Bikini Sleeve Surgery For Weight Loss

17th October 2022

Are you concerned about that stubborn fat around the bikini line? Probably you are searching for ways to achieve considerable weight loss in a short time. Have you heard about bikini sleeve?

What is Bikini Sleeve?

A bikini sleeve is a bariatric surgery performed with a single incision through the bikini area. The procedure follows general anesthesia led by a team of experienced surgeons. Ideally, the surgeons remove a percentage of the stomach, leaving a “sleeve” shaped stomach line.

After the procedure, the stomach can hold only a tiny amount of food. Besides, the bikini sleeve procedure affects the intestinal hormones responsible for hunger and blood sugar control. Eventually, the patient experiences minimal food intake, resulting in weight loss.

Unlike conventional bariatric surgery, a bikini sleeve does not leave scars. Besides, it is a safe and efficient procedure. Although the stomach has a reduced capacity, it continues functioning normally and tolerates most foodstuffs, but in small amounts.

Bikini sleeve vs. Gastric Sleeve

The main difference between the bikini sleeve and the gastric sleeve lies in the approach. Ideally, a bikini sleeve involves tiny incisions around the bikini area (lower abdomen). There aren’t noticeable scars after the procedure and the healing time is faster. It is important to note that sleeve gastrectomy is irreversible.

On the other hand, surgeons perform the gastric sleeve procedure around the upper abdomen. Besides, the operation could involve multiple small incisions around the core.

While gastric sleeve and bikini sleeve focuses on weight loss through limiting food intake, the results differ. A patient who undergoes the bikini sleeve does not have the scars, and people hardly notice they underwent the procedure.

Here are some reasons patients may prefer a Bikini sleeve over a gastric bypass.

Bikini line gastric sleeve reduces stomach capacity, resulting in significant weight loss within a short period.
In contrast to other procedures, a bikini line sleeve leaves an intact gastrointestinal tract.
The Bikini sleeve leaves minimal scarring compared to a conventional gastric sleeve.
Fewer scars mean less downtime and faster recovery compared to other procedures.

How Is Bikini Sleeve Performed?

If you are preparing for a gastric bikini sleeve, it helps to understand how the surgeons perform the procedure.

A team of experienced surgeons performs the procedure laparoscopically under general anesthesia. The lead surgeon makes small incisions around the bikini line in your abdomen. The surgeon inserts a small viewing tube into the tiny incisions to get rid of the stomach.

The procedure can get rid of 80 percent of your stomach, leaving a narrow “sleeve” about the size of a banana. The surgeon will then seal the tube-shaped gut and close it using staples.

After the procedure, a nurse will lead you to the recovery area. Ideally, the recovery time differs from one patient to another. However, an experienced doctor will monitor your recovery process, and a professional pharmacist will provide appropriate pain relief medication.

Overall, the procedure aims at delivering the best results by leaving invisible marks. That is why surgeons focus on the bikini area rather than the upper belly.

Bikini Sleeve Surgery Cost

Bikini sleeve surgery cost differs depending on various factors. For instance, the size of the abdomen and other complexities due to underlying conditions affect the overall bikini sleeve surgery cost. The average cost for bikini sleeve surgery in Turkey ranges from €3500- €4500

Besides, remember that medical facilities may not have a standard cost structure, hence the difference in pricing.

Remember to compare gastric sleeve clinics before making a booking.

Dr. Darren stands out in the field of aesthetic surgery, offering not only affordable rates but also a track record of successful surgeries. His clinic is renowned for its commitment to patient care and transparency in pricing, ensuring that patients are well-informed about the costs involved. Choosing a surgeon like Dr. Darren can provide peace of mind, knowing that you’re in the hands of a trustworthy and experienced professional.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Bikini Sleeve?

Before you book bikini sleeve surgery in Turkey, it’s essential finding out whether you are an ideal candidate for the procedure.

Not all overweight patients qualify for gastric sleeve surgery. The doctors follow criteria to determine if the patient is fit for the procedure.

Gastric sleeve surgery is for obese adults aged 18 to 65 years with a body mass index of 40 or higher. Besides, the patient should handle the physical stress from surgery.

How Do You Prepare For Bikini sleeve?

When you and your consultant determine bikini sleeve is the right choice in your weight loss journey, the next question is how do you prepare?

Preparation for a bikini sleeve procedure is critical to its overall success. You want to do everything in your means to guarantee the surgery’s success. Here are important tips to observe as you prepare for bikini sleeve surgery.

Follow the appropriate diet plan as advised by the consultant
Alert your support group so they will stand by you throughout the journey
Quit smoking at least a month before the procedure
Pack loose clothing to come home in after the procedure
Refill any medications so you do not run out during recovery time
Follow through on the insurance prior to surgery so you do not end up paying bills you do not expect
Stock up on protein-rich foods prior to the procedure

Bikini Sleeve Before and After: What to expect

When you book bikini sleeve surgery in Turkey, the doctors may administer some medication to prepare you for the procedure.

A healthcare team will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to determine your readiness. Other routine tests to expect before the procedure include:

A complete blood count
Urinalysis
Chemistry Panel
Gallbladder Ultrasound

If all tests show you are ready, the doctors lead you to the surgery room. Anesthesia procedures follow before the surgeon starts the operation.

After the gastric bikini sleeve, you may have some small tubes draining away the excess fluid in your wounds. Depending on underlying medical conditions, some patients will have a catheter to drain urine from the bladder. If you have either of those, the doctors shall remove them before you proceed home.

Doctors might encourage you to get up and move about slowly in the recovery ward. You will be on a liquid-only diet for a predetermined period. Depending on the number and locations of the incisions, you may experience soreness around the stomach. Let the doctor know about any discomfort. The hospital stay will depend on your situation. After the procedure, you may discuss with your consultant regarding the discharge plan.

Specific complications of bikini sleeves may include damage to internal organs, staple line bleeding, staple line leak, and nutritional deficiencies.

Other complications may include:

Pain
Bleeding
Scarring
Blood clots
Infections
Hernia in the scar

If you are experiencing either or other complications, report them to the doctor immediately. Some patients prefer a medical tourism agency like FlyMedi to plan their treatment abroad. The agency will prepare a customized trip that fits your needs. The package will include flight, accommodation, and airport transfer. It gives you relief to focus on your recovery.

After the bikini sleeve surgery, take some vitamins and mineral supplements. Remember that mineral supplements’ deficiencies slow down recovery time.

Bikini line sleeve gastrectomy helps patients achieve considerable weight loss. The procedure is safe and takes about three hours. If you plan to get bikini sleeve surgery abroad, check the surgeon’s credentials, and request an online consultation.