Your body after significant weight loss

A change, not an obligation

After significant weight loss, skin and the tissue beneath it may not fully adapt to a person's new shape. Everyone's experience is different, and loose skin is not a reason by itself to have an operation.

If skin changes cause discomfort, interfere with everyday activities or raise questions, a qualified clinician can help you consider what matters to you. Choosing no procedure is also a valid option.

Understanding possible options

Body contouring is a term for surgical procedures that can remove excess skin and reshape underlying tissue. The areas, techniques and likely results vary; a consultation should consider your goals as well as the limits of surgery.

Scars are a lasting part of surgery. It is reasonable to ask what scars may look like and how they may change over time, without assuming a particular result.

Preparing for a conversation

• Ask whether your weight has been stable enough for an individual assessment.
• Share previous operations, health conditions, medicines and supplements with your clinical team.
• If you use weight-management medication, ask your prescribing and surgical teams for personal instructions; do not change it on your own.
• Ask about benefits, risks, alternatives, costs and who will provide follow-up.

A decision at your pace

There is no standard number of procedures that a person must have. Consider the option of taking time, seeking a second opinion or deciding against surgery.