Body contouring

Body contouring

Body contouring

Bodies change. Pregnancy, significant weight loss, the passage of time – these can alter the shape of the body in ways that feel at odds with how you eat, how you move and how you feel. Body contouring surgery addresses excess skin and stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to lifestyle alone – restoring proportion and ease in a way that exercise and diet simply cannot achieve once skin has lost its elasticity.

This is not a single procedure but a suite of options – tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift and liposuction – each targeting specific areas of the body. They can be undertaken individually or in combination, including alongside breast uplift procedures.

What is body contouring surgery?

Body contouring is a collective term for surgical procedures that reshape and refine the body by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying structures.

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles, which can become separated following pregnancy – a condition known as diastasis recti. The result is a flatter, firmer abdomen with improved definition. A full tummy tuck involves an incision across the lower abdomen (typically concealed within the bikini line) and around the navel. A mini tummy tuck addresses the lower abdomen only and is suited to patients with less excess skin.

Arm lift (brachioplasty)

An arm lift removes excess skin from the upper arms – an area commonly affected after significant weight loss or with natural ageing. The incision runs along the inner aspect of the upper arm, from the armpit toward the elbow. Where the primary concern is fat rather than skin laxity, liposuction alone may achieve the desired result and avoid a longer scar.

Thigh lift

A thigh lift addresses excess skin and tissue on the inner or outer thighs, most commonly following significant weight loss. An inner thigh lift involves an incision in the groin crease, while more extensive cases may require a longer vertical incision along the inner thigh. The result is a firmer, smoother contour and improved comfort when walking or exercising.

Liposuction

Liposuction is frequently used alongside body contouring procedures to refine and smooth the surrounding areas for a more natural overall result.

Is body contouring surgery right for you?

Body contouring procedures are most effective for patients who are at or close to a stable, healthy weight and aren’t planning significant further weight loss or future pregnancies. The surgery addresses excess skin and residual fat – not active weight management – so it works best once the body has settled.

Women who have been through significant weight loss – whether through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery – often find that the physical and emotional benefits of body contouring are considerable.

I ask all my patients to stop smoking – or using any nicotine products – from 4 weeks before procedures until 6 weeks after to avoid compromised wound healing and anaesthesia risks. 

As a Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, my approach draws on both reconstructive and aesthetic expertise. The complexity of managing large areas of skin in body contouring requires careful surgical judgement. I consider proportion, symmetry and long-term outcomes at every stage.

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“The goal of body contouring is not to impose a new shape, but to reveal the one that was already there – sculpted and refined.”

Steps

The process from start to finish

Here’s a clear outline of what to expect at each stage. The overall journey for each of the procedures follows a consistent pattern.

1. Consultation
2. Procedure
3. Recovery and aftercare
4. Scarring
5. Risks

Consultation

We’ll discuss the areas you would like to address, your weight history, your goals and your general health. I’ll assess the areas in question – skin quality, degree of laxity, underlying tissue and overall proportion – and recommend the most appropriate procedure or combination of procedures. I lay out your options clearly and the decision on how to proceed is entirely yours.

Procedure

All body contouring procedures are performed under general anaesthetic. Depending on the complexity and number of areas being addressed, surgery may take between 2 and 5 hours. Most patients stay one night in hospital, though more straightforward procedures may be performed as a day case. Where multiple procedures are combined, your surgical plan will be discussed in detail to ensure the approach is safe and achieves the best possible result.

Recovery and aftercare

You will wear compression garments over the treated areas for 4 to 6 weeks. These are essential for supporting the skin as it contracts and for reducing swelling. Most patients return to light activity within 2 to 4 weeks and exercise at 6 to 8 weeks. Most patients find the first 1 to 2 weeks the most physically demanding and should plan accordingly for support at home. I provide personalised guidance on rest, wound care and nutrition, and follow-up appointments are included as part of your care.

Scarring

All body contouring procedures involve permanent scarring – the extent of which depends on the procedure. Tummy tuck scars are placed within or just above the bikini line and around the navel; arm lift scars run along the inner upper arm; and thigh lift scars are positioned in the groin crease or inner thigh. I plan every incision carefully to keep scarring as discreet as possible. Scars evolve over 12 to 24 months, and I’ll give you a realistic picture of what to expect at your consultation.

Risks

Body contouring is major surgery, and I will always ensure you are fully informed before making any decision. Possible risks include:

  • Infection, bleeding or seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin)
  • Deep vein thrombosis – risks are minimised with compression stockings, early mobilisation and, where appropriate, anticoagulation
  • Wound healing complications, particularly in patients who smoke or have diabetes
  • Uneven contour or asymmetry if the skin does not contract uniformly
  • Thickened or widened scarring
  • Changes in skin sensation, which are usually temporary
  • Need for revision surgery in some cases

Being in good general health, at a stable weight and a non-smoker (or prepared to stop) significantly reduces surgical risk. 

I encourage you to ask questions at every stage. Being fully informed is an essential part of making a decision you feel confident in.

The results

If you've been living with the physical and psychological effects of significant skin laxity, the results of body contouring surgery can be life changing. Clothing fits differently. Movement becomes easier. And for many women, the renewed sense of proportion and confidence makes them feel like their true selves again. 

Results are long-lasting, provided weight remains stable. Most patients feel the full benefit of their surgery at around 6 months, once swelling has fully resolved and scars have begun to settle.

Patient Review
“Miss Mughal was amazing, explained everything very well. Did an amazing job, I’m very happy with my experience.”

Your next steps

If you’re considering body contouring, the most important first step is to understand your options.

For a clear picture of what to expect from each stage, explore the guides I’ve put together, including more details on preparing for surgery and the recovery process. 

When you’re ready to start the conversation, I would be glad to meet with you.

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FAQ

Your questions, answered

1. Can I have the surgery if I’m thinking of having a family later?

For a tummy tuck, I would generally advise waiting until your family is complete – pregnancy can undo a significant part of the result. For other body contouring procedures the considerations differ, and I'll advise specifically on each.

2. What happens if I gain or lose weight later?

Results are most lasting when weight remains stable. Significant gain after a tummy tuck can stretch the skin again; loss can reveal further laxity. It's one of the reasons I recommend waiting until weight has been stable for at least 12–18 months before proceeding, particularly following significant weight loss. The goal is a result that reflects your body as it actually is.

3. How long until I can shower after the procedure?

You can shower from the day after surgery. I know this surprises some people, who expect to be told to avoid water for weeks. I'll give you specific guidance on how to manage your wounds and dressings. (Swimming and bathing are however off limits until your wounds are fully healed.)

Costs

Costs vary depending on the procedure or combination of procedures involved, theatre time and your individual care requirements. Your quote will include the surgical fee, anaesthetic fee and hospital costs, as well as pre-operative assessment and post-operative consultations.

Download the full price list

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