Loose skin surgery after weight loss

A tummy tuck is also known as an abdominoplasty. The aim is to improve the contour of your abdomen and waist. The tummy tuck is one of the top five most requested procedures at Wellness Kliniek. Depending on the extent of your skin laxity and its exact location, the surgeon at Wellness Kliniek will choose a specific technique that will give the best result in your situation.

• Mini tummy tuck: With a mini tummy tuck, only the area below your navel is treated. This results in a smaller scar and is more commonly chosen by people who have lost a little weight and are bothered by loose skin below the navel, for example as a result of Ozempic or following pregnancy.
• Full tummy tuck: A classic tummy tuck in which excess skin and fat above and below your navel are removed. The navel is often repositioned higher up. The scar runs from hip to hip and around the navel. This tummy tuck is suitable if you have loose skin across the entire abdomen, with weak abdominal muscles that are tightened during the procedure.
• Reverse tummy tuck: This procedure focuses specifically on the skin above the navel, which is lifted and sutured using an incision in the breast fold. This is a popular option for the Ozempic makeover, as loose skin following weight loss often accumulates above the navel and causes permanent skin folds. The result is a smoother abdomen with a scar below or within the breast fold.
• Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck: This tummy tuck focuses on the abdomen, the abdominal muscles and the sides of the abdomen. The procedure is ideal if you have also lost a significant amount of fat across your waist and are troubled by sagging flanks. The result is a more even silhouette, both at the front and on the sides of the abdomen.

Read more about abdominoplasty

Sagging breasts following weight loss or bariatric surgery are a common occurrence. This is because breasts contain a lot of fat. After losing weight, it is inevitable that your breasts will also shrink somewhat (decrease in volume). A breast lift following weight loss, possibly combined with breast augmentation using implants, is a popular (top 3) treatment at Wellness Kliniek. Breast lifts and augmentation using your own fat, as well as breast reduction, are all options available as part of an Ozempic makeover. The aim of a breast lift is to restore firmer, fuller breasts. A breast lift removes excess skin, reposition the areola higher up and reshape the remaining breast tissue. Sometimes there is insufficient volume left; in such cases, the surgeon combines the lift with implants or lipofilling (using the patient’s own fat).

Read more about breast lifts

A thigh lift (upper thigh skin lift), also known as thighplasty, involves removing excess skin and, where necessary, excess fat from the upper thighs, with the aim of making your legs look firmer and better shaped. After weight loss, often achieved with Ozempic, Mounjaro or other GLP-1 medication, the skin on the upper thighs often becomes saggy. Regular exercise or massage can help tighten the skin somewhat, but it often does not fully regain its elasticity, particularly if your upper legs and thighs were wider for a prolonged period. In consultation with the surgeon at Wellness Kliniek, you can also decide whether a separate buttock lift is desirable.

TIP: If you wish to have both a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and a thigh lift (thighplasty), it is sometimes possible to carry out both procedures in a single operation, depending on the extent of the surgery and the duration of anaesthesia required. The surgeon will assess this personally based on your situation and choose the most efficient and safest approach.

Read more about thigh lifts

When losing weight, particularly after taking Ozempic, Mounjaro or other GLP-1 medication, you often notice that the skin under the upper arms sags considerably. After significant weight loss, the arms become slimmer due to fat loss, but sagging skin often develops (particularly on the upper arms) because the skin does not shrink back completely. ‘It gets in the way’ is a common complaint when someone has lost a lot of weight and is bothered by loose skin on their arms or above the elbow. An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, corrects sagging skin on the upper arms (and, optionally, the forearms). This helps you get rid of loose, sagging skin between the armpit and the elbow. Your arms will look firmer and less wrinkled. Body contouring (tightening the contours) is a popular treatment at Wellness Kliniek.

Read more about arm lifts

Liposuction following a tummy tuck, arm lift or breast lift can remove residual fat and further refine the contours for a firmer and smoother end result. After losing weight with Mounjaro, Ozempic or another weight-loss medication, you have actually lost fat, so liposuction (the removal of fat) may not sound like the most logical choice. However, in practice, you’ll find that a small amount of liposuction is sometimes used in combination with another lifting technique, such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift. Why is this? To create a smoother transition between the treated and untreated areas. The surgeon can sometimes use liposuction to refine the body’s contours even further, for an even more attractive end result. During your consultation, the surgeon will be happy to give you personalised advice on what this could mean for you.

Read more about liposuction

Following significant weight loss, the skin on the face and neck often becomes extremely loose and lacks volume. A facelift and neck lift in such cases require advanced techniques, such as a deep SMAS or deep-plane lift, fat grafting and precise contour correction. This is the only way to achieve a natural and smooth result without overcorrection or irregularities.

This treatment is also known as the Ozempic facial correction or Ozempic facelift. By combining a facelift, neck lift and correction of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids and bags under the eyes, a specialist plastic surgeon specifically addresses the typical characteristics of the Ozempic face.

At Wellness Kliniek, an Ozempic facelift is first analysed in full. The plastic surgeon plans each step carefully. Sometimes the procedure is carried out in a single operation; sometimes two sessions are required. The aim is always a natural-looking result that makes you look years younger.

Read more about facelifts, neck lifts and eyelid correction

A total body lift is a comprehensive cosmetic procedure performed following significant weight loss. It involves removing excess skin from all over your body and reshaping the contours to achieve a firmer and more proportionate result. The treatment usually combines:

• a lower body lift (abdomen, flanks, buttocks and upper thighs)
• an upper body lift (breasts, upper back and underarm area)

At Wellness Kliniek, a full-body lift is not a standard, one-size-fits-all procedure, but a combination of procedures tailored precisely to your body. This might include a tummy tuck combined with a thigh lift, arm lift or liposuction to ensure smooth transitions between body areas.
During a personal consultation, the specialist surgeon will assess your body as a whole. Together, you will draw up a safe and feasible treatment plan, tailored to your wishes, recovery period and daily commitments. Where possible, procedures are combined; otherwise, the doctor will schedule them in several stages.

At Wellness Kliniek, bariatric and plastic surgeons work closely together under one roof. Thanks to this unique combination, they understand better than anyone how your body changes following significant weight loss. They have years of experience in cosmetic surgery following weight loss, post-bariatric body contouring, total body lifts, tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts and breast lifts. Every treatment is fully tailored to your body, using advanced techniques and with a focus on natural, balanced contours. Thanks to their high level of specialisation, ISO 9001 certification and over 30 years’ experience, you can count on safe, well-considered care and a result that suits your new silhouette.

International patients often choose Wellness Kliniek because of its combination of over 30 years’ experience, ISO 9001 certification and a team of highly specialised plastic and bariatric surgeons who perform major procedures such as full-body lifts, facelifts and post-bariatric corrections safely and on a large scale. As a result, Wellness Kliniek offers attractive prices compared to many other European countries, whilst the quality and aftercare are of the highest European standard. Furthermore, the team’s international focus and extensive experience with international patients ensure a seamless, multilingual care experience, from consultation through to full recovery.

Due to the growing popularity of weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda, Rybelsus, Trulicity and Victoza, we are seeing more and more people from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany and far beyond opting for the so-called ‘Ozempic makeover’ to further optimise their results after weight loss by removing excess skin. Patients from every continent choose Wellness Kliniek because the clinic has built up a strong international reputation over the past 30 years.

Affordable quality in Europe: Prices in Belgium are often lower than in the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom or the United States. The value for money in plastic surgery is very good in Europe, and Belgium is renowned as an excellent destination for cosmetic procedures. Wellness Kliniek has over 30 years’ experience, is ISO 9001-certified (the highest international quality standard) and has performed thousands of operations with excellent results and high patient satisfaction. Thanks to our good reputation, the large number of patients and our competitive all-inclusive prices, we welcome many international patients every year, both from neighbouring countries and from much further afield.

If you’ve lost weight whilst taking Ozempic, you probably already know which areas you’d like to have addressed. Based on this, you can ask for tailored advice during a personal consultation. But even if you’re not sure and would like advice from a specialist doctor, Wellness Kliniek is here to help. The doctor will always assess on a case-by-case basis which options are likely to deliver the best results for your body, whether you’ve lost a significant amount of weight with Ozempic, other weight-loss medication, or for another reason, such as gastric bypass surgery. During the personal consultation, you’ll draw up a treatment plan tailored to your wishes. This might include, for example, a breast lift, breast firming, a tummy tuck, an arm or thigh lift, a (partial) facelift and/or liposuction.

Surgery to remove excess skin following significant weight loss can greatly improve your figure and self-confidence, but it also carries clear disadvantages and risks. You should be aware that there will be relatively long scars, a recovery period lasting from weeks to months, and the possibility that the treatment may be carried out in several stages.

Furthermore, the risk of complications is higher than with many other plastic surgery procedures. Common problems include delayed wound healing, fluid build-up (seroma), infections, post-operative bleeding and loss of sensation in the skin. Asymmetrical results or thicker scars can also occur. Smoking, a BMI over 30, nutritional deficiencies or unstable weight further increase these risks.

Proper preparation – maintaining a stable weight, following an optimal diet and giving up smoking – significantly reduces the likelihood of complications, but you must still be prepared to accept any potential issues with wound healing before undergoing surgery.

You should therefore always discuss openly with your surgeon what to expect, so that you can begin treatment with a realistic and well-informed understanding.

The abdomen is a well-known problem area following the use of Ozempic, as loose skin often remains after weight loss. The approach at Wellness Kliniek is highly regarded by people who have lost a significant amount of weight and are looking for a specialist team with experience in cosmetic procedures following weight loss, to tighten the skin. You’ll receive personalised advice, with personalised support in Dutch, French, English or German. Are you travelling from further afield? You can opt for our Next Day Surgery Service, where your consultation and procedure take place within 48 hours.

1. No-obligation consultation: This takes place with the surgeon who will perform your operation. You also have the option of having an initial consultation from home to gather some initial information (e-consultation).
2. Operation: Performed under general anaesthetic, it takes approximately 1 to 4 hours, depending on the exact procedure (you will receive personalised advice).
3. Recovery: Sometimes involving an overnight stay at the clinic, followed generally by a rest period of 2 to 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, you can resume light daily activities. After 6 weeks, you can usually start exercising again. At Wellness Kliniek, you will be given a special compression bandage to wear day and night for 6 weeks, to ensure a smooth and attractive result. The specific recovery period may depend on the procedure; you will receive personalised advice on this.
4. Result: A firmer and flatter tummy that better complements your new, slimmer silhouette.

A standard tummy tuck focuses primarily on the lower abdomen: excess skin and fat below the navel are removed and the abdominal muscles are often tightened.

A reverse tummy tuck, on the other hand, targets the upper abdomen (above the navel, the stomach and rib area): by lifting the skin upwards towards the breast fold. The scar is discreetly positioned beneath the breasts. After significant weight loss (gastric bypass surgery, Ozempic/Mounjaro), many people are left with loose skin in both areas. That is why our surgeons often combine a reversed (upper) tummy tuck with a classic or mini (lower) tummy tuck to achieve a uniform, firm abdomen without a transition crease. The best approach depends on your body and will be determined during the consultation.

Recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks on average. During the first 1 to 2 weeks, you will feel tired, experience some pain (which can be well managed with medication) and discomfort, and you will wear a compression girdle or abdominal bandage. Walking is important to prevent thrombosis, but heavy lifting and exercise are prohibited during the first few weeks. After 2 to 4 weeks, you can usually resume light activities, and return to sport after 6 weeks. Scars fade after 6 to 18 months. Swelling may persist for several months. With a combined reversed and classic tummy tuck, recovery is slightly more intensive, but the end result is often spectacularly beautiful!

Yes. Problems with wound healing are more common following post-bariatric or body contouring surgery (such as the Ozempic makeover) for various reasons:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Following significant weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery, many people have deficiencies in protein, vitamins (such as A, C and E), zinc and iron. These nutrients are essential for proper wound healing.
• Poorer skin quality: The skin has been stretched for years and therefore has reduced elasticity and firmness.
• Weight that is still (too) high: A BMI above 30 at the time of surgery increases the risk of healing problems.
• Large surgical areas: Body contouring often involves the removal of a large amount of tissue, which puts more strain on the wounds and leads to faster fluid build-up.
• Reduced blood flow: Due to previous obesity and significant weight loss, microcirculation in the skin is sometimes less than optimal.

That is why thorough preparation (stable weight, optimal nutritional status and giving up smoking) is so important in reducing these risks.

The results of plastic and post-bariatric surgery are long-lasting, but not 100% permanent. If you maintain a stable weight, your flat tummy will usually stay that way for years. Another pregnancy, weight gain, weight fluctuations or ageing can cause the skin on your tummy to stretch again. The removed skin will not grow back, but the remaining skin may become looser again due to a yo-yo effect. That is why the surgeons at Wellness Kliniek recommend maintaining your target weight by adhering to a healthy lifestyle and/or continuing to use a combination of medicines such as Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide) or other medicines such as Qsymia, Contrave and Orlistat.

At Wellness Kliniek, the costs of a tummy tuck are transparent and published in full online. The costs for a reverse tummy tuck (upper tummy tuck) or a standard tummy tuck can be found on the price list. The price of a tummy tuck following weight loss depends on exactly how the procedure is carried out (reverse, classic, mini or Fleur-de-Lis).

Medical indication: Cosmetic plastic surgery is not reimbursed by the health insurance fund or health insurance. However, if there is a medical indication (MI) (e.g. skin infections, mobility problems or severe scarring following gastric surgery), you may be eligible for a VAT exemption, which saves you as much as 21 per cent. Medical Indication must be demonstrated. Ask the surgeon during your consultation whether you are eligible for this.

In patients who suffer from loose skin following weight loss, the focus of the makeover is often on the abdominal area. This is where the most noticeable differences in sagging skin are usually seen. In addition, the Ozempic makeover is regularly combined with treatment of other areas, such as the buttocks, thighs and upper arms. Loose skin on the arms or legs is particularly noticeable on warm days when you’re wearing lighter clothing. This can often be resolved with a specific procedure in that area. The procedure can sometimes be combined with the Ozempic tummy tuck during a single treatment, provided the doctor considers this safe. Sometimes it is better for your recovery to have the procedures combined; at other times, it is better to have them carried out separately. You will receive personalised advice on this from your consulting doctor.

Breasts consist largely of fatty tissue. It is therefore not surprising that breasts may appear sunken after taking Ozempic. The exact effect varies from person to person, but possible physical changes include sagging, loose and drooping breasts; misshapen breasts where one appears larger than the other; smaller breasts due to fat loss; or a combination of several factors. That is why, following an Ozempic makeover, many women choose to have their breasts lifted with a breast lift. This tightens the breasts and restores them to their proper position. Often, your breasts will have become smaller as a result of weight loss, which means that a lift or augmentation with implants may also be desirable. A breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation using implants or your own fat. Sometimes the procedure can be carried out in a single session, whilst at other times a two-stage operation is preferable to achieve the best possible end result.

Wellness Kliniek specialises in cosmetic breast surgery; a breast lift restores the shape, firmness and position of the breasts, quickly restoring women’s self-confidence and giving them a more feminine silhouette. That is why the breast lift (with or without breast implants) at Wellness Kliniek is one of the most commonly performed procedures following significant weight loss.

Ozempic face is a non-medical term for the loss of volume and sagging skin in the face that can occur following rapid or significant weight loss, for example due to Ozempic, Mounjaro or other GLP-1 medication. Characteristics include sunken cheeks, sagging skin, deeper wrinkles and a tired or aged appearance. It is essentially caused by fat loss in the face, not by the medication itself. However, because Ozempic causes you to lose weight relatively quickly, the ‘Ozempic face’ may become noticeable sooner. Furthermore, rapid weight loss with Ozempic gives the skin less time to gradually stretch back into place. With a facelift, eyelid correction and/or other facial lifting techniques, you can regain that younger, tighter and fitter appearance in your face.

After losing weight with Ozempic, you have actually lost fat, so liposuction might not seem the obvious choice straight away. However, a limited liposuction procedure can be carried out to remove any remaining pockets of fat and further refine your body contours. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck or other skin-tightening procedures to achieve a smoother and more harmonious result.

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The medicine mimics the natural hormone GLP-1, making you feel fuller for longer, reducing your appetite and slowing down the rate at which your stomach empties. As a result, you consume fewer calories and can lose weight. Ozempic was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but is also used for weight loss.

Ozempic is considered safe when used under a doctor’s supervision and in accordance with the instructions. As with any medicine, Ozempic may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, particularly in the first few weeks after you start taking it. Ozempic is not suitable for everyone. You should therefore always discuss with your doctor whether it is appropriate for your health and medical history. Would you prefer to lose weight with Mounjaro? The same guidelines and potential side effects apply to this medication.

Ozempic and Mounjaro are both medicines that can help with weight loss and the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but they work in slightly different ways. Ozempic contains semaglutide and mimics the GLP-1 hormone. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and acts on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Which medicine is most suitable depends on your health, your goals and the advice of your doctor.

The best time for an Ozempic makeover is when your weight has stabilised. Surgeons usually recommend maintaining a stable weight for at least 6 to 12 months before having excess skin removed (following bariatric surgery, the advice is to wait 12 to 18 months). This maximises the chances of a long-lasting and attractive result. You will receive personalised advice during a one-to-one consultation.

You do not necessarily need to taper off Ozempic after the procedure, but you can if you wish. The following often applies:

• Before the operation, the use of GLP-1 medication such as Ozempic or Mounjaro often needs to be temporarily stopped due to delayed gastric emptying. Follow the advice of your surgeon and anaesthetist. It also depends on the type of procedure you are having.
• After the operation, you can usually resume taking the medication, provided your doctor considers it safe to do so. It’s a good idea to discuss this with them.
• Taper off Ozempic or Mounjaro if you can maintain your weight without the medication. In principle, this is separate from the Ozempic makeover itself (you can always taper off once you’ve reached your target weight and can maintain it on your own).