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Understand medical procedures

Move from a major medical family to a specialty, then to the clinical branch that helps you understand each intervention in context.

Medical procedures

Explore progressively by family, specialty and clinical branch — or use search and the alphabet for direct access.

Starting point · Body & silhouette

Matching procedures

12 procedures

Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringAbdominoplastyAbdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin and may repair separated muscles; it is not a weight-loss procedure. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringLiposuctionLiposuction removes localised subcutaneous fat through cannulas; it is not a weight-loss treatment and device-assisted methods do not replace surgical judgement. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringPanniculectomyPanniculectomy removes a hanging apron of abdominal skin and fat, primarily to address functional problems; it differs from contour-focused abdominoplasty. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringArm lift (brachioplasty)Brachioplasty removes and reshapes excess upper-arm skin and tissue; scar length depends on the extent of laxity. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringThigh liftA thigh lift removes excess skin and may reshape inner or outer thigh tissues; scars and wound-healing demands vary by approach. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringLower body liftA lower body lift treats circumferential laxity of abdomen, flanks, buttocks and thighs, often after major weight loss; it is extensive surgery. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringPost-weight-loss body contouringPost-weight-loss body contouring plans one or several staged operations to remove excess skin; nutrition, weight stability and cumulative risk are central. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringButtock liftA buttock lift removes and repositions excess skin and tissue; it is distinct from adding volume with implants or fat transfer. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringButtock augmentation with implantsButtock implants add projection using a medical device placed in or near gluteal muscle; infection, displacement and wound issues require discussion. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringGluteal fat graftingGluteal fat grafting transfers fat after liposuction; injection plane and embolic risk make adherence to current safety standards essential. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringBack liftA back lift removes rolls or excess skin from selected upper or lower back areas; scar position and closure tension depend on distribution. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Aesthetic Surgery · Body and contouringBody scar revisionBody scar revision may excise, rearrange or resurface a scar to improve symptoms or appearance; recurrence and scar biology remain relevant. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.

Before deciding

Understand a procedure before considering it

A procedure page helps you understand an intervention. Its suitability for you is discussed with a professional, considering your circumstances, the options and what matters in your life.

Understand the purpose. Explore the options. Prepare what comes next.

The indication

Clarify the problem the procedure addresses and the benefit sought in your circumstances.

Ask your professionalWhat are we aiming to achieve for me?

The alternatives

Consider other options and the possible consequences of waiting or having no intervention.

Ask your professionalWhat other possibilities should we discuss?

Preparation

Share your medicines and medical history. Clarify the tests and instructions appropriate to the planned procedure.

Ask your professionalWhat individual instructions should I receive before my appointment?

What happens

Ask about the steps, the team and, where relevant, the anaesthesia.

Ask your professionalWhat will actually happen during the procedure?

Aftercare and recovery

Plan support at home, appointments and the return to activities with your care team.

Ask your professionalWhat follow-up should be arranged after discharge?

Risks and complications

Ask about risks relevant to you, uncertainties and what to do if difficulties arise.

Ask your professionalWho should I contact and which signs mean I should seek help?

Your questions, ready for the consultation

Write down your priorities and anything that remains unclear. Ask for explanations in a language you understand.

  • What benefit can I reasonably expect?
  • What might change the decision?
  • Which documents and contacts should I keep afterwards?

These pointers help you prepare a discussion with a professional. They do not establish an individual indication or a preparation or recovery protocol.

Sources and reading context

NHS resources in English. The surgery pages address surgical procedures; arrangements for other procedures should be clarified with the relevant team. Local processes may differ.

Sources accessed on 14 September 2026

Continue with the right medical context.

Compare the related specialty and use the Guide to understand destinations, preparation and the questions to ask a professional.

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