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Excess skin removal
(body contouring)
After your weight loss journey, you may find yourself with excess skin that impacts your daily comfort and self-confidence. Our experienced Consultants are here to guide you through the most effective surgical options, helping you choose the right combination of procedures to achieve optimal results. Because every weight loss story is unique, your treatment plan will be carefully tailored to meet your individual needs and goals.
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At a glance Benefits Type Before and after Testimonials Team Why us FAQs Risks

Excess skin removal at a glance

Here's what to expect from your excess skin removal surgery and the recovery process.

Surgery time

Two to four hours (depending on your individual surgery)

Hospital stay

One night

Reasonable mobility

Next day

Shower

After two days

Time off work

Two weeks

Garments

Six weeks

Driving

From two to three weeks (check with your insurance)

Full recovery

From eight weeks

Excess skin removal benefits
  1. Improved comfort

    Removing excess skin can significantly enhance your comfort and overall wellbeing

  2. Style

    Enjoy a smoother, more contoured shape that allows clothes to fit more naturally and flatteringly

  3. Boosted confidence

    Feel more confident and at ease in your own skin
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Excess skin removal procedures
  1. Tummy tuck

    A tummy tuck removes extra skin, scars, stretch marks and fat from the tummy to improve the appearance and shape of the abdomen

  2. Arm lift

    An arm lift removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms while tightening the remaining skin

  3. Thigh lift

    A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin from the thigh area
  4. Liposuction

    Liposuction removes unwanted fat that won’t go even with diet and exercise
  5. Breast uplift

    A breast uplift reshapes and remodels the breasts by removing extra skin, lifting them and repositioning the nipple
  6. Male chest reduction

    Male chest reduction surgery removes excess chest tissue for a firmer, flatter chest
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TESTIMONIALS

What our patients are saying

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Paul
Chest reduction and tummy tuck
Purple star Purple star Purple star Purple star Purple star
Benenden Hospital is a fantastic hospital, the rooms are private, the facilities are unbelievably clean, there’s always a member of staff around to support you. Everything you could hope or want from a hospital is there, it is a very impressive place.

Meet the team

Our team of Surgeons and nurses bring exceptional expertise to Benenden Hospital. Explore their profiles to learn more about their backgrounds, specialisms and commitment to outstanding care.

Christopher Macdonald
ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE

Christopher Macdonald

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Mr Macdonald's clinical interests include breast reduction surgery, abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, body contouring, brachioplasty or arm lift.

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Simon P Mackey
ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE

Simon P Mackey

Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

Mr Mackey's clinical interests include breast reduction surgery, mastopexy or breast uplift, abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, brachioplasty or arm lift.

Mr Simon P Mackey arrow right
Lexie Otana

Lexie Otana

Senior Staff Nurse in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Lexie is the Senior Staff Nurse in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery at Benenden Hospital.

Lexie Otana arrow right

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Why Benenden Hospital?

Benenden Hospital is an ultra-modern private hospital, rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Patients are at the heart of everything we do at Benenden Hospital, where we have created a caring environment full of kind and compassionate people.

Great service

Countryside retreat

Transparent pricing

Tailored support

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FAQs

Why would I have excess skin removal surgery? +

After significant weight loss, it's common to be left with loose or sagging skin that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. If this excess skin is affecting your comfort, mobility, or confidence, you might consider surgical removal as a solution.

There are several procedures designed to address different areas of the body, including tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts, breast uplifts, liposuction, and chest reductions. These surgeries not only remove excess skin but can also eliminate stubborn fat deposits, helping to contour and reshape your body for a smoother, more toned appearance.

How is excess skin removed? +

The type of surgery required to remove excess skin depends on the specific area of your body being treated. Once skin has stretched beyond its ability to retract naturally, it cannot be tightened through diet or exercise alone and surgical intervention becomes necessary.

These procedures are performed under general anaesthetic and typically involve an overnight hospital stay.

Can multiple surgeries be performed at the same time? +

Yes, certain procedures can be safely combined in a single operation. Common pairings include breast and abdominal surgeries, or arm and thigh lifts, as these areas complement each other well in terms of surgical technique and recovery.

Opting for a combination procedure offers several benefits as you’ll only require one anaesthetic, one hospital stay, and a single recovery period. However, your Surgeon will prioritise your safety above all else. Typically, you’ll be advised to limit your surgery to one or two additional procedures alongside your primary treatment to ensure optimal outcomes and minimise risk.

How much does it cost to remove excess skin? +

The cost of excess skin removal surgery varies depending on your individual needs and the specific procedures involved. Since every body and treatment plan is unique, your Surgeon will provide a detailed breakdown of recommended procedures and associated costs during your consultation.

How long does it take to recover from excess skin removal surgery? +

It's important you take your time to recover, as the final shape of your body may take months to settle. We advise everybody not to do any strenuous lifting for six weeks post-surgery, but you may be able to drive after one to two weeks if you can safely do an emergency stop. Please check with your insurance company.

Our ward staff will call you after a couple of days, to make sure you're recovering well. You'll have a telephone consultation with our specialist nurse about a week after surgery. One week after surgery, we'll invite you for a wound check to remove any dressings. At four to six weeks, you'll see the Consultant and we'll give you a number to call if you have any issues. Six months after your surgery, we'll contact you again to see how you're getting on.

What are the risks involved with excess skin removal surgery? +

Every operation carries some risk, which your Consultant or specialist nurse will discuss with you during your consultations.

Is there a minimum weight over which I can have excess skin removal surgery? +

The smaller you are, the better result you should get from the surgery. Ideally, your BMI should be above 19 but less than 30. You will need to be at a stable goal weight for at least six months before surgery.

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How we reduce risks
  1. Pre-operative assessment

    Prior to your surgery, you’ll have an appointment with a specialist nurse who will conduct a thorough review of your medical, surgical, and social history in order to ascertain how suitable, fit and well you are for surgery. They will conduct important investigative tests to ensure that any risks surrounding surgery are well managed.

  2. Dedicated decontamination services

    Our on-site Decontamination Services Department ensures all reusable medical devices are thoroughly and safely decontaminated to meet the highest standards of hygiene.
  3. Infection prevention control

    To safeguard everyone in our environment, we follow rigorous infection prevention and control protocols. Patients, visitors, and staff are asked to contact us before coming to the hospital if they are experiencing any symptoms of or have an active infection so that we can advise them on whether they should still attend or visit someone who may be a patient.
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Book your consultation today

It's easy to book by giving us a call or completing our online form.

Page last reviewed: 04 November 2025