You've worked hard to lose the weight; now complete your transformation by removing the excess skin that's holding you back. Staged or combined procedures target every area affected by massive weight loss, relieving discomfort from skin folds and finally giving your body the shape that matches your achievement.
What Is Post-Bariatric Body Contouring?
Post-bariatric reconstruction addresses the loose, hanging skin left after significant weight loss through a combination of procedures to remove excess tissue and reshape the body. It can relieve physical discomfort, hygiene issues, and the emotional frustration of skin that doesn't match your achievement.
Our surgeons create customised treatment plans, whether you need an abdominoplasty, thigh lift, arm lift, breast lift, or full lower body lift, often staged for optimal safety and results.
Common Concerns Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Can Address
- Excess, sagging skin following massive weight loss
- Skin folds causing irritation, rashes, or infections
- Loss of body shape and contour despite weight loss
- Physical limitations and discomfort from hanging tissue
Are You a Good Candidate?
- Maintained stable weight for at least 6–12 months post-weight loss
- Non-smokers in good overall health with realistic expectations
- Completed or near completion of weight loss journey
Techniques & Options
After massive weight loss, excess skin rarely affects just one area, and where it hangs most differs from patient to patient. Your surgeon will assess which zones cause the greatest discomfort, map how skin laxity distributes across your body, and decide whether a single combined procedure or a staged plan is safest. The treatment can address anything from an isolated lower-body correction to a comprehensive head-to-knee transformation.
There are three main approaches:
Lower Body Lift
Comprehensive circumferential surgery addressing the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and outer thighs in one procedure. Ideal for patients with excess skin around the entire midsection.
- Removes apron of skin from abdomen and tightens underlying muscles
- Lifts and reshapes buttocks and outer thighs
- Creates a natural waistline and improved body proportions
Upper Body Contouring
Focuses on arms, breasts, and upper back skin laxity. Often performed as a second stage following lower body procedures.
- Brachioplasty (arm lift) removes excess skin from upper arms
- Breast lift or augmentation restores volume and position
- Upper back lift addresses bra-line rolls and excess tissue
Staged Comprehensive Contouring
Multiple procedures spread across separate operations for safer, more extensive transformation. Typically starts with the lower body, then upper body 3–6 months later.
- First stage typically addresses abdomen and lower body
- Second stage focuses on upper body, arms, and breasts
- Staged approach reduces surgical time, blood loss, and recovery burden
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
You'll remain in hospital with swelling, bruising, and discomfort all normal for this extensive procedure. Gentle supervised walks promote circulation. Your care coordinator will check in daily to monitor your progress.
Week 1–2
Light walking continues and most patients can manage basic self-care as drains are removed. You'll feel progressively more comfortable each day, with noticeable improvement by the second week.
Weeks 3–6
Gradual increase in activity levels as swelling subsides noticeably. Most patients return to desk work by week 4–6. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise during this period.
Months 2–12
Resume full exercise by month 3 with your surgeon's approval. Scars fade and flatten over 12–18 months, with your final contour becoming apparent as tissues fully settle.
What to Expect
Safety & Risks
Post-bariatric body contouring is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon, but like all major surgeries, it carries some risks.
- Wound separation or delayed healing
- Seroma or haematoma
- Infection at incision sites
- Extensive but concealable scarring
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Blood clots (rare)
Post-bariatric patients often have unique nutritional deficiencies and tissue quality concerns that affect surgical risk. Your surgeon will review your bariatric history, assess protein levels and wound-healing capacity, and explain how staged procedures and nutritional optimisation reduce complications for this patient group.
How Much Does Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive — your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
Post-Bariatric Body Contouring
All-inclusive surgical package- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
Common Questions About Post-Bariatric Body Contouring
Everything you need to know before your procedure
Dr. Pichaya Suwanprasert
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDDr. Pichaya Suwanprasert
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDPlastic Surgeon · Bangkok
Last reviewed: February 18, 2026
Medical References
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Individual results, recovery times, and suitability vary. Always consult a qualified surgeon before making decisions about treatment.
What's Included
- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
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Speak with our care coordinators for a free, no-obligation consultation and personalised quote.
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