Body Lift in Istanbul

What is Body Lift?

After major weight loss, loose skin often extends all the way around the lower torso rather than being confined to the abdomen. A lower body lift addresses this circumferentially, combining an abdominoplasty with removal of skin from the flanks and lower back and a lift of the buttocks and outer thighs. Diastasis recti may be repaired at the same time.

This is a major operation, typically longer than other body contouring procedures, and is associated with a higher risk of wound healing problems, seroma and thrombosis. Careful selection, nutritional optimisation and a stable weight are important. Body lift is not a weight-loss procedure, and in some cases arm or thigh lifts are planned as separate, staged operations.

Who may be suitable?

• You have lost a significant amount of weight and have loose skin around the lower torso
• Your weight has been stable for several months, often 6–12 months or more after bariatric surgery
• Your BMI is within a range your surgeon and anaesthesia team consider safe
• Your nutritional status, including protein and iron levels, is adequate
• You are a non-smoker
• You can commit to a longer recovery with support at home

What can this procedure address?

• Circumferential loose skin of the abdomen, flanks and back
• Sagging buttocks and outer thighs after weight loss
• Skin folds causing irritation, rashes or hygiene difficulties
• Difficulty with clothing fit due to excess skin

Consultation & assessment

An online assessment allows you to send photos confidentially from all angles, with details of your weight loss, bariatric surgery, current weight, nutrition and medical history. The surgeon can give an initial opinion on whether a body lift is appropriate and whether other procedures should be staged.

An in-person examination in Istanbul, blood tests and an anaesthetic assessment take place before surgery is confirmed. Your surgeon will discuss scar position, the expected duration of surgery, thrombosis prevention, hospital stay and the recovery support you will need.

How the procedure is performed

A circumferential incision is planned around the lower torso, usually placed to sit within underwear. The surgery is performed with position changes, typically starting with the back and buttocks and then the front.

Excess skin and fat are removed, the buttocks and outer thighs are lifted, and an abdominoplasty with navel repositioning and muscle repair is performed at the front. Drains are placed and wounds are closed in layers.

Because of the length of the operation, some surgeons work with a second surgeon to limit operating time. Your surgical and anaesthesia team will decide whether combining further procedures is appropriate.

Anaesthesia

A body lift is performed under general anaesthesia by an anaesthesiologist, with careful monitoring of fluid balance, body temperature and blood loss. Thrombosis prevention is a key part of planning, including compression devices and anticoagulant medication where appropriate.

Recovery timeline

1. Days 1–3

   You remain in hospital with drains and compression. You will be helped to walk early, slightly bent to reduce tension.

2. Week 1

   Mobility improves. Drains may remain for a week or longer. Wounds are reviewed carefully.

3. Weeks 2–3

   Energy slowly returns. Your surgeon assesses wound healing before confirming you can fly.

4. Week 6

   Most daily activities resume gradually. Strenuous activity remains restricted.

5. 3–6 months

   Swelling settles and scars begin to soften.

6. 12 months

   Scars mature and the final contour is visible. Results vary between individuals.

What to expect during the first week

• Walk with assistance several times a day
• Wear compression garments continuously
• Monitor and record drain output
• Avoid bending or straining the wounds
• Take anticoagulant medication as prescribed
• Eat a protein-rich diet to support wound healing

Scars

A body lift leaves a long, permanent circumferential scar around the lower torso, placed to sit within underwear where possible. Scars fade over 12–24 months but remain visible.

Results

Removal of loose skin can significantly change body contour and comfort. Consented before and after photographs can be reviewed during consultation. Results vary between individuals.

Results vary between individuals. Consented before-and-after images of similar cases may be reviewed with your specialist during consultation — before & after

How long do results last?

Results are long-lasting with a stable weight, although some skin relaxation can occur with time.

Potential risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and individual risks with you before you decide whether to proceed.

• Wound separation and delayed healing, particularly where incisions meet
• Seroma, which is relatively common and may need repeated drainage
• Haematoma and bleeding, sometimes requiring transfusion
• Infection
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (VTE)
• Wide, raised or asymmetrical scarring
• Numbness or altered sensation
• Contour irregularity or asymmetry
• Fat necrosis
• Need for revision surgery

Choosing a surgeon

• Confirm specialist training in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery
• Verify registration with the Turkish Medical Association and relevant societies
• Ask about experience with post-bariatric body contouring
• Review consented before and after photographs, including scars
• Confirm a hospital setting with inpatient monitoring and a clear aftercare plan

Our specialists

Body Lift in Istanbul

Plan to stay in Istanbul for around 14 days or longer after a body lift, allowing for a hospital stay of several nights, drain management and wound review.

Women travel to Istanbul for body lift surgery to access surgeons experienced in post-weight-loss contouring, modern private hospitals and coordinated international care. Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.

The cost of a body lift in Turkey depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, length of surgery, combined or staged procedures, hospital stay, garments and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment. Choose your surgeon and hospital based on medical quality, not price alone.

Costs depend on your surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and any combined procedures — see treatment costs in Turkey.

Your hospital

Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals. Your written treatment plan confirms the hospital before you travel. Hospitals & Facilities

Aftercare when you return home

• Arrange support at home for the first few weeks
• Continue compression and wound care as instructed
• Seek urgent care for leg swelling, chest pain, breathlessness, fever or wound breakdown
• Maintain good nutrition to support healing
• Keep in contact for remote follow-up and arrange a local GP contact

Our aftercare pathway