Post-bariatric Surgery: Reshaping and Aesthetic Procedures in Overweight Patients

Obesity has become an increasingly prevalent health issue in today's society. Many individuals resort to solutions such as bariatric surgery to combat obesity. However, aesthetic and functional issues such as sagging skin, fat accumulation, and tissue deformations may arise following such surgical procedures. This is where post-bariatric surgery comes into play.

What is Post-bariatric Surgery?

Post-bariatric surgery involves surgical procedures aimed at correcting skin sagging and reshaping the body following obesity surgery. These surgical procedures aim to correct sagging caused by the loss of skin elasticity after weight loss.

What is the Purpose of Post-bariatric Surgery?

The purpose of post-bariatric surgery is to address aesthetic and functional issues that arise in patients who experience weight loss following obesity surgery. These issues typically include skin sagging, fat accumulation, and tissue deformations. Post-bariatric surgery aims to address these issues, allowing patients to achieve a healthier, more balanced, and satisfying appearance. Additionally, it may help prevent infections and other health problems that may arise due to skin sagging and excess tissue accumulation. Thus, post-bariatric surgery aims to improve patients' quality of life by alleviating the physical and psychological discomfort they experience after weight loss.

What are the Advantages of Post-bariatric Surgery?

• Improvement of Aesthetic Appearance: Post-bariatric surgery corrects skin sagging following weight loss, allowing patients to achieve a more aesthetic appearance. This can boost patients' self-confidence and help them feel more comfortable in their social lives.
• Functional Improvement: Skin sagging and other post-bariatric issues can negatively affect patients' daily activities and mobility. Post-bariatric surgery helps alleviate these functional issues, enabling patients to lead a more comfortable and active life.
• Prevention of Health Problems: Skin sagging and excess tissue accumulation can increase the risk of infection and lead to hygiene issues. Post-bariatric surgery can help prevent such health problems and support patients in maintaining their health.
• Long-term Results: Post-bariatric surgery typically offers long-term results. When performed correctly and followed up appropriately, surgical outcomes are usually permanent, providing patients with lifelong satisfaction.
• Personal Well-being and PsychologicalWelfare: Improving aesthetic appearance can enhance patients' overall personal well-being and psychological welfare. Having a more positive body image can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of mental health issues such as depression.

These advantages demonstrate the significance of post-bariatric surgery as a solution for addressing aesthetic and functional issues following weight loss.

Types of Post-bariatric Surgery

Post-bariatric surgery may include various techniques tailored to the patient's needs and prominent issues in specific body areas. The most commonly performed post-bariatric surgical procedures include:

• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): A surgical procedure performed to correct skin sagging in the abdominal area. This procedure tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall while removing excess skin and fat tissue, resulting in a flatter abdominal profile.
• Mastopexy (Breast Lift): A surgical procedure performed to correct breast sagging commonly observed in overweight patients. Breast lift surgery lifts and reshapes breast tissue upwards, providing a younger and firmer appearance.
• Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): A surgical procedure performed to correct skin sagging, often referred to as "bat wings," in overweight patients. Brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat tissue in the upper arm area, resulting in a more aesthetic appearance.
• Thigh Lift: A surgical procedure performed to correct skin sagging in the thighs. Thigh lift surgery aims to correct sagging occurring on the inner or outer thighs, providing a tighter and more contoured appearance.

Pre- and Post-operative Care for Post-bariatric Surgery

Pre- and post-operative care for post-bariatric surgery is essential to ensure optimal surgical outcomes. Prior to surgery, a detailed consultation process is conducted between the patient and the surgeon, and a surgical plan is established based on the patient's expectations. Following surgery, specific guidelines are followed to support the patient's recovery process, and regular follow-up appointments are scheduled.

In conclusion

Post-bariatric surgery provides an effective solution for addressing aesthetic problems following weight loss and improving patients' quality of life. However, like any surgical procedure, post-bariatric surgery has certain risks and complications. Therefore, it is important for patients considering such surgical procedures to consult with a plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery specialist.

Op. Dr. Kamil YILDIRIM

Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist