Body Contouring

About Body Contouring

Body contouring is a group of operations that change the shape of the body by removing excess fat, tightening loose skin or both. It includes liposuction, tummy tuck, and arm, thigh and body lifts.

The right operation depends on what is causing the concern: fat that does not respond to diet and exercise, loose skin after pregnancy or weight loss, or a separated abdominal muscle wall. Larger plans are often split into stages to keep each operation safe.

Who it may be suitable for

• Areas of stubborn fat or loose skin that have not changed with a stable weight
• Being at or near a weight you can maintain
• Realistic expectations about scars and recovery time
• Good general health, a stable weight and no smoking, or willingness to stop

These are general points only. Whether an operation is suitable for you is decided by the treating surgeon after an in-person examination, your medical history and any tests they request.

How it works

1. 01

   Remote review

   You share photos and your medical history. The surgeon gives a first opinion on whether the operation is suitable and what it could realistically achieve.

2. 02

   Consultation in Istanbul

   The surgeon examines you in person, confirms the plan, explains the risks and arranges pre-operative tests before you give consent.

3. 03

   Surgery

   The planned operation is carried out under general anaesthesia, often with an overnight hospital stay and a compression garment afterwards.

4. 04

   Check before you fly

   The surgeon reviews healing before you travel home, and you receive written aftercare instructions and remote follow-up.

What to expect and aftercare

1. First days

   You usually stay in hospital for at least one night. Pain is controlled with medication, you start walking early to protect against clots, and drains may be in place.

2. Weeks 1–2

   Drains and stitches are removed as healing allows. You wear a compression garment and avoid lifting and strenuous activity.

3. Weeks 4–6

   Most people return gradually to exercise with the surgeon’s approval. Swelling is still present and can vary from day to day.

4. Months 3–12

   Swelling settles and scars slowly fade and flatten. The final shape is usually judged after several months.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Risks and considerations

• Body contouring is not a weight-loss treatment. Significant weight change afterwards can alter the result.
• Combining several areas in one operation lengthens surgery and raises risks, so the surgeon may recommend staging.
• All surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, blood clots and reactions to anaesthesia.
• Scars are permanent. Surgeons place them where they are easiest to hide, but how they mature varies from person to person.
• Smoking and nicotine products significantly increase the risk of wound-healing problems. Most surgeons ask you to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
• Results take months to settle and cannot be guaranteed. Some people need a revision procedure.

Common questions