The best predictor of a great result isn't the operation. It's operating at the right moment: your maintainable plateau. Here's the honest gatekeeping, including the Ozempic-era specifics.
Skin is tailored to the body it's on. Operate mid-descent and further loss re-loosens the result; operate at an unsustainable low and regain stretches it. The rule protects your money and your outcome alike: plateau first, contour second — whether the loss came from diet, medication or bariatric surgery (post-bariatric typically means 18+ months after the operation).
Rule one — the plateau still applies: plan surgery for the weight your maintenance dose actually holds. Rule two — the anaesthesia pause: GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, which matters under anaesthesia; they are paused before surgery per your anaesthetist's protocol (commonly the week before, for weekly injections) and restarted once you're recovering and eating normally. Declare the medication at assessment — dose, schedule, last injection. A clinic that doesn't ask is a clinic to question.
What assessment actually verifies before a date is offered.
~6–12 months at your maintainable plateau (18+ months post-bariatric).
The pinch test: hanging folds of mostly-empty skin — not remaining deep fat, which is a different conversation.
Blood work in order — protein, iron, and post-bariatric micronutrients corrected before, not after.
GLP-1 pause protocol set with anaesthesia; smoking stopped 4–6 weeks around surgery.
7–10 days in Istanbul, a bent first week, desk work at 2–3 weeks — a plan your life can actually absorb.
Send photos, your weight curve and medications. You'll get a straight answer either way, free.
Share photos (front, side, and holding the loose skin) plus your weight history — how much you lost, how, and how long you've been stable. Dr. Erdal personally replies with an honest opinion, a tailored plan and an all-inclusive quote, with no obligation.