Body Contouring

At Centre for Surgery, we understand the importance of feeling good in your own skin, and we are dedicated to helping our patients reach their aesthetic goals with confidence. Rest assured, you are in skilled and caring hands throughout your body contouring journey.

Body contouring surgery refers to a range of surgical procedures designed to reshape and enhance the body’s appearance, often after significant weight loss or following pregnancy and breastfeeding. These surgical procedures are more comprehensive and require more planning and consideration than non-surgical body contouring treatments. Typically, body contouring surgery is ideal for patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight and need to address excess or sagging skin, or for women whose bodies have changed due to pregnancy or breastfeeding and wish to restore their pre-pregnancy figure. Surgical body contouring is also an excellent option for targeting specific areas of the body to achieve a desired shape.

At Centre for Surgery, we provide an array of surgical body contouring procedures, including tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), various lift procedures (such as total body, breast, arm, thigh, and buttocks lifts), and liposuction. The most suitable procedure for you depends on which part of the body you want to reshape. Our experienced team will work closely with you to evaluate your individual needs and help you select the best treatment to achieve your aesthetic goals. By carefully considering your unique situation and desired outcomes, we aim to provide the most effective surgical solution to create a more contoured and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

For individuals seeking to redefine their stomach or waistline, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is the most effective way to address loose skin and weakened muscles in the abdominal region. At our state-of-the-art Marylebone facility, we perform over 150 tummy tuck procedures annually, making us one of the most experienced practices in the UK.

Loose skin can result from significant weight loss or can naturally occur after pregnancy. During pregnancy, the two primary rectus abdominal muscles may separate, showcasing the incredible capabilities of a woman’s body in nurturing and supporting her baby’s growth. For some women, these muscles do not rejoin after giving birth, leading to a condition called rectus diastasis, which causes lower abdominal fullness. Unfortunately, exercises like sit-ups are not effective in reuniting these muscles.

However, a tummy tuck can help. During the procedure, we suture the separated muscles back together while simultaneously removing excess skin and fat, resulting in a firmer, flatter, and more contoured abdomen.

Liposuction

Liposuction is often used in conjunction with other surgical body contouring procedures. While some patients may require liposuction alone, it is not unusual to combine it with a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or buttock lift (particularly the Brazilian Butt Lift).

Liposuction aims to remove unwanted fat from targeted areas, sculpting and contouring the body to create a more balanced and shapely silhouette. As one of the safest surgical procedures for fat reduction, liposuction is a popular choice. At Centre for Surgery, our expert surgeons stay current on the latest innovative techniques in this field to ensure the best results for our patients.

While the general approach to liposuction remains consistent across patients, there are slight variations in technique. During the procedure, your surgeon will create a small incision in the target area and insert a narrow tube or cannula. The cannula is moved back and forth through the fat layer beneath the skin, breaking up fat cells and suctioning them out.

The most suitable candidates for body contouring surgery are individuals who have achieved or are nearing their weight loss objectives and have successfully maintained this weight for a duration of approximately 6-12 months. This stability is crucial, as it ensures that the results of the procedure will be long-lasting and more predictable.

Smokers must be prepared to cease smoking for at least one month prior to and one month following their surgery. This is crucial because smoking hampers the wound healing process and impairs proper blood circulation, which can lead to complications during and after surgery.

Having healthy and realistic expectations of your post-surgical body contouring outcome is also of utmost importance. While body contouring surgery can significantly transform your appearance and improve your body shape, it is essential to understand that it may not provide you with an “ideal” or “perfect” body. Recognising the limitations of the procedure and maintaining a positive outlook on the potential improvements can contribute to higher satisfaction with the results.

As a premier provider in the United Kingdom, we are proud to offer body contouring services in an outpatient or day case setting. This unique approach allows our clients to be admitted and discharged on the same day, enabling them to recover in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own homes. Studies have demonstrated that day-case surgery often leads to improved postoperative outcomes when compared to traditional inpatient surgery, which typically requires an overnight stay.

At our clinic, we understand that each individual’s needs and goals are unique. In cases where multiple body contouring procedures are desired, such as an abdominoplasty in conjunction with a thigh and buttock lift, we consistently advocate for a staged approach. This method not only ensures optimal safety for our clients but also yields the best possible results for their body reshaping goals.

Body contouring procedures can vary in duration, typically lasting anywhere between two to five hours. Our skilled and experienced team is committed to providing the highest quality care, ensuring that you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the entire process.

The duration of your recovery period after body contouring surgery will depend on the specific procedures you have undergone. Generally, bandages placed over incisions will be kept in place for several days, and you may need to wear an elastic (compression) bandage or garment on certain areas of your body for a few weeks to help manage swelling.

We cannot emphasise enough the importance of being patient with yourself and your body during the recovery process. Regardless of the specific body contouring procedure, it is crucial to allow your body ample time to heal before fully appreciating the transformative results. Bruising typically subsides within a few weeks, while swelling may take 3-6 months to dissipate. Scars can take up to a year to fully mature and fade.

It is advised to refrain from strenuous exercise for at least six to eight weeks following surgery.

At Centre for Surgery, our team of surgeons, nurses, and staff are committed to supporting you throughout your recovery journey. We are available 24 hours a day, immediately following your surgery, to address any questions or concerns you may have. Additionally, we are more than happy to welcome you back to the clinic for in-person consultations with your surgeon or nurse outside of your scheduled post-operative appointments, ensuring you receive the care and attention you need at every stage of the recovery process.