Quick Answer:
Body contouring is a group of plastic surgery procedures that reshape the body by removing excess fat and loose skin and tightening the underlying tissues. It includes abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, body lift and repair of rectus divarication. Dr Ong Wei Chen provides body contouring at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore.
Body contouring reshapes the body by removing excess fat and loose skin and tightening the tissues beneath. It is often considered after pregnancy or significant weight loss, when sagging skin can cause rashes, interfere with clothing and make exercise uncomfortable. At WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Dr Ong Wei Chen offers tummy tuck, liposuction, body lift and rectus-divarication repair, sometimes combining procedures where more than one is needed to achieve the desired result.
What procedures are included in body contouring?
“Body contouring isn’t one operation — it’s matching the right procedure, or combination, to what’s actually causing the shape: loose skin, stubborn fat, or separated muscle.”
— Dr Ong Wei Chen, Senior Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Body contouring at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery covers four main procedures, each addressing a different concern:
removes excess lower-abdominal skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles.
removes localised pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise.
repairs the separation of the abdominal muscles, often after pregnancy.
Who is a suitable candidate for body contouring surgery?
Body contouring suits people who have loose skin or localised fat that persists despite a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Good candidates are in reasonable health, do not smoke or are willing to stop before surgery, and have realistic expectations. It is not a weight- loss method — it reshapes the body after weight has stabilised. Dr Ong Wei Chen assesses each patient’s health, skin and goals before recommending a procedure.
Can body contouring procedures be combined?
Yes — body contouring procedures are often combined to treat more than one area or concern in a single plan. For example, a tummy tuck may be paired with liposuction, or a body lift may address several regions after major weight loss. Whether combining is appropriate depends on your health, the extent of surgery and safe operating time, which Dr Ong discusses at consultation.
What is recovery from body contouring surgery like?
Recovery depends on the procedure and how much tissue is treated, but generally involves swelling and bruising that settle over several weeks, with strenuous activity avoided for around four to six weeks. A compression garment is usually worn to support the tissues as they heal. The clinic provides pain medication, wound-care guidance and follow-up. All surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection and slower wound healing, which Dr Ong reviews beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is body contouring surgery the same as weight-loss surgery in Singapore?
No — body contouring reshapes the body after weight is stable, rather than causing weight loss. Procedures such as tummy tuck and liposuction remove excess skin and localised fat but are not a substitute for diet, exercise or bariatric surgery. They are usually considered once weight has stabilised. Dr Ong Wei Chen assesses suitability at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Gleneagles Medical Centre.
What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles, while liposuction removes localised fat only. Liposuction suits people with good skin tone and stubborn fat pockets; a tummy tuck suits those with loose skin or separated muscles, often after pregnancy or weight loss. The two are frequently combined. Dr Ong Wei Chen advises which suits your anatomy and goals at consultation.
Can body contouring after major weight loss be claimed under Medisave or insurance?
It depends on whether the surgery is medically indicated — for example, excess skin causing recurrent rashes or infections may qualify, while purely cosmetic reshaping generally does not. WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery is a Medisave-accredited clinic and staff assist with e-filing and claims. Coverage depends on your policy and the medical assessment, so confirm with your insurer before surgery.
How long should I wait after pregnancy or weight loss before body contouring?
Most surgeons advise waiting until your weight has been stable for several months and, after pregnancy, until you have finished having children and completed breastfeeding. A stable weight gives a more predictable, lasting result. Dr Ong Wei Chen reviews your history and timing during consultation at Gleneagles Medical Centre to advise when surgery is appropriate for you.
