Body · Abu Dhabi & Dubai
Body Contouring & Body Lift
Medically reviewed by Dr. Paulo Michels, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon· Updated 18 July 2026
Body contouring and body lift surgery reshape the figure after major weight loss, pregnancy or ageing by removing loose skin and stubborn fat across the abdomen, waist, thighs, arms and breasts. In Abu Dhabi, Dr. Paulo Michels designs a personalised surgical plan that combines procedures to restore balanced, natural-looking proportions.
As life evolves, so does our body. Ageing, pregnancy and weight fluctuations naturally affect skin elasticity and muscle tone — and over time these changes can lead to sagging and loss of definition, even for those who maintain a healthy lifestyle.
With extensive experience in advanced aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Paulo Michels is a leading plastic surgeon in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, known for refined techniques and natural-looking results. During your consultation, he carefully evaluates your goals, medical history, body structure and lifestyle. Each surgical plan is customised to harmonise proportions, enhance contours and promote a balanced, confident silhouette — considering factors such as age, genetics, skin type, sun exposure and previous weight changes. Patients are also guided through pre-surgery preparation, including nutritional adjustments and cessation of smoking, to support healing and long-lasting results.
When is body contouring recommended?
Body contouring surgery is ideal for individuals with skin laxity or stubborn fat deposits that persist despite diet and exercise. It is often sought after major weight loss or pregnancy, to improve body tone and proportion. Beyond physical appearance, it restores self-confidence and comfort — contributing to overall well-being.
Which procedures make up body contouring?
1. Liposuction and HD liposuction. Both remove localised fat, but HD liposuction — using VASER technology — goes a step further by sculpting and defining the underlying muscle structure. Liposuction focuses on fat removal and contour refinement; HD liposuction delivers an athletic, “fit” appearance with visible muscle definition. The choice depends on your goals and your surgeon’s evaluation.
2. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Targets loose abdominal skin and weak muscles — often caused by pregnancy, ageing or weight changes. It tightens the abdominal wall, removes excess skin and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, for a smoother, firmer midsection. Note: this is a body-tightening and aesthetic procedure, not weight-loss surgery.
3. Liposculpture. Combines liposuction and fat grafting: fat removed from one area (such as the abdomen or flanks) is purified and strategically re-injected into areas that need volume — commonly the buttocks or hips — to create balanced, harmonious curves.
4. Buttock augmentation. Enhances shape and projection through silicone implants or fat transfer. Round implants provide central projection and fullness; oval implants enhance both projection and lateral volume for a natural, proportionate result. Modern techniques such as intra-muscular placement ensure firmness, subtle results and a low risk of complications like capsular contracture.
5. Breast augmentation. Restores symmetry, volume and youthful projection through silicone implants — ideal for women seeking enhanced balance and restoration after pregnancy or weight loss.
6. Arm lift (brachioplasty). Removes excess fat and skin from the upper arms, addressing sagging caused by ageing or weight loss, for a smoother, more toned arm contour.
7. Thigh lift (cruroplasty). Improves the contour and tone of the thighs by removing excess skin and fat — particularly beneficial after significant weight loss or age-related sagging, leaving the thighs firmer, smoother and better proportioned.
8. Mastopexy (breast lift). Elevates and reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the areola, restoring firmness, shape and youthful position — often combined with augmentation or reduction for ideal proportions.
When is a full body lift indicated?
A body lift is generally recommended for individuals — often over 40 — who experience significant sagging or loose skin that affects comfort, self-esteem or quality of life. It can include multiple areas: abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms and breasts.
Because this is a more complex procedure that may involve general anaesthesia and hospitalisation, candidates should be in good overall health and maintain a stable weight. While it does not interfere with future pregnancies, new weight fluctuations may alter the results.
Recovery and results
Most patients return to light activities within a few weeks. As swelling subsides, the contours become more defined and natural-looking; final results appear gradually, improving over several months as the body heals and adapts. For long-lasting outcomes, healthy habits — a balanced diet, regular exercise and a stable weight — are essential.
Why choose Dr. Paulo Michels?
With years of experience in body lift and sculpting procedures, Dr. Paulo Michels delivers transformative yet natural results. His philosophy blends medical precision with aesthetic artistry — ensuring every contour reflects balance, harmony and the patient’s individual beauty.
Questions, answered
Body Contouring & Body Lift in Abu Dhabi — your questions
What is a body lift and how can it reshape my figure?+
A body lift removes loose skin and extra fat in the lower body. Dr. Paulo Michels shapes the waist, belly, lower back and thigh area in one plan, so your figure looks firm and smooth after large weight changes.
How is a body lift different from liposuction or a tummy tuck?+
A body lift treats a wider area, while liposuction only removes fat and a tummy tuck focuses on the belly. Dr. Paulo Michels uses a body lift to shape the waist, back and hip line in one step, so the full lower body looks balanced.
Which parts of the body can be treated during a body lift?+
A body lift can treat the belly, waist, lower back, hip line, outer thigh area and the fold under the buttock — depending on the amount of loose skin and your shape goals.
Who is a full body lift recommended for?+
A body lift is generally recommended for individuals — often over 40 — with significant sagging or loose skin that affects comfort, self-esteem or quality of life. Because it is a more complex procedure that may involve general anaesthesia and hospitalisation, candidates should be in good overall health and at a stable weight.
How much downtime is required before returning to work or exercise?+
Most people need two to three weeks before returning to work, and exercise is advised after about six to eight weeks so the body heals properly.
What is liposculpture?+
Liposculpture combines liposuction and fat grafting: the fat removed from one area, such as the abdomen or flanks, is purified and strategically re-injected into areas that need volume — commonly the buttocks or hips — to create balanced, harmonious curves.
Can I still get pregnant after a body lift?+
A body lift does not interfere with future pregnancies. However, new weight fluctuations — including pregnancy — may alter the results, which is why a stable weight is important for long-lasting outcomes.
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