Weight loss is not just about fitting into smaller jeans. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help to improve mobility and mood and lowers the risk of serious illnesses. However, many people who achieve dramatic weight loss are left with large amounts of heavy, loose folds of excess skin around the abdomen. Plastic surgery after weight loss can be the only way to reshape your body and complete your weight-loss journey.
Plastic surgery after weight loss is a body contouring or body sculpting procedure that removes the loose skin left after weight loss. The procedure improves the shape and tone of your body tissue by removing the sagging skin, fat, and skin.
You might consider excess skin removal procedures if you lost a large amount of weight following bariatric surgery, diet or exercise.
Plastic surgery after weight loss is ideal for patients who desire significant improvements in their physical function, emotional well-being, and quality of life. For doctors to consider your request for the excess skin removal procedure, you must wait at least 18 months after the weight loss surgery.
The waiting period is so the skin can shrink as much as possible and the weight loss stabilizes.
Patients with chronic medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease do not qualify for cosmetic surgery.
Besides, you must quit smoking at least 6 weeks before the cosmetic surgery and show realistic expectations from the procedure.
The treatment duration depends mainly on the patient's condition and the areas requiring the procedure. The more places where the contouring surgery is needed, the more time it will take to complete the procedure.
However, most procedures will take 3-4 hours to complete.
Possible side effects and risks of weight loss cosmetic surgery include:
Following the doctor's advice before, during, and after the treatment will help minimize these side effects.
The recovery time will depend on your procedures and the extent of surgery to remove excess skin.
For instance, if you have surgery on multiple sites, the recovery time is longer than surgery done in a single location. Besides, more extensive procedures such as a lower body lift require more prolonged recovery, which might involve a short inpatient stay.
The doctor may place temporary drains for the first 1 to 2 weeks to ease the pain and ensure a faster recovery.
For a faster recovery period, the patient must be willing to adhere to the doctor's recommendations.
Plastic surgery after weight loss provides a success rate of 90%-95%. But, the patient must ensure only experienced surgeons conduct the surgery. Choosing the best facility for a cosmetic surgery procedure guarantees you the best results.
To ensure a successful post-bariatric surgery, consult a professional doctor and discuss what is involved during the procedure. Let the doctor understand your expectations and address any concerns. If you are feeling anxious, ask the doctor any questions. For instance, you may ask for an explanation of plastic surgery after weight loss before and after.
Here are the common types of plastic surgery after weight loss.
The tummy tuck involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen. The procedure lightens the underlying abdominal muscles and improves abdominal contours, giving you a flatter and tighter stomach.
As the name suggests, a thigh lift targets the correction of sagging skin on the thighs. Thigh lift produces a more toned appearance to your legs.
Patients find that most weight loss occurs in areas like the buttocks, the hips, and thighs. A body lift, also known as the belt lipectomy, removes the excess skin from the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks.
Women who lose weight may face sagging and flattened breasts. Skin removal surgery will remove the excess skin while tightening and improving the overall breast shape.
When you come for an excess skin removal procedure, the anesthesiologist administers anesthesia to put the patient to sleep.
The surgeon makes an incision on the area where the procedure is required. For instance, for the tummy tuck, the incision may be on the lower abdomen above the pubic area.
The length of the incisions depends on how much skin needs to be removed. Through the incisions, the surgeon removes excess fat and skin. The remaining skin and the tissues are pulled together and closed with stitches, and the doctor taps the area.
An anesthesiologist administers anesthesia to put the patient to sleep
The surgeon makes an incision on the area where the procedure is required. The number of incisions depends on the areas where the skin is to be removed.
The surgeons will remove the excess skin and the fats, as required, to achieve the results
The doctor makes stitches to close the surgery area
After the procedure, the patient experiences discomfort in the treated areas. The discomfort is often because of changes in the skin sensations or numbness caused by nerve damage.
In addition, you may be left with scars on your skin following the procedure. Blood clots and swelling may also occur in the area where surgery is done.
Avoid the following before the procedure
Procedure |
Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss |
Duration |
Depends on treated areas |
Stay |
7 - 8 nights |
Cost in Turkey |
€4900 - €5750 |
Anesthesia |
General anesthesia |
Recovery |
1 - 2 weeks |
Final Results |
6 - 12 months |
Side Effects |
Wavy, dimpled, or bumpy skin after the surgery |
Risks |
Blood clots, fluid imbalances, infections |
Success Rate |
90% - 95% |
Exercise |
After 4 weeks (low intensity only) |
Back To Work |
After 4 - 6 weeks |
Scars |
Yes (barely visible) |
Pain |
Slight |
Related Procedures |
Tummy tuck, Thigh lift, Breast lift |
Does insurance cover plastic surgery after weight loss?
In most cases, insurance companies cover the costs of body contouring surgery for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Talk to your insurer to find out if they cover the body contouring procedure for plastic surgery patients.
How much does plastic surgery after weight loss cost?
The cost of plastic surgery after weight loss depends on the type of procedure. Consult your doctor for clear guidance on how much you may be expected to pay for the procedure.
What is the best cosmetic procedure for weight loss?
Excess skin removal is the best cosmetic treatment after massive weight loss. Talk to your consultant to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure.
Learn more about Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss in Turkey by comparing costs and reviewing the clinics and doctors.
Our team will dedicate their effort and time to help you choose the clinic best for you. Our goal is not just to find ‘a doctor’ for you, but to find ‘the right doctor’.