Body contouring in London

After pregnancy

Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles apart (rectus diastasis) and leave loose skin, stretch marks and a lower abdominal bulge. For some women, the abdomen still looks rounded or pregnant months or years after giving birth, even with exercise. The separated muscles can also contribute to back discomfort and a weak core.

An abdominoplasty can repair the separated muscles (rectus plication), remove excess skin and tighten the abdomen. It is usually best planned once you have finished having children, at least 6–12 months after your last pregnancy and once breastfeeding has stopped.

Body contouring for men

Men commonly ask about high-definition liposuction and abdominal etching to define the abdominal muscles, and about tightening loose skin on the chest, abdomen and back after weight loss. Male chest reduction is covered on the Gynaecomastia page.

More people are losing a significant amount of weight, whether through diet and exercise, bariatric surgery or weight-loss medication. This can leave loose, overhanging skin on the abdomen, arms, thighs, back or chest that exercise cannot tighten. Body contouring removes the excess skin and tightens the tissues underneath.

Surgery is best planned once your weight has been stable for 6–12 months. If you take weight-loss medication, it usually needs to be paused before surgery, because these medicines slow stomach emptying and can increase the risks of anaesthesia. You will be given individual advice on when to stop.

After weight loss

Procedures

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

Removing excess skin and fat and repairing separated abdominal muscles, after pregnancy or weight loss. Mini, midi and full abdominoplasty.

Liposuction

Removing stubborn fat, including 360-degree and high-definition liposuction. Can include ultrasound or radiofrequency-assisted techniques.

Removing excess skin around the whole lower body in one operation, usually after major weight loss.

Body lift and belt lipectomy

Procedures to reshape the abdomen, arms, thighs and body after pregnancy or weight loss.

Arm and thigh lift

Removing loose skin from the upper arms or thighs, with or without liposuction.

Combined procedures

Combining an abdominoplasty with breast surgery in one operation, sometimes called a “mummy makeover".

Fat transfer

Using your own fat to restore volume in areas such as the face, hands, breasts or buttocks.

Your consultation

At your consultation Mr Oezdogan will:

• discuss what you would like to change and why

• examine you and explain which options are suitable, including non-surgical alternatives or not having surgery

• explain the benefits, risks, recovery and the possibility of further surgery in the future

• give you written information to take away

You will be asked about your weight history, any weight-loss treatment, pregnancies, smoking and general health, as these affect the safety and outcome of surgery.

Private consultations and surgery are offered to adults aged 18 and over. You will be given time to reflect before deciding, and a second consultation is offered before surgery is booked.

Where surgery takes place

Consultations and body contouring surgery take place at Highgate Hospital (Nuffield Health) and The London Welbeck Hospital. Day-case procedures take place at Chase Lodge Hospital, Mill Hill.

Frequently asked questions

Can separated stomach muscles be repaired?

Yes. During an abdominoplasty, the separated muscles can be stitched back together (rectus plication), which flattens and strengthens the abdominal wall.

I have lost weight with medication. When can I have surgery?

Once your weight has been stable for 6–12 months. Weekly weight-loss injections usually need to be paused 2–4 weeks before surgery, and daily tablets 1–2 days before, to reduce anaesthetic risk. Mr Oezdogan will give you individual advice.

Should I wait until I have finished having children?

This is usually recommended, at least 6–12 months after your last pregnancy and after breastfeeding has stopped. A further pregnancy can stretch the muscles and skin again.

Is body contouring available on the NHS?

NHS funding is very limited and depends on local criteria. Surgery is usually self-funded.

Will exercise tighten loose skin?

Exercise improves muscle tone, but it cannot remove significantly stretched skin.

What is a “mummy makeover”?

It is an informal name for combining an abdominoplasty with breast surgery, such as an uplift or augmentation, in one operation after pregnancy. Combining procedures can mean one recovery period and one anaesthetic, but it is not suitable for everyone. This is discussed at your consultation.

Can several areas be treated at once?

Sometimes. Larger combinations may be safer when staged. This is discussed at your consultation.

Do you treat patients under 18?

Private consultations and surgery are offered to adults aged 18 and over.

How do I arrange a consultation?

Send an enquiry through the Contact page.

To discuss body contouring, book a consultation with Mr Oezdogan.

Discuss your options