Body Contouring

Medicare Item Number: 30177 (for post-weight loss patients with significant skin excess and functional impairment)

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging-related skin laxity, leading to excess abdominal tissue that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone.

For some patients, excess abdominal skin can cause functional concerns such as chronic skin irritation, rashes (intertrigo), difficulty with physical activity, and lower back discomfort due to weakened core muscles. In cases where significant weight loss has led to excessive skin redundancy, a Medicare rebate (30177) may be available if specific clinical criteria are met, including documented functional impairment.

During the procedure, an incision is typically made along the lower abdomen, allowing for the removal of excess skin and the repair of separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis). The remaining skin is carefully repositioned to create a firmer, smoother abdominal contour. Depending on individual needs, liposuction may be incorporated to enhance the results.

Dr. Zaman takes a personalized approach to abdominoplasty, ensuring that each procedure aligns with the patient’s anatomical considerations and treatment goals. Recovery times vary, but most patients can expect to return to light activities within a few weeks. For more information on abdominoplasty and Medicare eligibility, please contact our clinic to schedule a consultation.

Medicare Item Number: 30179 (for post-weight loss patients with significant skin excess and functional impairment)

A belt lipectomy, also referred to as a lower body lift, is an advanced body contouring procedure designed for individuals with extensive skin laxity following massive weight loss. Unlike a standard abdominoplasty, which focuses on the front of the abdomen, a belt lipectomy addresses excess skin and fat circumferentially—removing tissue from the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and buttocks to create a more defined and proportionate body contour.

For post-weight loss patients who meet specific Medicare criteria (30179), this procedure may be eligible for a rebate. Criteria include significant skin excess causing chronic irritation, infections, or difficulty with mobility. Patients often pursue this surgery after undergoing bariatric surgery or achieving substantial weight loss through lifestyle changes.

During the procedure, an incision is made around the waistline, allowing for the removal of excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying tissues. The remaining skin is repositioned for a smoother and firmer appearance. This surgery can dramatically improve body proportion, clothing fit, and physical comfort, making it a popular choice for those who have completed their weight loss journey.

Dr. Zaman works closely with each patient to develop a surgical plan that addresses both aesthetic and functional concerns. Recovery typically requires several weeks, with gradual return to normal activities. If you have experienced significant weight loss and are considering a belt lipectomy, contact our clinic to discuss your options and potential Medicare eligibility.

Medicare Item Number: 30177 (for post-weight loss patients meeting specific criteria)

A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is a specialized technique used for patients with severe excess skin in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. Unlike a standard tummy tuck, this procedure includes both a horizontal and vertical incision, allowing for the removal of more extensive tissue and greater reshaping of the abdominal area.

This surgery is particularly beneficial for massive weight loss patients who have significant skin laxity extending beyond what a traditional abdominoplasty can address. In cases where functional impairment is present—such as chronic skin irritation, mobility issues, or hygiene difficulties—patients may qualify for a Medicare rebate (30177).

During the procedure, an inverted T-shaped incision is made: one incision runs horizontally along the lower abdomen, similar to a standard tummy tuck, while a vertical incision extends up the midline. This allows for more comprehensive skin tightening and reshaping. The abdominal muscles can also be repaired if separation (diastasis recti) is present.

While the fleur-de-lis technique leaves a vertical scar, it offers dramatic contouring improvements, especially for those with significant skin excess following bariatric surgery or extreme weight loss. Dr. Zaman customizes each procedure to balance aesthetic outcomes with functional benefits, helping patients regain confidence and physical comfort.

Recovery time varies, with most patients resuming light activities in 2–4 weeks. For more information on whether fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is suitable for you, contact our clinic for a consultation.

Medicare Item Number: 30169 (for post-weight loss patients with significant skin excess and functional impairment)

Brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, improving both aesthetic appearance and physical comfort. This procedure is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with loose, sagging skin that cannot be addressed through exercise alone.

Patients who meet Medicare criteria (30169)—including significant skin excess causing functional impairment, hygiene issues, or skin irritation—may be eligible for a rebate.

During surgery, an incision is typically made along the inner arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. The excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining tissue is tightened to restore a firmer, more toned arm contour. For some patients, liposuction may be used in combination with skin excision to enhance the results.

While brachioplasty leaves a visible scar along the inner arm, it can significantly improve arm shape, clothing fit, and self-confidence. Dr. Zaman carefully plans each procedure to achieve natural-looking results while minimizing scarring where possible.

Recovery time varies, with most patients able to resume light activities within 2–3 weeks. If you are considering brachioplasty and want to discuss your options and potential Medicare eligibility, contact our clinic for a consultation.

Medicare Item Number: 30169 (for post-weight loss patients with significant skin excess and functional impairment)

A thigh lift is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the thighs, improving leg shape, skin tightness, and comfort. This procedure is commonly performed on individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, leading to sagging skin on the inner and/or outer thighs. Loose skin in this area can cause chafing, hygiene issues, mobility restrictions, and difficulty finding well-fitting clothing.

Patients who meet Medicare criteria (30169)—which requires significant skin excess causing functional impairment, chronic irritation, or recurrent skin infections—may be eligible for a rebate.

The type of thigh lift performed depends on the degree of excess skin and the patient’s individual anatomy:

• Vertical scar Thigh Lift – Targets loose skin along the inner thighs, using an incision from the groin to the knee or a shorter scar within the groin crease.
• Horizontal scar Thigh Lift– The patient has loose skin focussed in the upper medial third of the thigh and thus the incision is in the groin crease to eliminate the specific excess.

During surgery, the excess skin is carefully removed, and the remaining tissue is tightened for smoother, firmer thigh contours. Liposuction may be used to improve overall shape.

While scarring is present, Dr. Zaman strategically places incisions to be as discreet as possible. Recovery varies, with most patients returning to light activities in 2–4 weeks. If you are considering a thigh lift, contact our clinic to discuss whether you meet Medicare eligibility and your treatment options.

Medicare Item Number: 45558

Mastopexy, or a breast lift, is a procedure designed to reshape and elevate sagging breasts, restoring a more youthful, proportionate contour. This surgery is commonly sought by individuals who have experienced changes in breast shape due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, or genetics. Unlike breast augmentation, mastopexy does not significantly change breast size, though it can be combined with implants or a reduction if desired.

The procedure involves removing excess skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipples to achieve a firmer, lifted breast shape. 

Dr. Zaman tailors each breast lift to the patient’s anatomy and goals while aiming for natural-looking results. Recovery typically takes 2–4 weeks, with swelling and bruising gradually improving.

For more information about mastopexy, scarring, or whether this procedure is right for you, please contact our clinic to schedule a consultation.