What is Post Bariatric Surgery? The Process in Istanbul, Turkey
Post-bariatric surgery refers to aesthetic and contouring surgeries performed to address the body changes that occur after bariatric surgery (such as treatments for severe obesity). Bariatric surgeries, including procedures like sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch, help obese patients lose significant weight. However, following these surgeries, the body often experiences rapid weight loss, leading to loss of skin elasticity, sagging, and excess skin formation. Post-bariatric surgery encompasses aesthetic procedures to remove excess skin, correct contour deformities, and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Clinic Health Beauty plans post-bariatric surgeries at an A-Plus hospital with internationally certified specialist plastic surgeons. A 7-night, 8-day travel program is organized for post-bariatric surgeries in Istanbul, Turkey.
Why is Post-Bariatric Surgery Needed?
After bariatric surgery, weight is lost rapidly, and the skin may struggle to shrink back to its previous size, leading to sagging and looseness. This can be aesthetically unappealing and cause physical problems. For example, excess skin can rub together, increasing the risk of infection or limiting physical movement.
The reasons for post-bariatric surgery include:
- Excess Skin and Sagging: Due to rapid weight loss, the skin may sag and become loose, especially in areas like the abdomen, arms, thighs, and chest.
- Physical Discomfort: Sagging skin can lead to friction, infection, or pain.
- Aesthetic Improvement: Excess skin and sagging can create an unattractive appearance, leading to a loss of self-confidence and difficulties with clothing choices, especially in the summer. This issue may also affect one’s intimate life.
- Regaining Confidence: Even after weight loss from bariatric surgery, post-bariatric surgery may be needed to achieve a satisfying appearance.
Procedures Included in Post-Bariatric Surgery
Post-bariatric surgery typically involves aesthetic procedures that remove excess skin and fat and reshape body contours. These surgeries vary depending on the patient’s body type and the amount of weight they have lost.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
- After bariatric surgery, the excess skin and fat in the abdomen are often very prominent. A tummy tuck removes this skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles, and creates a flatter and more contoured abdomen.
- Mini Tummy Tuck: For patients with less sagging and excess skin, a mini tummy tuck involves smaller incisions.
- Body Lift
- A body lift is a combined surgical procedure to remove excess skin in areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, and back, helping create a more aesthetic overall body contour.
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
- After bariatric surgery, the upper arms may sag. An arm lift removes excess skin and fat in the arms, creating a more toned and firm appearance.
- Breast Aesthetic Surgery (Mastopexy and Breast Implants)
- Following bariatric surgery, the breasts may lose volume and sag. A breast lift (mastopexy) reshapes the breasts, and implants may be used for those who have lost volume.
- Thigh Lift
- Excess skin and fat in the thighs are also common issues after bariatric surgery. A thigh lift removes the excess skin and fat, creating more toned thighs.
- Liposuction and BBL (Fat Transfer)
- Liposuction is a procedure to remove excess fat in certain areas of the body. However, it cannot address sagging skin, making it ideal for regions without skin laxity.
- Facial Aesthetic Surgery and Facelift
- Bariatric surgery may also alter facial features. Facelift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and lip augmentation can help the face achieve a more youthful and firm appearance.
Tummy Tuck After Gastric Reduction Surgery
One of the most common procedures after weight loss surgeries like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass is a tummy tuck. Rapid weight loss can lead to loose and sagging skin, making a tummy tuck a necessary follow-up procedure.
The best solution for sagging in the abdominal area after bariatric surgery is a tummy tuck. It creates a flat abdomen, tightens the abdominal muscles, and provides a more aesthetically pleasing body contour.
Clinic Health Beauty organizes post-bariatric surgeries in Istanbul, Turkey, with a 7-night, 8-day travel plan for a tummy tuck combined with liposuction. The process includes five phases: “pre-surgery preparation,” “travel and organization,” “surgery phase,” “post-surgery phase,” and “recovery phase.”
Breast Lift Surgery After Gastric Reduction
Another surgery often needed after gastric reduction is breast lift or reduction surgery. Due to rapid weight loss, the breast tissue may shrink, leading to sagging. To restore breast volume and its former shape, breast lift or reduction surgery may be required. In some cases, breast lift surgery may be combined with implants to achieve the desired outcome.
Clinic Health Beauty also organizes breast lift surgery in Istanbul, Turkey, with a 6-night, 7-day travel plan. The process includes “pre-surgery preparation,” “travel and organization,” “surgery phase,” “post-surgery phase,” and “recovery phase.” The areas most commonly combined with a breast lift are “tummy tuck and breast lift,” “arm lift and breast lift,” and “breast lift, arm lift, and thigh lift.”
Arm Lift After Gastric Reduction (Brachioplasty)
Sagging in the arms is another common issue after weight loss surgery. Unfortunately, loose arms may not firm up with exercise. In such cases, arm lift surgery is the best solution.
Excess skin is removed from the armpit to the elbow, with incisions made on the inner side of the arm for minimal visibility. Clinic Health Beauty organizes arm lift surgeries in Istanbul, Turkey, with a one-week travel program. Surgery is performed by internationally certified plastic surgeons at an A-Plus hospital.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that the patient is asleep and feels no pain during surgery. Post-surgery, the patient stays in the hospital overnight, wears an arm compression garment, and is visited by Clinic Health Beauty’s patient care team for follow-ups at their hotel.
To undergo an arm lift after weight loss surgery, the patient’s weight should be stable, usually around a year after completing weight loss. An arm lift can be combined with a thigh lift or tummy tuck.
Thigh Lift After Gastric Reduction
Another noticeable change after gastric reduction surgery is sagging in the legs and thighs. Due to rapid weight loss, the fat tissue in the thigh area may decrease, leading to loose and sagging skin.
A thigh lift surgery can address this issue. A one-week travel plan is arranged for a thigh lift in Istanbul, including preparation, accommodation, in-city transfers, the hospital stay, and the recovery process. Patients typically stay one night in an A-Plus hospital, undergo preoperative checkups, including blood tests and anesthesia evaluations, and receive regular postoperative visits by patient care staff for wound care and medication follow-up.
A thigh lift can be performed about a year after weight loss surgery, once weight stabilization has been achieved. It can be combined with procedures like arm lift, breast lift, or breast reduction.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and Buttock Lift After Gastric Reduction
After weight loss surgery, the buttocks may lose volume and fat, resulting in sagging. Clinic Health Beauty offers two approaches to address these issues:
- BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift): This procedure involves transferring fat, harvested through liposuction from various parts of the body, to the buttocks to restore volume.
- Buttock Lift Surgery: In cases of severe sagging, a buttock lift surgery is performed. Excess skin is removed through a horizontal incision in the lower back, raising the buttocks to a higher position. Fat transfer may also be performed if suitable.
A one-week travel program is arranged for either a BBL or buttock lift after weight loss surgery, including a 2-night hospital stay and general anesthesia. A body compression garment is worn post-surgery.
Recovery After Post-Bariatric Surgery
The recovery process depends on the type of surgical procedures performed and the patient’s overall health. Generally, recovery follows these stages:
- First Few Days: Patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days post-surgery and are advised to rest. Swelling, bruising, and pain are common.
- 2-4 Weeks: During this period, swelling and bruising begin to subside. However, heavy exercise and physical activities should be avoided.
- 6-8 Weeks: By this time, most stitches have healed, allowing the patient to resume light exercise.
- Full Recovery: Full recovery takes 6 months to a year, and scar healing can take time.
Cost of Post-Bariatric Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey
The cost of post-bariatric plastic surgeries, whether individual or combined, varies from patient to patient. First, the specific operations needed must be determined. Clinic Health Beauty arranges a free consultation with plastic and aesthetic surgeons before quoting any prices. After determining the appropriate procedures, a travel plan and price information for Istanbul are provided.
Post-bariatric surgery is essential to remove excess skin and correct sagging after weight loss surgery, achieving an aesthetically satisfying appearance. These procedures can improve patients’ self-confidence, reduce physical discomfort, and enhance overall quality of life. However, like any surgery, post-bariatric surgery involves risks, and recovery takes time.
