Best Body Contouring Surgeons in Turkey

What is body contouring?

Body contouring covers surgical procedures that correct the shape of the abdomen, hips, buttocks, legs or arms by removing fat, transferring fat or tightening skin. These operations are not a weight loss method. They target fat that remains in specific areas despite diet and exercise, or skin that has become loose after pregnancy, ageing or major weight loss.

The most common procedures are liposuction and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Fat transfer or implants can be used in the buttocks, while liposuction or a thigh lift can be used in the legs. Several areas can be treated in one session, but risks rise as the operating time gets longer.

How is body contouring performed?

Body contouring is performed with techniques chosen for each area. In liposuction, thin tubes called cannulas are inserted through small incisions and fat under the skin is removed with suction. Before this, a fluid containing medicines that reduce bleeding is injected into the area. Some centres use vibration, ultrasound or laser-assisted devices. In a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat below the navel are removed. Abdominal muscles that separated after pregnancy (diastasis recti) are stitched back together.

1. The examination assesses skin elasticity, fat distribution and general health.
2. Blood tests are done and the risk of blood clots is assessed.
3. The operation is usually done under general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia may be enough for small areas.
4. Fat removal, skin tightening or fat transfer is carried out in the planned order.
5. Drains may be placed and a compression garment is put on.

Operating time ranges from around an hour for single-area liposuction to several hours for combined procedures.

Who is a good candidate for body contouring, and who is not?

Body contouring is considered for adults who are close to their ideal weight, have had a stable weight for some time and are in good general health. Good skin elasticity matters for liposuction, because the procedure does not tighten loose skin. The surgeon decides on suitability after an examination. These situations need extra assessment:

• Significant excess weight or rapid weight changes
• Plans for pregnancy in the near future, especially before a tummy tuck
• Smoking
• A history of blood clots or a clotting disorder
• Uncontrolled diabetes, heart or lung disease
• Old surgical scars in the area

Cellulite does not change noticeably with these operations.

How long does recovery take after body contouring?

Recovery ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on the extent of the procedure. After limited liposuction, people usually return to desk work within a few days to a week. After larger operations such as a tummy tuck, this usually takes a few weeks. The compression garment is generally worn for several weeks.

Walking early after surgery is encouraged to lower the risk of blood clots. It takes a few months for swelling to settle and for the final shape to show.

Are body contouring results permanent?

Fat cells removed with liposuction do not come back. If you gain weight, the remaining fat cells can grow and fat can build up in other areas. After a tummy tuck, pregnancy or a large weight change can alter the result.

What are the risks of body contouring?

The main risks are blood clots, fluid collection, wound problems and an uneven contour. Risks increase with the extent of the operation.

• Blood clots in the leg veins and pulmonary embolism
• Fluid collection under the skin (seroma)
• Bleeding and infection
• Rippling, dents or asymmetry
• Numbness that lasts a long time
• Wound separation or poor blood flow to the navel after a tummy tuck
• Visible or thickened scars
• Rare but serious risks such as fat embolism or injury to internal organs from the cannula

Injecting fat into or below the buttock muscle has been linked to fat embolism, which can be fatal. For this reason, international professional societies recommend placing fat only in the layer under the skin. If you develop shortness of breath, chest pain or swelling in one leg after surgery, seek emergency care.

How do body contouring procedures differ from each other?

Body contouring procedures differ in the area they treat and whether the problem is excess fat or excess skin. A mommy makeover combines post-pregnancy changes to the abdomen and breasts into one plan, usually once breastfeeding has ended. In the buttocks, fat taken from the abdomen or flanks is most often transferred, and part of it is reabsorbed. "Barbie leg" is not a medical term but a popular name for reshaping the inner thigh, knee and calf line.

What affects the cost of body contouring?

The cost depends mainly on the number of areas treated and the technique used. Price ranges are shown in a separate section of this page. The main factors are:

• The number of areas and the amount of fat to be removed
• Whether skin removal is needed
• Use of device-assisted liposuction
• Whether implants or fat transfer are planned
• Operating time and length of hospital stay
• Compression garments and anti-clot stockings
• The city where the facility is located

The exact fee is set after an examination and a written treatment plan.

How do you choose a surgeon for body contouring?

Look for a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. These operations require general anaesthesia, careful fluid balance and clot prevention, so they should take place in a fully equipped healthcare facility. You can ask these questions at the consultation:

• What is the surgeon's specialty certification and body contouring experience?
• How will the amount of fat removed in one session be limited?
• What measures will be taken against blood clots?
• For fat transfer, which layer will the fat be placed in?
• Does the facility have intensive care or emergency support?
• What is the schedule of follow-up visits?

You can compare surgeons who perform body contouring on DoktorNo by city.