What is Body Contouring Surgery?
Body contouring procedures address excess skin and residual fatty deposits that remain after significant weight loss, whether achieved through bariatric surgery, dietary change, or post-pregnancy. Even after reaching a healthy target weight, the skin may have lost elasticity and simply cannot retract on its own — leaving folds that cause discomfort, skin irritation, hygiene problems and significant difficulties with body image and clothing.
Mr. Blackburn offers a focused range of body contouring procedures including arm lift (brachioplasty), thigh lift (inner and outer), and flank contouring. These are often planned alongside or after abdominoplasty to address the full extent of skin excess. Each plan is developed individually, taking into account the patient's overall health, weight stability, skin quality and the specific areas of greatest concern.
Surgery After Massive Weight Loss
Achieving significant weight loss is a tremendous accomplishment. Mr. Blackburn holds independent certification from the Intercollegiate Cosmetic Surgery Board (Royal College of Surgeons of England) specifically in body contouring after massive weight loss — one of the most technically demanding areas of aesthetic surgery. He is one of a small number of surgeons in the UK to hold this credential, which requires documented training, operative experience and a commitment to safe practice.
Post-bariatric body contouring is carefully planned around each patient's individual anatomy, weight stability, nutritional status and overall health. Because these procedures are often staged over time, thorough preoperative assessment and realistic expectation-setting are essential. Mr. Blackburn takes time at consultation to map out a clear, prioritised surgical plan — typically beginning with the abdomen, before addressing the arms, thighs or other areas.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty addresses excess, lax skin of the upper arm — typically the inner aspect — that creates a drooping or deflated appearance and proves resistant to exercise. The procedure removes excess skin and, where appropriate, fat, through a scar that is placed carefully along the inner arm, where it is most concealed. The goal is a firmer, more toned upper arm that restores confidence in sleeveless clothing.
Thigh Lift
Thigh lift surgery addresses excess skin of the inner or outer thighs, most commonly following weight loss. An inner thigh lift removes skin through a scar positioned in the groin crease, which heals in a concealed position. Where more extensive correction is needed, the scar may extend along the inner thigh. Mr. Blackburn discusses scar placement carefully at consultation, balancing the degree of correction against scar positioning.
Planning and Staging
Body contouring after significant weight loss frequently requires more than one procedure. Staging allows each area to heal fully before the next procedure is planned, and means that the surgical plan can be adapted based on the results of earlier operations. Mr. Blackburn will advise at consultation on the optimal sequence of procedures, taking into account recovery time, nutritional status and the patient's personal priorities.
- ICSB-certified specialist in cosmetic body contouring
- ICSB-certified in body contouring after massive weight loss
- Arm lift (brachioplasty) and thigh lift procedures
- Flank and back contouring available
- Procedures staged for safe, effective recovery
- New Victoria Hospital Kingston & Mount Alvernia Guildford