Losing a large amount of weight, with or without surgery, often leaves loose skin on the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts and back that no exercise will remove. Body contouring surgery addresses it in planned stages. In this guide New City Clinic explains how the plan is built.
When is the right time?
When your weight has been stable for at least six months, usually 12–18 months after bariatric surgery. Operating while you are still losing weight leads to new laxity. Nutrition is just as important: protein, iron and vitamin levels are checked and corrected first, because deficiencies after weight loss surgery slow healing. Smoking has to stop.
Which procedures are involved?
The abdomen is treated with a tummy tuck or, when laxity runs all the way round, a lower body lift, which also lifts the buttocks and outer thighs. Arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift with or without implants, and back lift treat the other areas. Each removes skin and leaves a scar; the plan places scars where clothing covers them as far as possible.
Why is it done in stages?
Long operations raise the risk of bleeding, clots and wound problems, so procedures are grouped into stages of safe length with a few months between them. Most people start with the area that bothers them most, often the abdomen. Wound healing problems are more frequent after massive weight loss than in other patients; they usually settle with dressings but need patience.
Body contouring after weight loss: cost in Turkey and what is included
The price depends on the technique, the extent of the procedure, the hospital, the length of stay and any procedures planned together, which is why a single figure quoted without an examination or photo assessment is misleading. After a physician has reviewed your case, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote. It lists hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, pre-operative tests, medication, any compression garment or support bra, accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and interpreting separately; flights are not included unless stated. When comparing clinics in Istanbul, look beyond the price: check that the hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health, what the surgeon specialises in, and how follow-up is handled once you are back home.
Body contouring after weight loss with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about body contouring after weight loss, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
First 2–3 days
In hospital; drains are common; first walks with help.
Days 7–12
Check-ups; drains removed; flight home depending on the procedures.
Weeks 2–6
Compression garments; no heavy lifting; desk work from about 3 weeks.
Months 6–12
Scars mature; the next stage can be planned after about 3–6 months.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
How long after gastric sleeve can I have surgery?
Usually 12–18 months, once your weight has been stable for six months and your blood tests are in order.
Can everything be done in one operation?
Rarely, and it is not advisable. Staging keeps each operation within a safe length.
Will the scars be long?
Yes; removing a lot of skin means long scars. They are planned to sit in the underwear line and inner arms and thighs, and they fade with time.
Deciding on body contouring after weight loss is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
