Body and Limb Plastic Surgery 

Body and limb contouring is a field of plastic surgery that includes procedures aimed at correcting the contours of the torso, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, calves, and arms. These procedures remove excess skin and fatty tissue, tighten weakened muscles, and create harmonious body proportions.

They are especially in demand after significant weight loss, bariatric surgery, pregnancy, and age-related changes. At Iskusstvo Clinic in Moscow, body contouring procedures are performed by surgeons trained in the school of Professor Nerobeev.

The philosophy of body contouring at the clinic is based on a comprehensive approach: the surgeon evaluates the figure as a whole, including the balance between the torso and limbs, symmetry, and proportions, and creates a plan that may include several areas of correction in one or several procedures.

Indications

Excess skin and fatty tissue on the abdomen after pregnancy, weight loss, or age-related changes

Diastasis, or separation, of the rectus abdominis muscles

Hernias of the anterior abdominal wall and umbilical hernias

Massive skin and fat aprons after bariatric surgery

Sagging skin on the thighs, buttocks, arms, and calves

Insufficient volume of the buttocks or calves

Deformation or unsatisfactory shape of the navel

The patient’s desire to improve body contours and increase self-confidence

Types of Procedures

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is a tummy tuck procedure involving removal of excess skin and fat, repair of rectus abdominis diastasis, and repositioning of the navel. It is the most requested procedure in body contouring surgery.

Mini Abdominoplasty

Mini abdominoplasty is a technique with a shorter incision and a smaller scope of correction. It is suitable for isolated excess skin below the navel without significant diastasis.

Lipoabdominoplasty

Lipoabdominoplasty combines abdominoplasty with liposuction of the flanks and adjacent areas for comprehensive remodeling of the torso contours.

Correction of Rectus Abdominis Diastasis

This procedure involves suturing the separated rectus abdominis muscles. It can be performed either as a standalone procedure or as part of abdominoplasty.

Repair of Anterior Abdominal Wall Hernias and Umbilical Hernias

Hernioplasty is often combined with abdominoplasty when hernias are present.

Umbilicoplasty

Umbilicoplasty corrects the shape, size, or position of the navel.

Gluteoplasty

Gluteoplasty increases and corrects the shape of the buttocks using implants or fat grafting, also known as BBL, or Brazilian Butt Lift.

Thigh Lift, or Femoroplasty

Femoroplasty is a lift of the inner thighs with removal of excess skin and fat.

Calf Augmentation, or Cruroplasty

Cruroplasty corrects the shape of the calves using implants or fat grafting.

Arm Lift, or Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty is a lift of the arms, specifically the inner upper arm area, with removal of excess skin.

Post-Bariatric Surgery, or Body Lift

A body lift is a circumferential body tightening procedure after massive weight loss. It includes simultaneous correction of the abdomen, flanks, back, and buttocks.

How the Procedure Is Performed

Procedures are performed in the inpatient facility of Iskusstvo Clinic under general anesthesia. Preoperative preparation includes a consultation with the surgeon, standard laboratory tests, and, if necessary, ultrasound of the abdominal wall or CT imaging.

The duration varies depending on the procedure: mini abdominoplasty takes 1–1.5 hours, classic abdominoplasty takes 2–3.5 hours, and body lift takes 4–6 hours. The inpatient stay ranges from 1 to 3 days depending on the scope of surgery.

Rehabilitation

Compression garments are worn for 4–8 weeks. Drains, if placed, are removed after 2–5 days. Sutures are removed on days 10–14. Physical activity is restricted for 4–8 weeks, depending on the procedure.

Scars mature over 6–12 months. The final result forms within 3–6 months. Recovery timelines are individual.

Risks and Complications

Possible complications include hematoma, seroma, infection, deep vein thrombosis in extensive procedures, skin necrosis, unsatisfactory scarring, asymmetry, and loss of sensitivity.

Risks are discussed during the consultation. Prevention of thromboembolic complications includes early mobilization and anticoagulant therapy.

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

Decompensated somatic diseases

Blood clotting disorders

Active oncological disease

Acute infectious diseases

Relative Contraindications

BMI over 30, in which case preliminary weight loss is recommended

Planned pregnancy, in which case abdominoplasty is recommended to be postponed

Smoking, with cessation recommended 2–4 weeks before surgery

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The final decision is made by the doctor.

Why Choose Iskusstvo Clinic

The School of Professor Nerobeev

The clinic uses a comprehensive surgical approach, including reconstructive techniques for complex cases such as hernias and post-bariatric deformities.

Full Range of Procedures

The clinic performs everything from mini abdominoplasty to circumferential body lift within one medical center.

Comprehensive Approach

Several areas can be combined in one procedure, such as abdomen, flanks, and thighs.

Equipment

The clinic has 5 operating rooms, 12 inpatient rooms, liposuction equipment, and monitoring systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Abdominoplasty Be Combined with Other Procedures?

Yes. Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction of the flanks and thighs, known as lipoabdominoplasty, mammoplasty as part of a “mommy makeover,” and hernia repair. The scope of combined surgery is determined by the surgeon with safety in mind.

How Long After Weight Loss Can Body Contouring Be Performed?

It is recommended that weight remain stable for at least 6–12 months before surgery. Ongoing weight loss or weight gain can negatively affect the result.

After bariatric surgery, the optimal timing is usually 12–18 months later, once weight has stabilized.

What Scars Will Remain?

The location of scars depends on the procedure. After abdominoplasty, there is a horizontal scar in the bikini area, hidden by underwear, and a scar around the navel. After a body lift, there is a circumferential scar along the waistline. After brachioplasty, the scar is located on the inner upper arm.

The surgeon plans incisions so that scars are hidden by clothing as much as possible.

Do I Need to Lose Weight Before Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. The best candidates are patients with a normal or close-to-normal BMI whose main concern is excess skin and muscle weakness rather than fat deposits.

If BMI is over 30, preliminary weight loss is recommended to minimize risks and improve the result.

Can I Become Pregnant After Abdominoplasty?

Yes, pregnancy is possible and safe. However, it may partially reduce the result of the procedure due to stretching of the skin and possible recurrence of diastasis.

Therefore, if the patient is planning pregnancy, it is recommended to postpone abdominoplasty until reproductive plans are complete.