Body Contouring After Weight Loss
A body lift procedure removes excess skin and tightens what is left behind. The procedure is usually aimed at a number of areas of the lower body simultaneously. The abdomen, outer thighs, hips, buttocks, and flanks may all be addressed depending on your particular goals.
Some possible complications and risks associated with body contouring surgery after weight loss may include:
BREAST COMPONENT
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Seroma accumulation under the breast
- Keloid and hypertrophic scars
- Swelling and bruising around the breasts
- Fat necrosis of the breast
- Changes in breast and nipple sensation
- Temporary or permanent areas of numbness
- Asymmetry of the breasts
- Partial or total loss of nipple and areola
- Need for further surgery to treat complications
- Revisional surgery to correct any unevenness between the two sides.
ARM COMPONENT
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Temporary numbness around the incision sites and the inner aspect of the arm
- Arm movement may be restricted
- Rarely the skin may not heal, and a skin graft may be required
- A blood transfusion may be required
- Seroma (excess fluid) may accumulate under the skin
- Keloid or hypertrophic scars may form.
ABDOMEN COMPONENT
- Infection of the wound
- Bleeding
- Incision site pain
- Haematoma (blood clot)
- Skin/flap/umbilicus loss requiring a skin graft
- Seroma (excessive accumulation of fluid) may occur under the incision site
- Temporary or permanent numbness of the incision site and surrounds
- A blood transfusion may be required
- Short term nausea and vomiting
- Hypertrophic and keloid scar.
THIGH/LEG COMPONENT
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Temporary numbness around the incision sites and the inner aspect of the thigh
- Leg movement may be restricted
- Rarely the skin may not heal, and a skin graft may be required
- A blood transfusion may be required
- Seroma (excess fluid) may accumulate under the skin
- Keloid or hypertrophic scars may form.
How long will I stay in hospital?
A body lift procedure requires a general anaesthetic, and most patients stay in hospital for between 3 and 5 days.
How much pain will I be in after surgery?
While being relatively painless, there will be some discomfort due to the significant nature of this procedure, but this is easily controlled by both intravenous and oral pain medication that will be prescribed for you.
How quickly can I return to exercise?
Most patients will return to light activities after approximately two weeks while strenuous activities should not be undertaken for at least eight weeks.
Important note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
