Weight loss surgeries like gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and bariatric surgery help thousands of people achieve better health and a new lifestyle. But they often come with physical changes that many don’t expect, especially scars and loose skin.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common physical changes after weight loss surgeries, discuss how to manage them, and answer common concerns about scarring, skin removal surgery, and more.
What Are the Physical Changes After Weight Loss Surgery?
Once the weight starts to drop, your body may change in several ways. These changes are natural, but it’s good to know what to expect.
1. Loose Skin After Weight Loss
One of the most common concerns is loose skin after weight loss. The skin may not shrink back, especially if you’ve lost a large amount of weight quickly. This results in excess skin, often seen around the stomach, arms, thighs, and face.
2. Stretch Marks and Sagging
Stretch marks after weight loss may become more visible as fat reduces beneath the skin. In some cases, sagging skin after weight loss can also affect your confidence and comfort.
3. Scars After Weight Loss Surgery
All surgeries leave some scars. Weight loss surgery scars are usually small and fade over time, especially if the surgery is done laparoscopically. But for some patients, bariatric surgery scars or scars from skin removal can be noticeable.
What Are The Types of Scars and Treatments?
1. Post-Surgery Scars
Post-surgery scars are the natural result of your skin closing up after surgery. The size, shape, and color of scars depend on:
The type of surgery (e.g., gastric sleeve, panniculectomy, tummy tuck)
Whether the procedure was laparoscopic (smaller incisions)
Your skin’s ability to heal
Types of Scars:
Flat or Faint Scars
These usually fade within 6–12 months.
Hypertrophic Scars
These are thick, raised scars that stay within the original wound boundary and may look red or pink.
Keloid Scars
These grow beyond the incision site, are often hard, raised, and darker, and may cause discomfort or itching.
Tip: If you are prone to keloids or hypertrophic scarring, let your surgeon know in advance. They may use special closure techniques to reduce risks.
2. Scar Revision Surgery and Treatments
If your scars are large, raised, discolored, or emotionally distressing, scar revision options are available to improve their appearance.
Common Treatments for Scar Reduction:
- Scar Revision Surgery
This involves removing the old scar and re-closing the skin with precise stitches to minimize visibility. It’s useful for large or poorly healed scars. - Laser Therapy
Laser treatment for scars can reduce redness, flatten raised scars, and smooth the skin. Often used for hypertrophic and keloid scars. - Chemical Peels
Helps with surface-level scars, especially if there’s discoloration or uneven texture. It encourages new skin regeneration. - Microneedling
Small needles stimulate collagen to soften and reduce scar appearance, especially for fine or slightly raised scars. - Steroid Injections
Useful for keloid scars, helping to shrink them over time and reduce itchiness or pain. - Silicone Gels and Sheets
These are applied directly to the scar to hydrate the area and prevent excessive collagen buildup. Great for post-surgical scar management. - Cryotherapy
Freezing technology used mainly for keloid treatment, especially if other methods have failed.
3. Post-Surgery Scar Care Tips
Taking care of your skin after surgery is essential for scar healing. Here’s what experts recommend:
1. Daily Care
Clean the incision area gently with mild soap and water.
Keep it dry and avoid friction or rubbing.
Apply medical-grade moisturizers or scar creams (e.g., those containing Vitamin E, onion extract, or silicone).
2. Sun Protection
Always apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) on healing scars when exposed to sunlight.
UV exposure can darken scars and make them permanent.
3. Use Supportive Products
Silicone sheets or scar patches: These help flatten and lighten scars when used regularly for 2–3 months.
Compression garments: Often recommended after body contouring surgeries like arm lifts or tummy tucks to support the skin and reduce swelling.
4. Nutrition & Healing
Eat foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and collagen-boosting nutrients.
Stay hydrated to improve skin elasticity.
How To Deal with Excess Skin and Body Contouring?
After significant weight loss, excess skin removal surgery may be needed to improve comfort and appearance.
Common Body Contouring After Weight Loss Procedures:
| Procedure | Purpose | Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Panniculectomy | Removes overhanging skin from abdomen | €3,500 – €5,500 |
| Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | Flattens and tightens the midsection | €4,000 – €6,000 |
| Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) | Removes loose skin from upper arms | €3,000 – €4,000 |
| Thigh Lift | Firms sagging skin in the thighs | €3,000 – €4,500 |
| Body Lift | Complete body reshaping | €6,000 – €9,000 |
These procedures help address sagging skin after weight loss and improve physical comfort.
Emotional and Mental Impact
Apart from physical changes, people may experience emotional shifts after weight loss surgery. You might feel proud of your success but also anxious about stretch marks, scars, or how your body now looks.
Body image issues are common, and support from a surgeon, psychologist, or support group can help.
Where to Get Help?
At Cayra Clinic, we understand how life-changing weight loss can be—and how important it is to feel confident in your body. Our female plastic surgeons in Istanbul and Antalya specialize in scar treatment, excess skin removal, and post-bariatric body contouring.
We provide:
Modern surgical techniques
Affordable treatment packages
Personalized aftercare
Consultation with certified specialists
To learn more, explore our treatments for arm lift, tummy tuck, and gastric bypass treatment at Cayra Clinic.
At Cayra Clinic, we support you through every step of your weight loss and recovery journey. With advanced cosmetic treatments in Istanbul and Antalya, our clinic offers professional care in excess skin removal, scar revision, and body contouring after weight loss. Also, learn about Cayra Clinic’s excellence on our About Us page. Your expert surgeon at Cayra Clinic in Turkey will be with you every step of the way during your treatment in Turkey, from your first consultation appointment to your final follow-up. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a more confident you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have visible scars after weight loss surgery?
Yes, but they are usually small and fade over time, especially with proper care.
How long does it take for scars to heal?
Scars may take 6–12 months to fully heal and fade.
Can I prevent loose skin after weight loss?
Gradual weight loss, staying hydrated, and strength training can help, but large weight loss often results in some loose skin.
What is a panniculectomy?
It’s a surgery to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen after major weight loss.
Is body contouring surgery painful?
Mild discomfort is expected, but pain is manageable with medication.
Are there non-surgical options to tighten skin?
Radiofrequency, ultrasound, and skin creams offer mild results but are not as effective as surgery
Will insurance cover skin removal surgery?
It depends on the country and provider. In many cases, it is considered cosmetic unless medically necessary.
What are the risks of scar revision surgery?
Like all surgeries, there are risks of infection, poor healing, or recurrence of scars.
Can I combine different body contouring procedures?
Yes, many patients combine a tummy tuck, arm lift, and thigh lift in one session.
How can I book a consultation at Cayra Clinic?
Visit Cayra Clinic’s website to schedule an online or in-person consultation.