Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

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. 

What Is Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss? 

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. 

Who Can Have Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss?

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. 

Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Treatment Duration

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. 

Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Side Effects & Risks

Possible side effects and risks of weight loss cosmetic surgery include:

• Blood clots 
• Fluid imbalances 
• Infections 
• Wavy, dimpled, or bumpy skin after the surgery
• Scars on surgery sites 
• Skin sensitivity and color changes 
• Delayed healing

Following the doctor's advice before, during, and after the treatment will help minimize these side effects. 

Cosmetic Surgeries After Weight Loss Recovery Time

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. 

Post-Bariatric Surgeries Success Rate

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. 

Types of Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

Here are the common types of plastic surgery after weight loss. 

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

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. 

Thigh Lift

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. 

Lower body lift

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. 

Breast surgery 

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. 

How Is Cosmetic Procedure After Weight Loss Performed?

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. 

What Does Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Involve?

Step1: Anesthesia Stage 

An anesthesiologist administers anesthesia to put the patient to sleep

Step2: Incisions 

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. 

Step3: Removal of excess skin or fats 

The surgeons will remove the excess skin and the fats, as required, to achieve the results

Step4: Closing incisions

The doctor makes stitches to close the surgery area 

What Should I Expect After Weight Loss Cosmetic Procedures?

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. 

What To Avoid Before Weight Loss Cosmetic Procedures

Avoid the following before the procedure

• Alcohol
• Tobacco 
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• High-sodium foods 
• Vaping

Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

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.

Overall Satisfaction 9.8 Based on 7 reviews

• Staff:
• Location:
• Facilities:
• Value:

• Verified Review
  Nicholas, United States
  Feb 2023
  Show More +
• Verified Review
  Stefan, Romania
  Sep 2022
  It was an easier and better experience than I expected, thanks for all of these great team
  Show More +
• Verified Review
  Mariana, Spain
  May 2022
  While doing a price search for plastic surgery in my own country, I came across flymedi and had my surgery at esteworld for a much more reasonable price and I am very happy. The team and flymedi were very professional.
  Show More +
• Verified Review
  Sophia, United Kingdom
  Apr 2022
  Ana was extremely helpful, friendly and made planning my trip so much easier. I don't know what I would have done without her! Going overseas to a country you've never been to before to get plastic surgery can be scary, having Ana made it a lot less scary knowing you have somebody there that's on your team to help you.
  Show More +
• Verified Review
  Vukašin, Serbia
  Jan 2022
  Thank you for all the florence nightingale team and my doctor. I have been feeling better since I had the surgery. Professional and caring staff
  Show More +
• Verified Review
  Ellis McLintock, Turkey
  Aug 2020
  From start to finish my experience with Flymedi was exceptional. The coordinator, Abud worked hard at finding the right surgeon for me. He was constantly in contact while I was away to ensure everything went smoothly. I honestly could not be happier with the company. Dr Ozge has done an exceptional job too. Thank you Abud for making me feel confident again!
  Show More +
• Verified Review
  Maribeth, Switzerland
  Jan 2019
  I highly recommended flymedi.com. Mustafa was good assistance all the way through. From airport, hotel, and hospital. The surgeon who conduct the operation did a great job. I was hesitant at first and was scared what would be the result but waking up after the surgery I was surprised by his professionalism. As well as Mustafa was being present every time I needed him out anytime I could contacted him. He never fails. Thanks to Y'ALL guys.
  Show More +