Body & Plastic Surgery
Body contouring in Dubai
Body contouring is a group of surgical procedures that remove excess skin and reshape areas of the body that do not respond to diet or exercise alone — most commonly after significant weight loss or bariatric surgery. Performed by Dr Amna Belhoul, Consultant & Head of Plastic Surgery, in a surgeon-led clinic in Mirdif Hills.
Arm lift · Thigh lift · Body lift after weight loss
What body contouring is, and who it helps
When someone loses a large amount of weight — whether through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery — the skin and soft tissue that once stretched to accommodate that weight often cannot retract on their own. Body contouring surgery addresses this by removing the redundant skin and tightening the underlying tissue across one or more areas, including the arms, inner thighs, and the circumference of the trunk. The goal is to match the body's outer shape to the weight already achieved.
These are surgical procedures with real recovery times and permanent scars; the decision to proceed is taken carefully at consultation after a full assessment of your health, weight stability, and goals. Body contouring is not a method for losing weight, and it is not a single operation — the combination of procedures that makes sense for you is planned individually. Results and healing vary from person to person.
Why have your body contouring at ABC
- Led by Dr Amna Belhoul, FRCS (Glasgow), Consultant & Head of Plastic Surgery at Dubai Health — 28 years of experience with a particular focus on post-bariatric and post-weight-loss body surgery
- Board-certified in aesthetic medicine, with a reconstructive background that informs careful tissue handling and scar placement
- A female surgical team, with privacy and comfort central to the care environment throughout
- Surgery and in-clinic LPG lymphatic-drainage recovery under one roof in Mirdif, supporting healing after your procedure
Body contouring procedures we offer
The procedures that make sense depend on the areas affected, the degree of skin laxity, and your overall health. Options and sequencing are discussed in full at consultation.
Arm lift (brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty removes excess skin and tissue from the inner upper arm that hangs after weight loss. The scar runs along the inner arm and is discussed in detail before surgery so you can weigh the trade-off between improved contour and permanent scarring.
Thigh lift
A thigh lift tightens and removes excess skin from the inner or outer thigh. It is most commonly considered after significant weight loss when the skin no longer conforms to the leg's underlying shape. Scar placement and extent are planned to your anatomy.
Lower body lift / circumferential body lift
A lower body lift addresses excess skin around the entire circumference of the lower trunk — including the abdomen, outer thighs, and buttocks — in a single procedure. It is most often considered after major weight loss or bariatric surgery where multiple areas are affected together.
Recovery and what to expect
Recovery varies by procedure and the combination performed. Most people need one to three weeks away from a desk job, with strenuous physical activity avoided for six weeks or more on your surgeon's guidance. Swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness are expected in the early weeks and settle gradually. Drains may be used for a short period after larger procedures.
In-clinic lymphatic-drainage sessions are available as part of your recovery plan and can be timed to support the management of swelling and fluid in the weeks after surgery. Your aftercare programme is discussed at consultation and confirmed after your procedure.
- Support garment worn in the early recovery weeks
- Swelling and bruising expected; they settle over weeks to months
- Lymphatic drainage available in-clinic to support healing
- Permanent scars that fade over time — placement discussed before surgery
Body contouring — frequently asked questions
Who is a good candidate for body contouring?
Body contouring is most commonly considered by people who have lost a significant amount of weight — through bariatric surgery or sustained lifestyle changes — and have excess skin that does not tighten on its own. Good candidates are at or close to a stable weight, in reasonable overall health, and not planning major weight changes. Suitability is assessed individually at consultation.
Can I have an arm lift and a thigh lift at the same time?
Combining procedures in a single operation is sometimes possible and may reduce overall recovery time compared with separate surgeries. Whether that is appropriate depends on your health, the extent of each procedure, and your surgeon's assessment. Dr Amna discusses sequencing and combination options at consultation.
Will there be scars?
Yes. All body contouring procedures leave permanent scars. The scars fade and soften over months to years, but they do not disappear. Scar placement is planned carefully before surgery — for example, placing an arm-lift scar on the inner arm where it is less visible — and aftercare instructions support the best possible healing. The trade-off between improved contour and permanent scarring is discussed honestly before any procedure.
How long does recovery take after a body lift?
A lower body lift is a major operation with a longer recovery than procedures on a single area. Most people need two to three weeks off work and avoid strenuous activity for six to eight weeks, though individual timelines vary. Swelling can persist for several months. Your surgeon gives you a personalised plan at consultation and adjusts it as you recover.
Is body contouring a weight-loss treatment?
No. Body contouring removes excess skin and reshapes the body's surface; it is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for weight loss. It works best once your weight is stable, and it is not appropriate if you are still actively losing weight or planning further bariatric procedures.
How much does body contouring cost in Dubai?
The cost depends on which procedures you need, whether they are combined, the extent of work, and your individual case. A clear, itemised quote is provided after your consultation with Dr Amna. Contact us on WhatsApp to arrange your consultation.
How soon after bariatric surgery can I have body contouring?
It is generally advised to wait until your weight has been stable for at least twelve months after bariatric surgery and your nutritional levels are adequate. Operating before weight is stable carries a higher risk of complications and may affect the outcome. Timing is assessed individually at consultation.
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