MED0001860545
Read more here This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. All surgery contains risks.
This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. All surgery contains risks.
MED0001860545: This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. All surgery contains risks.
Read more here
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Henry Shepherd offers body contouring and skin reduction surgery in Sydney. Learn about your options and what to expect.
About body surgery
Most of the operations within this category are skin and soft tissue procedures designed for patients who have loose skin or contour changes that exercise and weight management can't address. The two most common groups of patients we see for body surgery are those who have completed their families and are looking at the changes pregnancy and breastfeeding have produced, and those who have undergone significant weight loss (either through diet and exercise or following bariatric surgery) and have been left with skin that hasn't retracted to match their new body shape.
Body surgery is generally bigger than the equivalent operations on the face or breast, with longer recovery times, more substantial scars, and a more demanding post-operative period. Patients considering these procedures should plan for several weeks of reduced activity at minimum, and longer if they have a physical role at work. What's right for one person isn't necessarily right for another, and the procedure pages within this section give a starting overview of what each operation involves. Anything specific to your anatomy, your goals and the realistic options for your situation is a discussion we'll have when we meet.
ALL PROCEDURES
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Post-Pregnancy
The physical changes after pregnancy fall broadly into a few groups
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Post Weight Loss
Significant weight loss can affect many body areas at the same time
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Belt Lipectomy
Belt lipectomy is most commonly performed after significant weight loss.
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Body Lift
An upper body lift is a procedure that removes excess skin from the upper back
WHAT EVERY BODY PROCEDURE INVOLVES
Whichever procedure suits your situation, certain things stay constant.
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Every procedure begins with examination, listening, and a frank discussion of alternatives — including not operating.
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All breast surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in accredited Sydney private hospitals.
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Most procedures involve one night in hospital, a defined return-to-work window, then a longer window before unrestricted activity.
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact the rooms directly and we'll be happy to help.
Contact UsYes. A referral from a general practitioner who works independently of Dr Shepherd is required for every cosmetic surgery consultation. This is a Medical Board of Australia rule that applies across the country and applies to every Australian specialist plastic surgeon offering cosmetic surgery, not just to our practice.
Generally, body surgery is considered once you've completed your family and are at a stable weight that you expect to maintain. Pregnancy after an abdominoplasty can stretch the skin and muscle repair, potentially undoing some of the result, so most patients prefer to wait until they're not planning further pregnancies. The right timing for your situation is something we'll discuss at consultation.
Weight stability matters. Most surgeons recommend waiting until you've maintained a stable weight for at least 12 months, and ideally longer. This is because further weight loss after surgery can leave the skin looking loose again, while weight gain can stretch the wound and produce wider scarring. We'll discuss your weight trajectory and goals at consultation to work out the right timing.
Some body surgery procedures attract a Medicare rebate when specific clinical criteria are met. This applies most often to certain abdominoplasty procedures following pregnancy or weight loss, where the relevant criteria are documented. Cosmetic body surgery generally isn't covered. We'll provide a written quote covering all surgical, anaesthetic and hospital fees after your consultation.
Patients who have lost a large amount of weight often need more than one operation to address all the areas of loose skin. The specific approach depends on which areas are affected and what's most important to you. We typically plan body contouring after weight loss across multiple operations, with several months between each, rather than trying to address everything in a single very long operation.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Results and individual outcomes will vary.
