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POST BARIATRIC SURGERY

Post-bariatric surgery refers to reconstructive cosmetic procedures performed to correct sagging and deformities that occur in the body following significant weight loss. These procedures remove excess skin, restore the body’s contours, and help the individual achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and balanced appearance.

Treatment Process

Treatment may vary from person to person, but the general stages are as follows:
Operative Duration

4 - 6 hours

Hospitalization Duration

2 - 3 days

Return to Activities

3 - 4 weeks

Full Recovery Time

6 - 12 weeks

What is Body Contouring?
What is Post-Bariatric Surgery?

Patients with a Body Mass Index of 40 and above are classified as “Morbidly Obese.” Because obesity poses a life-threatening threat to these individuals, various surgical and medical methods are used to achieve weight loss. Following sleeve gastrectomy, partial and total gastrectomy, or anastomosis (RU and Y), patients typically experience weight loss of 40-60 kilograms. This significant volume loss can lead to sagging in all areas of the body.

The surgical treatment for sagging and loosening that occurs after any significant weight loss is called “Post-Bariatric Surgery” or “Body Contouring Surgery.” The general rule, especially in cases where sagging and deformity are all-encompassing, is to perform a 360-degree body lift to the desired levels. Post-bariatric surgery includes procedures such as belt lipectomy, back lift, arm lift, thigh and leg lift, and breast lift.

Patients who develop deformities after extreme weight loss constitute a special group. These patients are prone to depression, lack of motivation, significant resistance to weight gain and a balanced diet, significant reductions in skin elasticity and quality, and significantly reduced wound healing potential. Therefore, post-bariatric surgery should only be performed by experienced physicians.

Body Lift Surgery

Pant Lip Lift Surgery

The visible sagging and loose skin that occurs on the body after extreme weight loss can cause significant problems. Along with the abdominal skin, sagging, tissue loss, and loss of volume occur in the back, hips, flanks, and back of the waist. The surgical treatment for this sagging is a surgery called “Belt Lipectomy.” Belt lipectomy removes excess and sagging tissue, similar to the belt that encircles the waist, tightening the anterior abdomen and back, lifting the hips while simultaneously adding volume. This surgery is also known as a 360-degree Body Lift or Trouser Lip Surgery.

How is a Trouser Lip Lift Performed?

How is a 360-degree Body Lift Performed?

Belt lipectomy is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia and takes approximately 3-5 hours, depending on the procedure. First, excess skin and subcutaneous tissue from the waist and back are removed. If the hips are noticeably thinning at this stage, Tissues planned to be removed from the waist area can be buried under the hips, creating a significant volume increase. This way, the hip arch is supported or a new hip arch is created. In the following phase, a classic abdominoplasty is performed with the patient lying supine. Different variations can be added to this procedure depending on the degree of skin sagging on the torso and thighs.

Panter-Up Aesthetic Before and After

360 Body Lift Before and After

Pre-operative selection and proper time planning are crucial for these patients. The patient is expected to have completed their weight loss and have maintained a stable weight for the past six months. Patients must be non-smokers, and if they are a smoker, they must quit smoking three weeks before surgery, have no metabolic disease such as diabetes, no history of embolism, and no cardiovascular disease. These patients should maintain a balanced diet and ensure they are not resistant to food, especially to support postoperative wound healing and to partially increase subcutaneous fat. During preoperative consultations, the patient should be informed about the possibility of delayed healing, wound re-opening, and the need for revisions in limited areas due to limited wound healing capacity.

The patient must be monitored in the hospital for 2-3 days after surgery. In the early stages, the patient can move and take care of their own needs. It is recommended that the patient wear a shapewear for 6 weeks after surgery. A protein-rich diet during the recovery period significantly enhances the healing process. The incision scars will wrap around the waist like a belt and be concealed under underwear. With proper scar care, a comfortable appearance can be achieved.

If belt lipectomy is being considered in combination with other body contouring procedures, surgery should not be performed in the same session, especially with procedures to the chest area.

Pant Lift Aesthetics Prices

360 Body Lift Prices

Prices vary depending on the patient’s physical characteristics and the surgical method.

Patient Reviews

Our most valuable reference is the feedback from our patients.

Back Lift

Body contouring is a procedure that has been increasingly performed recently. Skin folds, particularly in the back area, can be addressed with a back lift. The skin in the back is extremely thick and immobile. Therefore, while it’s possible to lift the hip tissue upwards in a procedure like a trouser lift, it’s impossible to lower the sagging of the back.

Back lift surgery is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. It’s usually performed in conjunction with an abdominoplasty or breast lift. Surgery in this area is generally well-tolerated by patients.

Thigh Lift
Leg Lift

Due to excessive weight loss or loss of skin elasticity, the thigh skin can sag inward and downward. Patients undergo a “thigh lift” to address this sagging. Thigh lift surgery can be combined with liposuction to slim the legs. The thighs and legs are two anatomically interconnected areas. This leads to conceptual confusion. The lower extremity from the groin area to the tibia is the thigh, while the area from the knee joint to the ankle is the leg. Therefore, the correct definition is Thigh Lift.

How is Thigh Lift Surgery Performed?

Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately two hours. The surgery usually begins with liposuction. Liposuction removes excess fat from the thigh, allowing for effective lifting without disrupting tissue circulation. In this surgery, incisions are made on the inner thigh and along the groin line to remove excess skin and subcutaneous tissue. This eliminates both sideways sagging and downward sagging.

Recovery After Thigh Lift

A hospital stay of 1-2 days is sufficient. Because the surgical area is close to the genital area and is prone to excessive sweating, it is crucial to constantly ventilate the area, be mindful of sweating, and avoid wearing pants for a certain period of time. It is recommended to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks after discharge. Scar care is essential during the healing process.

Edema After Thigh Lift Surgery

Due to the extensive lymphatic tissue damage and sometimes damage to deep veins, edema is severe in these surgeries. Furthermore, edema will increase as the amount of time spent standing increases. Therefore, for patients undergoing a thigh lift, wearing a compression garment for 3-4 months after surgery and attending lymphatic drainage sessions during this time will accelerate healing.

Arm Lift

Excessive weight loss, conversely, can lead to significant sagging in the arm skin, either sideways or downward, due to excessive weight gain or poor skin elasticity. In obese individuals, this sagging is often accompanied by fat accumulation. An arm lift surgery is performed to address this sagging. Arm lift surgery can be combined with liposuction to slim the arms.

How is an arm lift performed? What is the recovery process?

An arm lift is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1.5 hours. In this procedure, liposuction is performed first in patients who are overweight or have fat accumulation. Liposuction allows for more effective arm slimming and preserves tissue circulation. The surgery involves removing excess skin and subcutaneous tissue through incisions along the inner arm and armpit. This eliminates both sagging on the sides and sagging downward.

Scars After Arm Lift Surgery

Arm lifts are procedures that leave a straight scar, visible especially when the arms are raised above the head. The scar length increases with the degree of sagging in the arm. These surgeries will fade after an average of two years.

Scarless Arm Lift Surgery

A scarless arm lift is a highly attractive and appealing option for patients. This procedure involves simply pulling the skin upward through incisions in the armpit, which can lead to significant patient distress if the existing problem persists after surgery. Existing sagging along the arm can only be corrected through incisions made along this line.

After Arm Lift Surgery

A one-day hospital stay is sufficient. Elevating the arms above heart level for the first 10 days helps control swelling. Post-arm lift: Wearing a sleeve-style compression garment extending from the shoulder to the elbow is recommended for 4-6 weeks. Scar care is essential during the healing process.

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Site Author

author avatar
Dr. Tamer Şakrak
On February 15, 1977, I was born in Nuremberg, Germany, the last child of a family of workers. In 1982, I returned to my ancestral hometown, the village of Kaymakçı in the district of Payis in the province of Izmir.