360 Body Lift

Prof. Dr. Özay Özkaya and 360 Body Lift: Aesthetic Solutions for Body Contouring and Skin Laxity After Post-Bariatric Surgery.

360 Body Lift: Not a New Body, But the Best Version of You

Obesity is one of the most significant global health challenges, affecting not only a person's physical appearance but also increasing the risk of numerous diseases and reducing life expectancy. Bariatric surgeries, commonly performed for individuals who struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise, serve as life-changing procedures. However, a well-known consequence of rapid weight loss following these surgeries is excessive skin laxity.

Even in individuals who have never undergone bariatric surgery, frequent weight fluctuations can lead to widespread skin sagging and body contour irregularities. 360 Body Lift is an advanced surgical solution designed to address these concerns, particularly in patients who have experienced significant weight loss after obesity treatments.

Prof. Dr. Özay Özkaya, a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, explains everything you need to know about the 360 Body Lift procedure, helping you achieve a more sculpted and refined body.

After obesity treatment, rapid weight loss can result in significant body changes, particularly in the torso area, as the skin struggles to adapt at the same pace. This often leads to severe skin sagging, affecting the abdomen, waist, and buttocks. The 360 Body Lift procedure effectively addresses this issue by tightening and reshaping these areas in a single surgery, restoring the body’s natural contours and achieving a balanced abdomen-to-hip ratio.

360 Body Lift Is Not a Weight Loss Treatment

The 360 Body Lift is not a weight loss procedure; rather, it is a body contouring surgery specifically designed for individuals who have already overcome obesity and now seek to refine their body shape. Also known as Belt Lipectomy, this comprehensive surgery includes:

• Tightening of the abdominal area,
• Reinforcement of weakened abdominal muscles, creating an internal corset,
• Lifting and reshaping of the sagging genital area,
• Enhancing the volume and position of the buttocks.

This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery and now experience excess skin laxity. However, it is not a weight loss method and should not be considered as an alternative to obesity treatment. Patients must first achieve a stable weight before undergoing the surgery to ensure optimal results.

When Should I Plan My Body Lift Surgery After Weight Loss Surgery?

Following weight loss surgeries such as gastric sleeve, gastric balloon, or bypass procedures, the timeline for reaching the target weight varies from person to person. However, in most cases, patients achieve their goal weight within 9 to 12 months.

To undergo skin tightening and body contouring surgeries, it is essential that the patient:
✅ Has reached their target weight, and
✅ Maintains this weight for at least 3 months before surgery.

Many patients begin noticing excess skin 6 to 8 months after weight loss surgery and may feel the urge to undergo skin removal procedures immediately. However, to allow the body to adapt to the weight loss and ensure the long-term success of the surgery, plastic surgeons generally recommend waiting at least 1 year after weight loss surgery before proceeding with body contouring.

“My Whole Body Has Sagging Skin – Where Do We Start?”

If you have undergone significant weight loss, you may experience skin laxity in multiple areas, including:

• Arms,
• Breasts,
• Abdomen,
• Back,
• Hips,
• Thighs.

The first step is a detailed consultation to assess your body and determine which areas require surgery. Based on this evaluation, a customised treatment plan is created, with procedures scheduled in stages. In most cases, each surgery is spaced approximately three months apart to allow for optimal healing.

Can All Skin Tightening Surgeries Be Performed at the Same Time?

The answer is, unfortunately, no.
Just as weight is not gained or lost overnight, the body cannot undergo multiple major surgeries simultaneously without increased risks.

For most patients, the first stage of post-bariatric surgery is the 360 Body Lift, as the most significant skin laxity usually occurs in the midsection. This procedure targets the abdomen, lower back, hips, and outer thighs, addressing the most affected areas in a single operation.

Key Information About the 360 Body Lift Procedure

• Performed by Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons in a fully equipped hospital under general anaesthesia.
• Typically suitable for patients who have experienced significant weight loss and suffer from:
  • Loose abdominal skin and excess folds,
  • Sagging in the genital area,
  • Persistent fat deposits in the upper buttocks,
  • Flattening or drooping of the buttocks.
• The operation lasts between 6 to 8 hours, and patients stay in the hospital for two nights.
• Patients are encouraged to start walking the day after surgery to promote circulation and reduce complications.
• A special medical compression garment is worn after surgery to support healing, minimise swelling, and help the body adapt to its new shape.
• The surgery is not considered painful, and mild pain relief is usually sufficient for comfort.
• Patients who smoke must quit at least three weeks before surgery to reduce healing risks.

The 360 Body Lift is one of the most effective solutions for patients experiencing severe skin laxity after major weight loss. Thanks to modern surgical techniques, the recovery period is often much shorter than expected, and patient satisfaction rates are extremely high.