Medically Reviewed May 2022, by Mr Sankar - Chief Medical Officer for The Harley Medical Group
What is Body Contouring?
Body contouring, also known as body sculpting, is a procedure that aims to re-shape an area of the body to improve the appearance of loose or sagging skin. This procedure aims to give smooth contours to your physique. Before you undergo a body contouring procedure, your weight must be stabilised with a normal BMI score. This is because further weight loss could result in more loose skin and rapid weight gain can increase the likelihood of stretchmarks or scarring.
At The Harley Medical Group, our team of expert surgeons and nurses will be able to advise you which body contouring treatment or procedure is right for you based on the results you want and the laxity of your skin.
What are the main Body Contouring procedures?
When considering body contouring, understanding what procedures are available and which are right for you can be complicated. Many procedures sound the same, such as skin tightening and fat reduction. So how do you choose one over the other?
Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted body fat that hasn’t responded to dieting and exercise. This is done using a suction technique to remove pockets of fat on the arms, thighs, hips, neck, or abdomen. As well as removing body fat, Liposuction can be used to contour and sculped the body to a more desired shape. It’s important to note that this procedure is not a substitute for dieting and exercise, the best results are achieved on people who are of a stable and normal body weight for their height (using BMI analysis).
Vaser Liposuction (Liposculpture)
Vaser Liposuction, also commonly known as Liposculpture, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a specific fat removal technique to both shape and sculpt the body. Despite having a healthy diet and exercise routine, we can often have areas of fat that are hard to remove. Liposculpture enhances your natural features by creating a defined and toned physique. Compared to Liposuction, Vaser Liposuction is minimally invasive. It uses state of the art ultrasound technology to precisely target and destroy unwanted fat.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy Tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin or fat from the abdomen. A Tummy Tuck can be used to restore the look of a flat and defined abdomen. This procedure is commonly chosen by patients who have been had a pregnancy or lost a high percentage of body fat, which has caused excess and loose skin. Like Liposuction, to be eligible for a Tummy Tuck you will need to have a stable body weight with a normal BMI score.
Body Contouring Surgery
Tummy Tuck
An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is ideal for someone post pregnancy or after weight loss who has a larger of excess skin and fat above navel and to the bikini line. The procedure removes and excess and loose skin, and can also address small areas of fat. If the lower abdomen (below the navel) has stretch marks these may also be removed.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the ideal procedure for someone with disproportionate fat cell distribution, and close to optimum weight. However, it is essential that the skin is firm and has excellent skin elasticity. The procedure removes fat cells from the treated area, however a significant increase will see remaining fat cells grow it will be more in proportion with the rest of the body.
Vaser Liposuction
Vaser liposuction is a highly specialised fat removal, body contouring, shaping and sculpting procedure to target specific areas large or small. Unlike traditional liposuction this treatment can be used on delicate areas and achieves good results for those with loose skin as it promotes the production of collagen and encourages skin tightening.
Breast Reduction
Overly large and disproportionate breasts not only causes back, neck and shoulder pains but can also tip the scales pushing up your BMI. While a strong body core and exercising can help to alleviate some of these symptoms only a procedure can completely reduce the size of fuller breasts.
Breast Uplift
Post breast-feeding or following significant weight loss many women's breast appear deflated and have excess skin. A breast uplift, also known as mastopexy, is often performed with an augmentation and will tighten the surrounding tissue to restore the breast giving shape and support.
Arm and Thigh Lift
Excess skin on the upper arms, also known as bingo wings, and on the upper thigh can cause chaffing and making tighter clothes uncomfortable to wear. For smaller areas our skin tightening treatment is an option, however for larger areas a lift will surgically remove excess skin leaving the area smooth and contoured.
Body Contouring Cost
| Procedure | From |
|---|---|
| Tummy tuck | £6,170 |
| Liposuction | £4,750 |
| Vaser liposuction | £4,950 |
| Arm lift | £7,195 |
| Thigh lift | £7,295 |
| Breast augmentation | £6,150 |
| Breast uplift | £7,495 |
| Breast reduction | £8,195 |
| Stretch mark removal | £200 |
| Skin tightening | £80 |
As every single patient is different, there is no set price for body contouring. Therefore, the costs of body contouring procedures can differ on a case-by-case basis.
In order to get a quote that is specific to you, find your nearest clinic and book a consultation with one of our nurses to discuss your requirements in complete confidence. All prices quoted are complete and there are no hidden extra costs.
BMI Calculator
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a helpful tool, used by the government and healthcare professionals, to advise of the healthy weight range for your height. If you choose to go ahead and book a consultation with us, we may require your BMI in advance for safety reasons. Here’s a simple tool to help you calculate your BMI.
Body contouring before and after
Please note that these images have been provided by our surgeons/patients who have allowed us to use them and have not been altered or photoshopped in any way. To see more body contouring before and after photos, or for any further questions, book a no obligation consultation today.
TIP: Drag the slider bar left and right to view the sclerotherapy before and after photos
Who will carry out your Body Contouring?
