Body contouring
Body contouring involves long recoveries, compression and a higher risk of blood clots after travel. We help you prepare and keep a close eye on healing at home.
Overview
We support people having body contouring at overseas partner clinics. Your operation is performed by your overseas surgeon. We handle UK screening and aftercare.
These procedures are often combined. Combining them can lengthen surgery and recovery, and can raise risk. Discuss this openly with your surgeon.
Before you travel
Surgery and long journeys both raise the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We review your history, BMI, medicines including hormonal contraception or HRT, smoking, and previous clots, so you and your surgeon can plan prevention.
Flying too soon after body contouring can add risk. Your surgeon decides when you are fit to travel. We help you ask the right questions and plan movement, hydration and compression for the journey.
Bloods can show anaemia or other issues worth treating before surgery. We also check blood pressure and medicines, and ask about weight stability and previous surgery.
BBL carries a higher risk than many other cosmetic procedures. Discuss it carefully with your surgeon, ask about their technique and experience, and make sure you understand the risks before you decide. A UK clinician can help you prepare questions. The decision is yours.
After surgery
Always follow your surgeon's instructions. Recovery varies from person to person.
Your treating clinic manages drains, dressings, medicines and positioning advice. Ask for your operation note and written aftercare instructions before you leave.
Fly only when your surgeon says so. Typically this includes walking regularly, staying hydrated and using compression or clot-prevention measures as advised.
A UK clinician checks wounds, swelling, drains if present, calves, circulation and pain. They also review your garments and medicines.
A seroma is a collection of fluid under the skin. It can occur after tummy tuck and liposuction. We check for it at follow-ups, and arrange ultrasound through a CQC-registered diagnostic partner where clinically indicated.
Swelling settles gradually. Your surgeon will advise how long to wear compression. Optional scar care and lymphatic drainage are available as add-ons.
Safety
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have sudden chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood, collapse, or severe pain that is rapidly worsening. These can be signs of a blood clot in the lung or another emergency. If you are abroad, contact your treating clinic and local emergency services.
Questions
As advised by your surgeon. Do not book a flight home without their agreement. Ask what clot-prevention measures they recommend for your journey.
Typically within days of returning. We arrange this before you travel so that you are seen promptly.
A seroma is a pocket of fluid that can collect under the skin after surgery. Not everyone gets one. We check for it at review and your clinician will advise if imaging or drainage is needed.
Surgeons usually recommend one. Follow your surgeon's advice on type, fit and duration. A poorly fitting garment can cause problems, so tell us if yours is uncomfortable.
BBL carries a higher risk than many other cosmetic procedures. Talk carefully with your surgeon about the risks, their technique and their experience. We can help you prepare questions but cannot make the decision for you.
Surgeons sometimes combine procedures. This can lengthen surgery and increase risk. Our screening helps show whether you are medically ready, and your surgeon decides what is appropriate.
Speak to a UK clinician about screening, clot risk and aftercare for body contouring.
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