Body Contouring & Plastic Surgery for Men
Mon 22nd Jun 2026
Body Contouring surgery for men encompasses a range of plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures tailored to the individual, addressing functional and aesthetic concerns associated with excess skin. These individuals have typically undergone massive weight loss (MWL). Removing excess skin aims to reduce pain and discomfort, increase mobility, and address body form.
Some of the most common Body Contouring procedures performed on men include Abdominoplasty, Upper Body Lift, Belt Lipectomy and Gynaecomastia surgery.
Gynaecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)
Gynaecomastia is a condition where males develop enlarged breast tissue. This can occur on one or both sides of the chest. An imbalance in the hormones oestrogen and testosterone causes it.
Gynaecomastia often appears when the body experiences hormonal changes, such as in newborns (due to the effects of oestrogen during pregnancy), puberty (due to hormonal changes) and ageing (as testosterone levels decline). Some cases of Gynaecomastia will resolve on their own, while others may require surgery, if desired.
Pseudogynaecomastia is the name given to extra fatty tissue on the breasts. This is not primarily hormone-related and is usually caused by overall weight gain and obesity. Therefore, weight-loss strategies such as diet and exercise can often help reduce fat in this area.
- If you have true Gynaecomastia, your breasts may feel swollen, tender and painful, with sensitive nipples. The breasts may be firm and hold shape.
- If you have Pseudogynaecomastia, your breasts will mostly be pain-free, soft, shapeless and possibly saggy (ptotic).
GYNAECOMASTIA TREATMENT
If you have true Gynaecomastia (caused by glandular tissue) or your Gynaecomastia is more advanced, you may require surgical excision. There are various ways Dr Dona may perform this, but often, he creates a small, single incision along the lower border of the areola, which typically heals well.
This incision provides Dr Dona with sufficient access to remove excess glandular tissue and, sometimes, fat, to create a flatter chest contour. If there is a significant amount of excess skin, he may need to make additional incisions to remove it and address the chest’s shape.
If the Gynaecomastia is quite severe and has caused breast tissue to fully develop or hang downward, a Breast Reduction surgical pattern may be required, similar to that of female Breast Reduction surgery. In very large Gynaecomastia cases requiring substantial tissue removal, Dr Dona may need to remove the nipple and areola and graft it into a more suitable position.
PSEUDOGYNAECOMASTIA TREATMENT
When addressing Pseudogynaecomastia, liposuction is often all that is required, particularly if there is not excessive skin. One or two incisions, each about five millimetres, are created near the treatment area. The cannula (thin tube) is inserted through these incisions to break down and remove unwanted fat from the chest wall.
RECOVERY AFTER GYNAECOMASTIA SURGERY
Recovery after Gynaecomastia surgery varies, depending on the extent of your surgery and your personal healing response. Generally, though, there are some milestones you can expect during the healing process.
- Gynaecomastia surgery is typically performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia. You will likely be able to return home on the same day.
- At the end of your procedure, you’ll be fitted with a compression garment that must be worn for the first four to six weeks following surgery.
- Some pain and discomfort, along with bruising and swelling, are to be expected.
- You’ll be given prescription pain medication and prophylactic antibiotics to protect you against infections.
POTENTIAL RISKS & COMPLICATIONS
All surgery carries risks that you must be aware of before proceeding. With Male Breast Reduction surgery, these include infection, bleeding, haematoma, seroma, asymmetry and loss of nipple sensation. There may also be scarring, persistent Gynaecomastia, loss of areola tissue, breast lumps, necrosis and unsatisfactory results.
Learn more about gynaecomastia surgery here >
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that addresses changes in the abdominal wall. It typically removes excess skin and tissue and tightens abdominal muscles. The procedure is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia. While an Abdominoplasty can be an aesthetic procedure, it is typically performed for reconstructive and functional reasons.
There are several types of Abdominoplasties performed on men, depending on the amount of excess loose skin and fat they have, and where it is located. Common procedures include:
Standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
This is a commonly performed procedure that addresses skin, fat and muscle layers of the abdominal wall.
Dr Dona makes a horizontal incision low on the abdomen, from hip to hip, then creates another incision around the belly button to elevate the abdominal skin and tighten the muscles. He then removes excess lower abdominal tissue and repositions the belly button.
Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
When a man has excess abdominal skin that extends in both vertical and horizontal directions (often seen after significant weight loss), a Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty may be considered.
This procedure involves an additional incision to the standard Abdominoplasty. This incision runs vertically along the midline from the lower abdomen towards the chest to allow for additional skin removal.
The Fleur-De-Lis allows more excess skin and tissue to be removed. However, men considering this procedure must weigh the benefit of greater skin reduction against the possibility of more visible scarring.
360 Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
This procedure is also called a Belt Lipectomy, Lower Trunkoplasty, or a Lower Body Lift. It is considered for men who are experiencing massive weight loss with excess skin and tissue affecting not only the abdomen, but also the flanks and buttocks. Often, men requiring this surgery have various functional and health issues, such as rashes, chafing, infections, discomfort during movement, difficulty moving and difficulty wearing certain clothing. Their physical condition often also causes emotional distress.
As the name suggests, this procedure leaves a circumferential (360-degree) scar around the midsection.
Open Book Tummy Tuck™ (Abdominoplasty)
Dr Eddy Dona created the Open Book Tummy Tuck™ (Abdominoplasty) after experiencing firsthand the reconstructive challenges faced by patients who have undergone massive weight loss (MWL). He considers it to be a natural evolution of the Abdominoplasty technique that addresses the multidirectional torso excess commonly seen in these patients.
The procedure involves several incisions. There is a low horizontal incision, similar to the standard Abdominoplasty. A second scar runs along the entire midline of your abdomen up to your lower chest. Finally, a third scar extends horizontally across the entire lower chest, along the lower breast fold. Therefore, you have three scars, and when the skin is opened during surgery, it resembles an open book.
The Open Book Tummy Tuck™ (Abdominoplasty) can be performed on its own or combined with other procedures, where clinically appropriate. In men, typical combinations include an Open Book Tummy Tuck™ (Abdominoplasty) with a Belt Lipectomy (Total Body Lift) or an Open Book Tummy Tuck™ (Abdominoplasty) with an Upper Body Lift. The procedure can also be combined with a Brachioplasty (Arm Lift).
RECOVERY AFTER ABDOMINOPLASTY
The recovery timeline for your Abdominoplasty will depend on the type of surgery you’ve had. The more extensive the surgery, the longer your recovery will be. Generally, though, there are some milestones you can expect during the healing process.
- Most patients stay in the hospital for two days after a full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty); however, some choose to stay a little longer.
- Your procedure will be performed under general anaesthesia.
- When you wake, you will have internal dissolving stitches, a waterproof dressing, a compression garment and usually one or two drains. It is also common to have a catheter, IV drip, leg compression devices and oxygen to keep you comfortable, and support monitoring in the early stages of healing.
- During your first day of recovery, it is normal to feel sore, tired and restricted in movement. Pain will be managed with prescription medication.
- Before returning home, your catheter, drips, and drains will be removed. You’ll be encouraged to get out of bed and take a short walk, although you will be slightly bent forward at this stage.
- When you’re discharged from the hospital, you’ll typically go straight to our clinic for your first heaLED post-operative appointment, where you’ll receive LED light therapy to encourage healing.
- During the first week, you’ll be encouraged to rest at home, taking only regular, short walks around the house to promote circulation. It’s normal to feel some pain and discomfort at this time.
- You’ll continue to return to the clinic for more heaLED light therapy sessions.
- After two weeks, you can consider driving again, provided you feel confident.
- By week three, you’ll start to feel more like yourself again and be able to perform light house duties or sit at a desk to perform some work.
- After six weeks, most normal activities can be resumed, including carefully and slowly returning to the gym.
- As the months pass, your scars will change from a bright red to a paler colour, though they will take 12 to 24 months to mature fully.
POTENTIAL RISKS & COMPLICATIONS
All surgery carries risks. You must be fully aware of all risks and complications before proceeding. Risks associated with Abdominoplasty procedures include anaesthetic issues, allergic reactions, clots, wound problems, bleeding, and, in exceedingly rare circumstances, death.
Learn more about Abdominoplasty procedures here >
Belt Lipectomy (Total Body Lift)
A Belt Lipectomy (Total Body Lift, Lower Body Lift or a Lower Trunkoplasty) involves a complete reconstruction of the abdomen and buttocks in one operation. This surgery also lifts the buttocks and pubic area. Men undergoing this procedure have typically lost significant weight and are left with excess skin and fatty tissue in the lower back, flanks and abdominal region.
RECOVERY AFTER A BELT LIPECTOMY
Recovery after a Belt Lipectomy is similar to that of an Abdominoplasty. However, as the procedure is more extensive, you may need to stay in the hospital a little longer, and your recovery may be a little slower.
POTENTIAL RISKS & COMPLICATIONS
All surgery carries risks. You must be fully aware of all risks and complications before proceeding. The risks associated with this procedure are similar to those of an Abdominoplasty.
Learn more about a Belt Lipectomy here >
Upper Body Lift
An Upper Body Lift is performed to address excess skin and associated fat in the upper and middle back. In women, it is sometimes called a Bra Lipectomy and is a procedure focused on excess tissue around the bra strap area.
Scar patterns for this procedure vary, depending on the amount of excess skin. However, the scar pattern typically extends from the back to the front of the chest wall, under the bust area. The pattern is near circumferential or fully circumferential, running similarly to the horizontal line of a woman’s bra.
Men considering this procedure typically have lost a massive amount of weight, and the excess skin left behind creates permanent functional and aesthetic concerns.
RECOVERY AFTER AN UPPER BODY LIFT
Recovery after an Upper Body Lift is similar to that of an Abdominoplasty. However, as the procedure is more extensive, you may require a little longer in the hospital, and your recovery may take a little longer.
POTENTIAL RISKS & COMPLICATIONS
All surgery carries risks. You must be fully aware of all risks and complications before proceeding. The risks associated with this procedure are similar to those of an Abdominoplasty.
Learn more about an Upper Body Lift here >
Minimising the Appearance of Scars
Many men seeking plastic surgery or Body Contouring procedures are concerned about the visibility of their scars. While scarring is an integral part of surgery, it’s natural to have concerns. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help minimise the appearance of your scars.
Compression Garments
Wearing your compression garment for the first six weeks of your recovery is critical to encourage optimal scar healing, as it reduces swelling and fluid buildup, speeds healing, minimises redness, and helps prevent the formation of keloid or hypertrophic scars.
HeaLED Program
All of Dr Dona’s patients receive a tailored, comprehensive post-operative care plan to help optimise healing and minimise the appearance of scars.
The plan involves multiple weekly in-clinic post-operative care visits with our nursing team that continue for several weeks. It enables our nursing team and Dr Dona to carefully monitor your progress, initiate post-operative treatments and wound care, and ensure you achieve all necessary recovery milestones.
A vital part of this program includes our heaLED Post-surgery care program, specifically designed to promote optimal scar healing. It includes various industry-leading modalities that accelerate wound healing, reduce swelling and discomfort and minimise the appearance of scars.
LED Light Therapy
A core component of our heaLED program is LED light therapy, a non-invasive treatment that:
- Helps minimise pain and discomfort
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
- Accelerates wound healing and tissue regeneration
- Optimises scar formation for neater, more refined scars
LED Therapy typically begins on the day of your hospital discharge, although the timing may vary depending on your procedure.
Rejuran Therapy
Rejuran contains polynucleotides, bioactive molecules derived from salmon DNA, that have been proven to stimulate cell rejuvenation, repair damaged skin, and improve elasticity.
Medical-grade Skincare
Your program may also include specific medical-grade skincare treatments to support healing and repair. Often, patients are given Synchro Cream, a regenerative, nutrient-rich cream formulated to restore skin function, repair deep tissue, and optimise scar formation.
Dry Skin Needling
Dry Skin Needling (with Dermapen 4) uses micro-needling to improve the appearance, texture and colour of surgical scars. It stimulates collagen and elastin production, encouraging smoother, flatter, and more natural-looking scars over time.
Choosing a Surgeon Experienced with Male Patients
Men often have different Body Contouring objectives than women, with a greater focus on creating defined, more masculine proportions. Achieving these outcomes requires a thorough understanding of male anatomy and aesthetic balance.
If you’re considering Body Contouring surgery, it’s vital you choose an experienced Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Dr Eddy Dona is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). He has extensive experience performing Body Contouring surgical procedures on men and can develop a tailored treatment plan designed to help you achieve balanced, natural-looking results.
During your consultation with Dr Dona, you can discuss the areas that you would like to address. Dr Dona will examine and assess those areas and take clinical measurements. He will then discuss the available surgical options, the expected outcomes, risks, recovery period, and any other essential considerations, such as your medical history.
To find out more, get in touch with us today.
