Post-Bariatric Surgery

Body Contouring Surgery

Complete your transformation. After achieving significant weight loss, body contouring helps remove excess skin and reshape the body — restoring confidence and comfort.

Dr Rebecca Keeley FRACGP — Bariatric Physician at Sydney Sleeve Surgery, Wahroonga
About Body Contouring

The Final Step in Your Transformation

After losing a significant amount of weight — whether through bariatric surgery or other means — many patients are left with excess, loose skin that cannot be addressed through diet or exercise alone.

Body contouring surgery removes this excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue, dramatically improving both appearance and quality of life. It is not a weight loss procedure — it is a reshaping procedure, best performed once weight is stable.

Our team works with experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeons to coordinate your body contouring journey, ensuring continuity of care from your bariatric surgery through to your final result.

When is the right time? Body contouring is generally recommended 12–18 months after bariatric surgery, once your weight has stabilised for at least 3–6 months.

Available Procedures

Body Contouring Procedures

The right combination of procedures depends on your individual goals and areas of concern. Our team will guide you through your options at consultation.

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Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. One of the most commonly requested procedures after significant weight loss, restoring a flatter, firmer abdominal profile.

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Panniculectomy

Specifically targets and removes the "apron" of overhanging skin (pannus) that forms below the navel after massive weight loss. Unlike a tummy tuck, it focuses on functional improvement — relieving skin irritation, rashes, and hygiene difficulties. May attract Medicare rebates.

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Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Removes excess, sagging skin from the inner upper arms — a common concern after major weight loss. Brachioplasty reshapes the arm from the underarm to the elbow, restoring a toned, defined appearance.

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Thigh Lift

Addresses excess skin on the inner or outer thighs that remains after significant weight loss. A medial (inner) or lateral (outer) thigh lift reshapes and firms the thighs, improving both comfort and confidence.

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Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)

A circumferential procedure that addresses excess skin around the entire midsection — combining abdominoplasty with a buttock and outer thigh lift. Ideal for patients with significant skin laxity around the waist and hips following massive weight loss.

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Breast Surgery

Weight loss often causes significant changes to breast volume and shape. Breast lift (mastopexy), with or without implants, can restore a more youthful breast contour following bariatric surgery.

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Ideal Candidates

Who Is Body Contouring Suitable For?

Body contouring following weight loss is appropriate for patients who:

  • ✓Have achieved significant, sustained weight loss (bariatric or otherwise)
  • ✓Have maintained a stable weight for at least 3–6 months
  • ✓Have excess skin causing functional problems (rashes, hygiene issues, discomfort)
  • ✓Are non-smokers, or have ceased smoking well in advance of surgery
  • ✓Are in good general health and medically fit for surgery
  • ✓Have realistic expectations of the outcome

Note: Body contouring is not suitable as a primary weight loss method. It is designed to refine and reshape the body after weight loss goals have been achieved.

The Process

Your Body Contouring Journey

1

Initial Consultation

Discuss your concerns and goals. Our team will assess whether you're ready for body contouring and which procedures best suit your needs.

2

Surgical Planning

A detailed surgical plan is developed, including which procedures to perform, the sequence, and realistic expectations for your outcome.

3

Pre-operative Preparation

Medical clearance, nutritional optimisation, and cessation of smoking ensure the best possible healing and surgical outcomes.

4

Surgery

Performed under general anaesthetic at an accredited Sydney hospital. Hospital stay varies by procedure (1–4 nights).

5

Recovery & Results

Recovery varies by procedure. Most patients return to light activity within 2–3 weeks and see their final results by 3–6 months.

Funding & Medicare

Can Body Contouring Be Funded?

Some body contouring procedures — in particular panniculectomy — may attract Medicare rebates when performed for functional reasons (skin infections, rashes, or hygiene difficulties) following massive weight loss. Eligibility depends on individual clinical criteria.

Private health insurance may contribute to hospital costs for procedures performed in a hospital setting. Our team will provide a detailed cost estimate and advise on Medicare eligibility at your consultation.

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Common Questions

Body Contouring FAQ

Body contouring is generally recommended once your weight has been stable for at least 3–6 months — typically 12–18 months after bariatric surgery. Operating too early (while weight is still changing) can compromise the result. A consultation with our team will help determine the right timing for you.
Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery. Most patients return to light activity and desk work within 2–3 weeks, and can resume exercise at 6–8 weeks. Swelling continues to settle over 3–6 months before the final result is visible.
All body contouring procedures involve incisions and therefore scars. Scars are carefully placed in positions that can be concealed by clothing, and they typically fade significantly over 12–18 months. The goal is always to trade loose, uncomfortable excess skin for well-positioned, fading scars.
In many cases, yes — combining procedures reduces overall recovery time and anaesthetic exposure. However, the extent of what can be safely combined depends on the individual's health, the complexity of each procedure, and anaesthetic time considerations. Your surgeon will advise the safest and most effective approach.
Panniculectomy (abdominal apron removal) may attract Medicare rebates when performed for functional reasons following massive weight loss. Other body contouring procedures are generally considered cosmetic and are not covered by Medicare. Private health insurance may contribute to hospital costs. Our team will provide full cost information at your consultation.

Ready to Complete Your Transformation?

Book a consultation to discuss your goals and find out which body contouring procedures are right for you.

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