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Post-bariatric surgery, also known as skin tightening surgery or skin lift surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and underlying fat tissue that has sagged. Post-bariatric surgery is performed by plastic surgeons. The location of the surgical procedure is determined based on the individual's needs. The duration of the surgery varies between 1 and 4 hours depending on the area being treated.
What Are the Processes That Lead to Post-Bariatric Surgery?
Skin sagging is a problem that affects people's health and aesthetics due to genetic structure, age, lifestyle, and environmental factors. When the production rate of collagen and elastin in the body decreases, the skin may sag. If the production rate of these two proteins decreases in the body, excess soft tissue increases because these proteins keep the skin elastic and firm.
Post-Bariatric Application Areas and Types
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Typically performed on excess skin that sags after pregnancy and weight loss.
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): Involves addressing sagging skin under the arms.
Thigh Lift: Involves removing excess skin from the inner thighs.
Face and Neck Lift (Rhytidectomy): A surgical procedure applied to sagging face and neck due to aging.
Who Are Suitable Candidates for Post-Bariatric Surgery?
Aging (Chronological Age)
With advancing age, collagen and elastin production decreases. These two proteins are responsible for keeping the skin firm and elastic. The fat tissue under the skin thins and the skin gradually loses its fullness.
Cell renewal slows down, which slows down the skin's ability to repair itself. As we age, sagging and drooping in the face, neck, arms, abdomen, and thighs become a health and aesthetic concern for individuals.
Sudden and Excessive Weight Loss
Rapid weight loss causes a rapid decrease in fat and muscle tissue under the skin. Skin that has been stretched for a long time becomes empty when the fat tissue is lost and sags. Significant sagging occurs in the abdomen, arms, legs, and chest, especially in people who lose weight quickly after stomach reduction surgery.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
During pregnancy, the skin, especially in the abdominal area, stretches as the baby grows. After childbirth, the skin tries to return to its original form; however, if elasticity has been lost, it cannot fully recover. In this case, individuals may resort to aesthetic interventions such as abdominoplasty as a solution.
Genetic Predisposition
In some individuals, the skin is genetically thinner and more sensitive. As a result of these characteristics, the skin is more prone to sagging.
Things to Consider Before Skin Sagging Surgery
Before deciding on surgery, it is very important to consult a doctor who specializes in aesthetic and plastic surgery. Health screenings such as blood tests, EKG, and chest X-rays should be performed before surgery. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to postpone the surgery.
Patients are advised to stop using blood thinners, vitamin E, herbal supplements, fish oil, and ginseng at least 7-10 days before surgery. If you smoke, you should quit 2 to 4 weeks before surgery and refrain from smoking until you have recovered.
The choice of hospital is very important in skin tightening surgery.
The choice of hospital is very important for skin tightening surgery. The hospital's expertise and experience in aesthetic surgery increases patient safety and the success of the surgery. It is very important to undergo a sterile and hygienic surgical process. Operating room conditions must be checked to minimize the risk of infection. Choosing a hospital equipped to handle emergencies greatly increases patient safety.
The post-operative recovery process is just as important as the surgery itself. Patient follow-up programs play a very important role. In serious cosmetic procedures such as skin tightening surgery, the choice of hospital is as important as the success of the surgery. Therefore, it is necessary to read patient reviews and, if possible, visit the clinic before deciding on surgery.
Things to Consider After Skin Sagging Surgery
Individuals should rest well during the first few days after surgery and avoid physical activity. They should even consult their doctors about their sleeping positions. Some patients are temporarily fitted with drains after surgery to prevent fluid buildup. These drains should be cared for under the supervision of a nurse or doctor.
Painkillers, antibiotics, and, if necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by the surgeon should be taken as directed. After surgery, a medical corset, bandage, or dressing appropriate for the body is used. These reduce swelling and keep the suture areas stable. It is important not to remove the corset for the duration specified by the doctor. It is generally recommended to use it for 3 to 6 weeks.
Light walks can begin a few days later with the approval of the doctor. However, it is usually necessary to wait 4 to 6 weeks before performing intense activities such as vigorous exercise.
Post-Bariatric Surgery Patient Satisfaction
The most common reason for satisfaction is the aesthetic improvement that patients see in their bodies after the operation. Scientific studies have proven that aesthetic interventions provide positive feedback not only physically but also psychologically.
A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2024 examined the psychological effects of skin sagging (body contouring) surgery on 520 patients psychological effects were examined. According to the study: 88% felt more confident after surgery, 74% experienced positive changes in body image, and 62% reported feeling more comfortable in social settings.
Skin tightening surgery is a surgical procedure preferred for both health and aesthetic reasons, and it successfully impacts patients through the aesthetic improvements achieved as a result of the surgery. Despite the challenging and painful process patients anticipate, skin tightening surgery often yields satisfying and long-lasting results both physically and psychologically.
