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Post Bariatric Surgery Body Contouring

Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Surgery in Sydney

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Overview

Post-bariatric body contouring refers to a range of surgical procedures that may be considered to address excess skin and residual tissue after significant weight loss. These procedures may be performed for functional concerns (such as skin irritation or hygiene difficulties) and/or to adjust body contour. Surgical planning is individualised and may involve staged procedures. A consultation is required to assess suitability and to discuss expected changes and limitations, scarring, risks, recovery, and alternatives.

Add volume to breasts

Reduce sagging

Lift and tighten

Reshape and contour

Before & After

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

About This Procedure

Following major weight loss, some people develop loose or redundant skin and tissue in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, back, arms, thighs, and chest. Post-bariatric body contouring procedures aim to remove excess skin and reshape underlying tissues where clinically appropriate.

Procedures are commonly planned in stages depending on health, operative time, recovery considerations, and the areas being treated. All surgery results in scars, and scar length/visibility varies between individuals and procedures.

Your Consultation with Dr Lajevardi

Dr Sepehr Lajevardi is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, dedicated to providing exceptional results to each patient. He takes a caring approach, working with patients to create an individualised treatment plan that helps them feel confident in their outcomes. Book your appointment to receive professional care and guidance from Dr Lajevardi, and find out if breast augmentation surgery is right for you.

Key Benefits

The goals of post-bariatric body contouring depend on individual anatomy, symptoms, and the agreed surgical plan. Depending on the procedure(s) performed, potential physical outcomes may include:

Reduction of excess skin

removal of redundant skin and tissue where clinically appropriate.

Change in body contour

reshaping of targeted areas; outcomes vary with skin quality, anatomy, and healing.

Skin-fold symptom management

in some patients, removal of overhanging skin may reduce issues such as irritation, rashes, intertrigo, and hygiene difficulty; this varies.

Comfort and activity considerations

some people report improved comfort with movement and clothing fit; this varies.

Outcomes vary and no specific result can be guaranteed.

Complete Body Guide

Get step-by-step insights, recovery tips, and expert recommendations for your Body. Download our free guide today.

Ideal Candidate

A suitable candidate is generally an adult who has experienced significant weight loss and is seeking assessment for excess skin and related concerns. Suitability depends on overall health, nutritional status, smoking status, weight stability, and the areas involved. Candidates should have realistic expectations regarding scarring, the possibility of staged procedures, and variability in outcomes. A consultation is required to confirm suitability.

You May Be a Good Candidate If

You may be a good candidate for post-bariatric body contouring if you:

Have achieved weight stability for a period recommended by your treating team (this varies by individual circumstances)
Are in good overall physical health (as assessed clinically), including appropriate nutrition for healing
Do not smoke or are willing to stop nicotine use for a specified period before and after surgery (as directed)
Are experiencing functional concerns from excess skin (such as irritation or hygiene difficulties), and/or would like an assessment of contouring options
Understand that scarring is expected, procedures may be staged, and results vary

Who Should Not Undergo This Procedure

Post-bariatric body contouring may not be suitable for individuals who:

Have unstable weight (ongoing major loss or gain) where timing may affect planning and outcomes
Have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical risk
Have an active infection
Are unable to stop nicotine use where clinically required (as nicotine can impair healing)
Have unrealistic expectations about outcomes, scarring, or symmetry

Surgical Techniques & Approaches

Post-bariatric contouring is individualised and may involve one or more procedures based on clinical assessment and priorities. Options may include:

Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy):

addresses excess skin and tissue around the abdomen, flanks, hips, and lower back.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck):

targets excess skin and tissue of the abdomen; muscle repair may be considered in selected cases.

Brachioplasty (Arm Lift):

addresses excess upper arm skin and tissue.

Thigh Lift (Thighplasty):

addresses excess skin and tissue of the inner and/or outer thighs.

Breast procedures (selected cases):

breast lift and/or reduction/augmentation may be discussed depending on anatomy and clinical goals.

The surgical plan, including incision placement, expected scarring, and whether staging is recommended, is discussed during consultation.

Anesthesia

Post-bariatric body contouring procedures are commonly performed under general anaesthesia. The anaesthesia plan depends on the procedure(s) selected, overall health factors, and facility protocols, and will be discussed during consultation.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Preparation typically includes:

Medical review: health history, medications and supplements, and relevant investigations where required.
Medication guidance: you may be asked to stop certain medications/supplements that can increase bleeding risk (where clinically appropriate).
Nicotine cessation: nicotine can impair healing; you may be asked to stop smoking/vaping/nicotine products for a specified period before and after surgery.
Fasting instructions: follow the facility’s requirements prior to anaesthesia.
Support planning: arrange transport and post-operative support after discharge.

Recovery Process

Recovery varies significantly depending on the procedures performed, whether surgery is staged, and individual healing.

Timeline

Activity & Expectations

Immediately Post-Op

Dressings, compression garments, and sometimes drains may be used. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort can occur. Monitoring depends on the procedure and anaesthesia.

First Week

Activity is usually limited. Follow-up is typically scheduled for wound review and drain/dressing management (if applicable). Assistance at home may be helpful.

Weeks 2–4

Gradual increase in daily activity may be possible depending on healing and the procedures performed. Lifting restrictions often apply. Fatigue is common in some patients.

Weeks 4–8

Activity may increase progressively as advised. Compression garments and scar care may be recommended depending on the surgical plan.

3–6 Months

Ongoing changes in swelling, contour and scar healing occur. Some residual swelling may persist.

6+ Months

Scars continue to mature. Contour can continue to evolve over time. Timelines vary between individuals.

Recovery Milestones

Return to Work

Timing varies depending on the extent of surgery and the physical demands of your role.

Return to Exercise

Light walking is often encouraged early, as advised. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for a period determined by your surgeon.

Appearance over time

Swelling reduces gradually and scars mature over months. There is no single timeline that applies to everyone.

Resources & Guides

A breast augmentation is a very customized procedure, and selecting an experienced surgeon is paramount. Dr. Lajevardi focuses on patient safety, naturally appearing results, and transparency throughout the process.

Patient Preparation Guide

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Procedure Walkthroughs

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Procedure Walkthroughs

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Patient Preparation Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Procedure & Results

How long does post-bariatric body contouring take?

Timing varies depending on the number and type of procedures performed and whether surgery is staged. Your surgeon will provide an estimate after assessment.

Will I have noticeable scars?

All surgery results in scars. Body contouring procedures often involve longer incisions due to the amount of skin removal required. Incision placement is planned to suit the procedure and anatomy, but scar visibility varies between individuals.

What are the risks associated with post-bariatric body contouring?

Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, delayed wound healing, seroma (fluid collection), contour irregularity, asymmetry, anaesthetic risks, and the possibility of revision surgery. Some procedures carry risks of wound breakdown or tissue compromise. A detailed discussion of risks and alternatives will occur during consultation.

Pain & Recovery

Is the procedure painful?

Discomfort varies depending on the extent of surgery and individual factors. Pain management guidance will be provided as part of your care plan.

When can I shower after surgery?

This depends on dressings, drain use (if applicable), and incision healing. You will receive written guidance before discharge. Submerging incisions (bath/pool/ocean) is usually restricted for a period.

Safety & Credentials

Where will the surgery be performed? Is the facility accredited?

Surgery is performed in an appropriate licensed surgical facility or hospital setting. Facility details and aftercare arrangements will be discussed during consultation.

What are the surgeon’s qualifications?

You should confirm your surgeon’s qualifications, scope of practice, and AHPRA registration. We encourage patients to verify registration and ask questions during consultation.

Important Safety Information

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.