Excess Skin Removal Surgery: Types, Cost, and Procedure Breakdown

Excess skin removal surgery is a cosmetic procedure that removes hanging, loose skin and fat after significant weight loss, often following bariatric surgery.

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, excess skin removal, also known as body contouring, is typically recommended after major weight loss to improve comfort, hygiene, and body proportion.

Discover with Turkey Luxury Clinics the costs of excess skin removal, the procedure preparation, steps of recovery, risks, and benefits.

What Is Excess Skin Removal Surgery?

Excess skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure that permanently removes sagging or stretched skin along with any remaining fat deposits after major weight loss. The surgeon excises the excess skin and tightens the underlying tissues to restore the body’s natural shape and proportion.

This procedure not only enhances aesthetic appearance but also improves comfort, mobility, and self-confidence. Common types include tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), arm lift (brachioplasty), thigh lift, and body lift.

Excess Skin Removal After Bariatric Surgery

Excess or loose skin is a common issue after major weight loss following bariatric surgery. This doesn’t happen because the surgery directly causes extra skin, but rather because the rapid drop in body weight gives the skin little time to contract, leading to sagging and folds.

Excess skin removal after bariatric surgery often combines multiple body contouring procedures, such as tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), arm lift (brachioplasty), thigh lift, and breast lift, to remove sagging skin and restore smoother body contours.

It is important to achieve a stable weight before undergoing excess skin removal. After bariatric surgery, many people need around a year to reach their maximum weight loss and allow their body to stabilize. Once your weight is steady, you can safely consider procedures to remove loose skin and refine your body shape.

To avoid skin sagging during weight loss, try to lose weight gradually—around 1 kg per week—and follow your surgeon’s or nutritionist’s guidance for proper diet, hydration, and skin care.

Types of Skin Removal Surgery

Excess skin removal surgery can target one specific area or combine several procedures for full body contouring, especially after major weight loss or bariatric surgery.

Common targeted areas include the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts, buttocks, back, and the face and neck. Depending on each patient’s needs, these procedures can be performed individually—such as an arm lift or tummy tuck—or together to achieve balanced, natural-looking results.

1. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Removes loose skin and fat from the lower abdomen while tightening the abdominal muscles.

A panniculectomy is a related procedure that specifically removes the hanging “apron” of excess skin and fat below the belly button, without tightening the abdominal muscles, and is often performed for functional or medical reasons rather than purely cosmetic purposes.

2. Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Tightens sagging skin and removes excess fat from the upper arms for a more toned look.

3. Thigh Lift

Reshapes and tightens loose skin on the inner and outer thighs, improving tone and proportion.

4. Leg Lift

Removes loose, hanging skin from the lower legs, often combined with a thigh lift for overall firmness.

5. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Removes excess skin and repositions breast tissue to restore firmness and youthful contour.

6. Buttock Lift

Contours and lifts the buttocks by excising excess skin, similar to a tummy tuck but on the back.

7. Back Lift (Bra Line Lift)

Removes excess skin and fat from the upper back and flanks; incision is placed along the bra line for discretion.

8. Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Reduces sagging skin and wrinkles on the face and neck, restoring smoother contours.

9. Lower Body Lift

Combines procedures to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, buttocks, and outer thighs.

10. Full Body Lift (Body Contouring)

Comprehensive procedure covering the entire lower body, back, breasts, and even face and neck after major weight loss.

Excess Skin Removal Surgery Before and After

How Much Does Excess Skin Removal Surgery Cost?

The average cost of excess skin removal surgery ranges from $4,000 to $20,000 depending on the body area, procedure type, and country. In Turkey, prices start around $3,000 with all-inclusive packages. This price is affordable when compared to $9,000 in the UK and $10,000 in the US.

The average cost of excess skin removal surgery per single area, such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift, ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 in Turkey, $5,000 to $7,000 in the US, and $6,000 to $8,000 in the UK , depending on the body area, the surgeon’s expertise, and the clinic’s reputation. Costs may be higher in certain cities or for more complex cases.

Common excess skin removal surgery, especially after weight loss surgery, is the tummy tuck. The cost of a tummy tuck ranges between $4,000 and $9,000 in Turkey, $8,000 to $12,000 or more in the US , and $7,000 to $11,000 in the UK , depending on the technique used, the surgeon’s expertise, and the clinic’s reputation.

Excess Skin Removal Surgery Cost in Turkey 2025

The cost of excess skin removal surgery in Turkey is significantly more affordable due to lower medical and operational costs, government support for medical tourism, and the availability of all-inclusive packages offered by leading clinics.

In 2025, excess skin removal surgery packages in Turkey typically range from $3,000 for standard options to $8,300 or more for premium and full body contouring procedures.

Turkish clinics provide all-inclusive body contouring packages covering pre-operative assessments, general anesthesia, the surgery, hospital stay (1–2 nights), compression garments, medications, airport transfers, and follow-up visits, making the process smooth and cost-effective for international patients.

Despite the affordable pricing, patients receive world-class care from internationally certified plastic surgeons in modern, well-equipped clinics that meet global standards.

Cost Comparison of Excess Skin Removal Surgery in Different Countries

Costs in the U.S. are generally higher due to surgeon expertise, advanced technology, and higher living cost and operating costs. In most cases, excess skin removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance, unless it’s proven to cause medical issues such as infections or mobility problems—then partial coverage may apply. However, free excess skin removal surgery through insurance is very difficult to obtain, as most providers classify it as an elective, non-medically necessary procedure.

Prices also vary between cities depending on the clinic’s reputation and location as following:

Related topics: Skin Tightening Cost & How Much is Body Sculpting? Costs, Packages & Options

Benefits of Excess Skin Removal Surgery

1. Improved Appearance: The best treatment to get rid of sagging or loose skin after weight loss, offering a smoother, more toned body contour.
2. Enhanced Comfort: Reduces skin folds that may cause irritation, chafing, or discomfort.
3. Better Hygiene: Eliminates areas where sweat and bacteria can accumulate, lowering the risk of infections or rashes.
4. Increased Mobility: Makes physical activity easier and more comfortable by removing restrictive skin.
5. Boosted Confidence: Helps patients feel more confident in their body and clothing choices.
6. Long-Lasting Results: Provides a permanent solution to excess skin when combined with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Excess skin removal surgery?

You’re likely a good candidate if:

1. Your weight has been stable for at least 6 to 12 months after major weight loss.
2. You’re in good overall health and don’t have conditions that could slow healing.
3. You don’t smoke or use nicotine, as it affects recovery.
4. You’re ready to maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and exercise.
5. You have realistic expectations about what the surgery can achieve.
6. You’ve finished having children (especially if you’re considering a tummy tuck).

Who is Not Appropriate for Excess Skin Removal Surgery?

1. People who are still losing weight or recently reached your goal.
2. Who have uncontrolled health issues that increase surgical risks.
3. Who smoke or use nicotine and aren’t ready to quit before surgery.
4. Who expects unreliable results or can not follow recovery instructions.

How to Prepare for Excess Skin Removal Surgery?

1. Maintain a stable and healthy weight before surgery.
2. Complete a full medical evaluation and required blood tests.
3. Follow your surgeon’s pre-surgery instructions carefully.
4. Stop smoking several weeks before the procedure.
5. Avoid medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk.
6. Arrange for someone to help you during the first few recovery days.
7. Prepare your home in advance for a comfortable and safe recovery.

Excess Skin Removal Surgery Steps

1. Marking the Treatment Areas: The surgeon carefully outlines the regions to be sculpted for precise contouring.
2. Anesthesia Administration: General or local anesthesia with sedation is given to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.
3. Fat Removal and Skin Excision: Excess fat is removed via liposuction, and sagging or excess skin is surgically excised if needed.
4. Tissue Tightening: The underlying tissues are tightened to improve firmness and definition.
5. Reshaping and Closure: The treated area is reshaped, and incisions are closed strategically to minimize visible scarring.
6. Compression Garment: A compression garment is applied to support healing, reduce swelling, and help maintain the new contour.

Excess Skin Removal Surgery Recovery

Recovery after excess skin removal surgery varies depending on the procedure but generally takes a few weeks. Patients are usually advised to wear compression garments for several weeks to minimize swelling, support tissues, and help the skin adapt to its new contours.

Most people need 2–6 weeks of downtime before resuming light activities, while full recovery and a return to exercise typically occur within 6–8 weeks. During this period, it’s normal to experience pain, swelling, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications and proper wound care.

Excess skin removal surgery will always result in permanent scars from the necessary incisions, but skilled surgeons strategically place them in less noticeable areas

Is Excess Skin Removal Surgery Dangerous?

Excess skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring surgery, is generally safe. However, like all surgical procedures, it carries risks related to anesthesia, incisions, and suturing. The surgery should always be performed by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, especially for complex cases or when advanced techniques are used.

Possible Risks and Complications Include:

1. Infection at the incision site
2. Bleeding or hematoma
3. Scarring, which may be permanent but usually fades over time
4. Delayed wound healing
5. Fluid accumulation (seroma)
6. Numbness or changes in skin sensation
7. Asymmetry or uneven contours
8. Rare complications from anesthesia

Excess Skin Removal Without Surgery

While non-surgical skin tightening treatments, such as laser therapy and radiofrequency (RF), do not actually remove or excise excess skin, they work by stimulating collagen production and gradually tightening the skin over time. These treatments are safer, less invasive, and more affordable compared to surgical options.

However, their effectiveness is generally limited to mild to moderate skin laxity. For severe sagging or large folds of excess skin, surgery remains the more effective solution. Results from non-surgical methods appear gradually over several weeks and require regular maintenance sessions to preserve skin firmness for the long term.

Contour Your Body with Confidence in Turkey

Remove excess skin permanently and achieve your ideal body shape with the expertise of Turkey Luxury Clinics’ certified surgeons. Take the step today toward a healthier, more confident you.

FAQs About Excess Skin Removal Surgery