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Post-Bariatric Belt Lipectomy 

A post-bariatric belt lipectomy is also known as a belt lift and 360-degree body lift. For those who had excessive weight loss after an overweight period, to improve the sagging on the skin. Excess skin and fat tissue on the middle and lower abdomen, outer thighs, and tail end are removed by belt lipectomy operations. Post-bariatric belt lipectomy can be combined with other operations however in one session it may become a difficult procedure, therefore it is preferred to be planned as a single surgery. 

Who is a Good Candidate for Belt Lipectomy?

Good candidates for belt lipectomy are those who are diagnosed with obesity then lost weight and have sagging problems due to these issues. Patients who have excess skin or sub-dermal fat tissues on the back and waist area can get rid of these problems with belt lipectomy.

Important things to pay attention to before the lipectomy 

Important things to pay attention to before post-bariatric belt lipectomy are as follows:

  • Blood analysis must be examined, and if needed, supportive treatments may be followed. 
  • Smokers must quit a minimum of 3 weeks before the operation, and should not start at least 3 weeks after the surgery.
  • Patients must avoid consuming anything that may cause a carbon monoxide increase in blood or may affect blood circulation negatively.
  • Must avoid sunbathing for longer periods.
  • Refrain from vitamin E and aspirin at least 1 week before the surgery
  • Refrain from alcoholic beverages 1 week before the surgery.
  • If patients got a cold or infection, surgery must be postponed 
  • The surgery process must be planned and the marking must be made before the surgery. To compare before and after, photographs may be taken 

When Is The Right Time For Post-Bariatric Belt Lipectomy?

The right time for post-bariatric belt lipectomy is 12-16 months after the bariatric surgery. Depending on the examination and patients’ overall health, how many sessions are needed, the procedure process, and possible combinations with other surgeries can be discussed and the operation can be scheduled for the period after patients stabilize their ideal weight. 

What is Post Bariatric Belt Lipectomy Procedure Like?

A belt lipectomy operation is performed under anesthesia. The operation takes about 4 hours on average however in some cases it may take up to 7 hours. The excess skin and subdermal tissues are removed. Incisions made surround the body in a full circle from the top of the groins to the top of the hips, like a belt.  

Drains are placed to discharge the excess fluid. If the patient has a visible volume loss on the buttocks, excess fat removed from the waist can be placed under the buttocks to give them more volume and better shape. After reshaping the hip curve, patients are placed on the back to perform the abdominal lifting. Depending on the sagging, other operations can be combined with lipectomy. 

Does Post Bariatric Belt Lipectomy Leave Scar?

Surgical scar after belt lipectomy is placed 8-10 under the belly button where the pubic hairline starts, and reaches the hip curve. Although the scar gets faded over time after post-bariatric belt lipectomy, it does not disappear completely and to get rid of the scar, scar revision is needed. 

What is Post Bariatric Belt lipectomy Recovery Like?

Belt lipectomy recovery duration is different for each patient however in about 6 weeks many patients are recovered enough to go back to their daily routine. Patients must be under supervision at the hospital following 3 days after the surgery. In a very short period patients can meet their own needs however they must use bandages on the area for 3 weeks and use a special corset for 6 weeks after the surgery to support the healing. With a protein-based diet, recovery may speed up.

What Should I Know About The Process After Post Bariatric Belt Lipectomy?

Process after the post-bariatric belt lipectomy is as follows.

  • A special corset must be used to cover and wrap the stitches, this corset grips the abdominal area and its pressure is adjustable. The purpose of the corset is to keep the abdomen motionless and prevent edema risks. 
  • Swelling and pain in the treated area are considered normal the following days after the surgery. If pain grows intense, prescribed painkillers can relieve the symptoms. 
  • Patients can start walking 8 hours after the surgery.
  • A urinary catheter should be used on the first day after the operation once the patient can stand up, it is removed. 
  • Drain tubes are removed after about 4 days. 
  • The position for the patient to lie down must be decided by the doctor to prevent any tension in the treatment area.
  • Patients are asked to move their legs frequently after the operation.
  • Following the first couple of hours after surgery, patients must not consume anything and should begin with liquids at first, and switching to solids must begin with soft and easy-to-digest foods. Also, patients should prefer a diet to consume less but more frequently.
  • Dissoluble stitches are used and they do not need to be removed. 
  • Patients can have a shower a week after the surgery.
  • Patients can return to their daily routine after 2 weeks. However, patients must know, that the reopened stitches or delayed healing are still considered as possible risks. 

Is Post Bariatric Belt Lipectomy Permanent?

In bariatric patients, the permanency of the belt lipectomy is different from other operations. Sagging may be experienced in 3-6 month periods for their skin has not lost elasticity completely. However, belt lipectomy results can be permanent by gaining weight as much as the tissue amount removed in the surgery. If patients have sagging problems on their breasts, the operation for the breast must be planned separately from the belt lipectomy. 

What are the advantages of Post-bariatric belt lipectomy?

The advantages of the belt lipectomy are as follows:

  • A younger, tighter look at the treatment areas.
  • Scars do not cause discomfort for they are hidden under the underwear line.
  • In one operation, many problematic areas with sagging skin can be treated. 

In Post-bariatric belt lipectomy, stitches are used to dissolve and do not need removal.


Discover the transformative benefits of post-bariatric belt lipectomy at Forbest Clinic. Our experienced surgeons specialize in body contouring procedures to address excess skin and contour the midsection after significant weight loss. With personalized treatment plans and advanced techniques, we aim to provide natural-looking results and enhance your body’s confidence.

Ready to say goodbye to excess skin and achieve a more contoured waistline after weight loss? Schedule a consultation at Forbest Clinic to explore the benefits of post-bariatric belt lipectomy. Reclaim your body confidence and embrace your new, transformed silhouette. Contact us now to start your journey toward a more sculpted midsection!

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