresses muscle separation (diastasis recti) and any hernias if required. A horizontal incision is created from hip to hip, along with a small circumferential incision around the navel.
A Standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia.
Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is considered when there is excess skin in both horizontal and vertical planes. This is often seen after significant weight loss.
Most Abdominoplasties have a single lower abdominal scar that sits discreetly beneath the underwear line, along with a small scar around or within the navel. A Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty has an additional vertical midline scar running from the lower abdomen towards the chest. This allows for additional excess skin to be removed.
A Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia.
Open Book Tummy Tuck™ (Abdominoplasty)
The Open Book Tummy Tuck™ (Abdominoplasty) (OBTT™) was created by Dr Eddy Dona to address concerns experienced by some patients following extreme weight loss. These individuals require significant reconstruction and have large amounts of excess skin that cannot be adequately removed through standard Abdominoplasty procedures.
The OBTT™ has three scars. It includes the two scars required for the Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty, along with an additional horizontal scar along the lower chest fold. When all three incisions are made, the skin can be opened like a book, enabling greater skin and tissue removal.
An Open Book Tummy Tuck™ (Abdominoplasty) is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia.
360 Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A 360 Abdominoplasty is also known as a Belt Lipectomy, Lower Truncoplasty or Lower Body Lift. As the name suggests, it is considered for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin and tissue affecting the abdomen, flanks (sides of the waist) and buttocks. Patients with loose skin in these areas who are considering this procedure often have health concerns such as chafing, rashes, discomfort, hygiene concerns and difficulty wearing certain clothing. They may also have concerns about the overall appearance of this excess skin.
A 360 Abdominoplasty is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess pockets of stubborn fat via suction. It is not a weight-loss method, but it is used to address body shape by targeting excess fat that does not respond to diet and exercise.
During a standard Liposuction procedure, a small incision (approx. 5 mm) is made before inserting a small tube called a cannula into the treatment area. This cannula is attached to a suction device operated by Dr Dona to break up and suction away the fat cells. Once the suction is completed, the remaining fat is treated to help smooth the area.
Liposuction can be performed in conjunction with a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure. All of Dr Dona’s liposuction procedures are performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) aims to surgically remove excess skin and tissue from the upper arms. It’s often performed on individuals after extreme weight loss. At other times, it may be performed on patients whose arms have been affected by natural causes such as genetics and ageing, which have caused the skin to lose elasticity.
There are various techniques for a Brachioplasty; however, in a traditional Arm Lift (Full Brachioplasty), a long scar extends from the elbow to the armpit.
An Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia.
Thigh Lift (Lipectomy)
A Thigh Lift (Lipectomy) is a surgical procedure that addresses excess skin laxity in the legs. It is usually performed on patients after they have lost a significant amount of weight. These individuals often have loose, excessive skin folds along the upper, inner thigh. Alternatively, some patients have a large amount of loose, inelastic skin.
The procedure involves removing excess skin and fatty tissue, with the scar that hides along the fold where the groin and thigh meet. There is often an additional scar running down the inner thigh to the knee.
A Thigh Lift (Lipectomy) is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia.
Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
A Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy) is a significant reconstructive surgery that addresses excess skin and tissue in the belly and buttocks in a single operation. It is considered for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and have rolls of excess skin and fatty tissue in the abdominal region, flanks and lower back, while also lifting the buttocks and pubic area.
This procedure is referred to by several names, including Lower Body Lift, Belt Lipectomy, Total Body Lift or Lower Truncoplasty.
A Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy) is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia.
Buttock Lift (Gluteal Lipectomy)
A Buttock Lift (Gluteal Lipectomy) is a reconstructive surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the lower back, lifting and tightening the buttocks. Sometimes, the procedure is combined with an Abdominoplasty, resulting in a circumferential scar often referred to as a Belt Lipectomy.
As with many Body Contouring procedures, a Gluteal Lipectomy is often called other names, such as a Lower Back Lift, Gluteal Lipectomy or Buttock Lipectomy.
Determining whether Body Contouring Surgery is appropriate
Body Contouring Surgeries are major procedures with a variety of factors that must be carefully considered.
Health and Weight
You should be in good physical health with no serious health conditions (such as uncontrolled diabetes).
You should be at or close to your ideal weight and be able to maintain it. Major weight fluctuations after surgery can impair the results.
Physical Considerations
You have a significant amount of excess skin that is causing functional and health problems, such as mobility issues, an inability to exercise adequately, skin chafing and discomfort, and hygiene issues.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations about surgery. While Body Contouring Surgery can remove excess skin, it doesn’t promise perfection. There will still be some stretch marks, visible surgical scars and imperfections. Your body will also continue to age and be affected by environmental factors over time.
Recovery & Lifestyle
Body Contouring procedures will require time away from work, a hospital stay, careful after-care, and considerable recovery time. There will also be pain and discomfort, as well as emotional challenges to deal with. In the early recovery stage, you will need someone to be with you to help with daily tasks, and, depending on your procedure, it may take several weeks before you can perform most of them again.
Timing
Body Contouring procedures should be performed only after you have reached your ideal weight for at least six months and are confident you can maintain it. If you are considering post-pregnancy procedures, it’s recommended that you have completed creating a family and that you have waited at least 12 months after your last child and have finished breastfeeding.
Finances
Many reconstructive surgical procedures do not attract a Medicare rebate. Those that do only cover a small percentage of the overall fee, so the majority of the procedure will have to be self-funded.
Risks & Potential Complications
All surgery carries risks; it is important to fully understand the general surgical risks and the risks associated with your procedure. They include bleeding or blood clots, fluid accumulation, infection, poor wound healing, scarring (including hypertrophic or keloid scars) and asymmetry. There is also the chance that you may need revision surgery or surgery to address a particular complication.
Your specialist consultation
To determine whether Body Contouring Surgery is suitable for you, your first step is to have a formal consultation with Dr Eddy Dona.
During this appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals and concerns, and Dr Dona can formally assess you. This assessment will include examining your medical history and taking clinical measurements.
If Dr Dona determines that Body Contouring Surgery may be appropriate, he will create a customised surgical plan with surgical options for you to consider. He will also cover expected outcomes, risks and the recovery period.
