Body Contouring

What is body contouring?

Body contouring is a surgical procedure our Specialist Plastic Surgeons perform in Perth, generally focusing on contouring the waist, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, chest and arms. Body contouring may include one, but in most cases a combination, of the following procedures:

• Breast surgery (such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, breast revision)
• Abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck)
• Liposuction
• Brachioplasty (also known as an arm lift)
• Gynaecomastia (also known as a male breast reduction)
• Thigh lift
• Belt lipectomy (also known as a lower body lift)

These procedures can be performed for aesthetic (cosmetic) purposes or for medical/functional reasons, the latter being dependent on strict Medicare eligibility criteria.

What factors may influence the decision to have body contouring surgery?

You may wish to have a body contouring procedure if you’ve been affected by obesity, or skin laxity due to ageing or following pregnancy or weight loss. If your surgery consists of a combination of procedures, the main benefit is you will usually only have one surgery – meaning one hospital stay, one anaesthetic, one recovery – and in some cases, the cost may also be reduced.

This procedure is not a substitute for weight reduction, nor a cure for obesity. It is recommended for people who are physically health and maintaining a stable weight, but suffer from loose skin or disproportionate areas of the body that do not respond well to diet or exercise.

If you are considering body contouring after pregnancy and breastfeeding, we recommend waiting at least one year after your final pregnancy before considering surgery and you must have also finished breastfeeding.

Is body contouring right for me?

A consultation with your Specialist Plastic Surgeon is the first step when you are considering body contouring surgery. During this consultation, it is important to openly communicate your goals and expectations regarding your appearance. During the consultation, your surgeon will conduct a thorough examination and attentively listen to and address your concerns prior to discussing the most suitable options for your individual circumstances.

How is body contouring performed?

Your plastic surgeon will determine which procedures would be most appropriate, depending on your body type and your overall goals and expectations regarding your appearance.

To learn more about the surgical procedures used in body contouring, please click here.

The procedures are performed in Perth in a fully-accredited hospital under general anaesthesia and in most situations you will require a few days convalescence in hospital. Your hospital stay will depend on your general health, the extent of the procedure, and your surgeon’s advice.

Are there any risks and complications of body contouring surgery?

All plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures come with risks and potential complications. To ensure successful surgery, it is crucial to understand and minimise these risks. Whilst all measures are taken to mitigate risks, some risks are unavoidable.

All information on this page is general in nature – your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will discuss the specific risks and complications pertinent to your individual surgical procedure during your consultation. General risks for surgery are listed here.

To learn more about the specific risks related to a particular surgical procedure, please click here and view the individual procedure page.

Will the body contouring procedure leave any scars?

Although scars are the inevitable results of any surgery, your surgeon will make every effort to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. However, scarring is an individual characteristic and can vary from patient to patient. Some patients have a tendency to develop keloid or hypertrophic scars and you should advise your surgeon if you are aware of this tendency in yourself.

What results can I expect from a body contouring procedure?

The primary objective of this surgical procedure is to alter the shape and appearance of your waist, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper torso, and/or upper arms. The surgical techniques used encompass a wide range, including the removal of excess fat and/or skin, as well as the use of surgical implants and lifts.

The results will be long lasting if you maintain a healthy lifestyle however, body contouring will not prevent loose skin or excess fat if you gain and lose considerable weight in the future, whether it be through diet or pregnancy. Your surgeon is the best person to determine whether your expectations are achievable.

When can I resume normal activities following a body contouring surgery?

Returning to your normal activities is an individual matter and will generally depend on which procedure(s) you have undergone, but most people return to work within two to four weeks, and to more vigorous exercise after six weeks.

Depending on the procedure(s) you have undergone, your surgeon may restrict your ability to drive for a certain duration following your operation.

You may also have to wear post-surgical compression garments for up to six weeks to reduce swelling and assist with the healing process.

It is important to note however, that each patient requires adequate time, support, and proper postoperative care to facilitate their recovery process. Due to individual variations in healing abilities and pain tolerance, the duration of recovery and ability to engage in various activities may differ among patients.

How much does this procedure cost?

Please contact us online or call us on (08) 9380 0333 and one of our medical secretaries can provide you with more information. Please note that pricing does vary from case to case.

Where can I find more information?

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) website is a helpful and reliable source of information online. Their website is an excellent place to research a range of surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments, and view video animations.