NP Aesthetics
Body surgery in Zurich
Body surgery is not a single procedure, but the answer to very different findings. Localised fat deposits, excess skin, a weakened abdominal wall, tissue changes after pregnancy and changes after weight loss each call for a different approach — and cannot be treated with the same procedure.
Which problem should be solved?
Typical concerns: fat persists in individual areas despite a stable weight; the abdominal wall has changed after pregnancy; skin remains after weight loss; the abdominal muscles feel separated in the middle; the skin on the upper arms has slackened; the body contour appears unchanged regardless of exercise.
The examination assesses four levels separately: fat distribution, the amount and quality of the skin, the tension of the abdominal wall and the stability of weight. Only from this does it follow whether contouring is sufficient, whether skin must be removed, or whether both are sensibly combined.
Liposuction
Contouring of localised fat deposits with good skin elasticity. Liposuction changes the distribution of subcutaneous fat in defined areas. It is not a weight-reduction procedure and does not tighten the skin. With good skin elasticity and a stable weight it can markedly influence the contour.
Tummy tuck
For excess skin and a weakened abdominal wall after pregnancy or weight loss. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and can, if necessary, bring the separated straight abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis) back together. It leaves a permanent scar on the lower abdomen and is only considered when skin or the abdominal wall are actually affected.
Upper arm lift
When skin on the upper arm is excessive and does not regress. With slackened skin on the upper arm — often after weight loss or age-related — a lift with skin removal can be considered. It leaves a longer scar on the inner arm, whose visibility must be discussed honestly.
Body contouring after weight loss
After significant weight loss — whether through diet, exercise, medication or bariatric surgery — skin often remains in several regions: abdomen, flanks, upper arms, thighs, breast. Prerequisites for planning are a weight that has been stable for several months and an adequate nutritional status.
As a rule, not everything is treated in one session. The order and intervals depend on resilience, operating time, recovery time and the question of which region is most bothersome in everyday life.
Combined procedures
Liposuction and skin removal often complement each other: fat is contoured, skin is removed. Whether both are sensible in one session depends on the extent, the blood supply of the tissue, the operating time and pre-existing conditions. Larger combinations increase the strain and the rate of wound healing problems.
What matters is not completing as much as possible in one procedure, but an approach with a justifiable risk and a plannable recovery.
When liposuction is not enough
Liposuction removes fat, not skin. If skin elasticity is reduced, stretch marks, an apron of skin or marked excess are present, fat removal alone often leads to a looser, not a smoother, contour.
A weakened abdominal wall cannot be influenced by suction either. If the abdomen bulges despite a slim build, the cause often lies in the abdominal wall and not in the fat.
When skin must be removed
Skin removal is considered when skin is excessive at rest, forms folds, chafes or leads to skin irritation — and when training or time no longer change this. The price is always a scar; its length and position are discussed in detail before surgery.
Consultation
The examination includes the assessment of skin, fat distribution and the abdominal wall standing and lying down, the weight development of recent months, pre-existing conditions, medication, smoking behaviour, thrombosis risk and the question of future family planning.
Consultation, surgery and follow-up are carried out personally by the treating specialist.
Recovery
After contouring procedures, swelling, a feeling of pressure and compression therapy are in the foreground; after skin-removing procedures additionally wound healing, restricted resilience and in individual cases drains.
Early, short walks are part of thrombosis prevention. Sport is resumed in stages and after medical clearance. The final contour usually only becomes apparent after several months.
Scars
Every skin removal leaves a permanent scar. Its position is chosen so that it can be covered by underwear or clothing; its final quality is individual and changes over months. Scar care and sun protection influence the course but do not guarantee it.
Risks and limitations
General risks
Postoperative bleeding, infection, wound healing problems, seroma, thrombosis and embolism, and the risks of anaesthesia.
Procedure-specific risks
Contour irregularities and asymmetries after liposuction; wound edge healing problems and changes in sensation after skin-removing procedures.
Limitations
Neither symmetry nor a particular contour or scar quality can be guaranteed. A revision may become necessary and is discussed no earlier than after healing is complete.
Procedures in the body area
Liposuction
Contouring of localised fat deposits.
Tummy tuck
Excess skin and a weakened abdominal wall.
Upper arm lift
Excess skin on the inner arm.
Gynaecomastia treatment
Enlargement of the male breast.
Labiaplasty
Part of intimate surgery.
Costs and personal consultation
The medical consultation for surgical procedures costs CHF 250. If you subsequently book an operation with us, the consultation fee is credited in full against the price of the operation. Following the examination, you will receive an individual cost breakdown that clearly states which services are included.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which procedure is right for me?
The choice of procedure follows from the findings, not from the desired image. The examination assesses fat distribution, skin quality, the abdominal wall and weight stability — only then does it become clear whether contouring, skin removal or a combination is appropriate.
Can several regions be treated in one session?
Sometimes, but not always. The order and intervals depend on the extent, operating time, resilience and recovery. Larger combinations increase the strain and the rate of wound healing problems.
Treating physicians
- Dr. med. Michael W. Payne
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
- Dr. med. Dr. Phil. Annemarie Nijboer
Specialist in Surgery
A good decision begins with a conversation.
The initial consultation is about clarification, not selling. It does not necessarily end with a surgery date — often it brings the realisation that a different approach, or no procedure at all, is the right choice.
The consultation process
- 01
Discussion
We listen to your concerns, medical history, expectations and what you would like to change about your appearance.
- 02
Examination
A careful clinical examination and assessment of your underlying anatomy.
- 03
Options
Possible procedures, alternatives, limitations and risks — explained clearly and without time pressure.
- 04
Time to reflect
You decide in your own time. Any outstanding questions can be addressed in a further consultation.
Request a consultation
Leave your contact details. Our practice team will call you back during practice hours to arrange a consultation at Klinik Selnau.