Belt Lipectomy in Dr. Santiago Ruiz
About the clinic
Belt lipectomy is body-contouring surgery that removes excess skin and fat after major weight loss. Dr. Santiago Ruiz’s practice is in Bogotá, Colombia. Dr. Santiago Ruiz Gnecco has over 25 years of experience and trained at Emory University Hospital, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Jackson Memorial Hospital.
What belt lipectomy involves
This circumferential body lift removes excess skin and fat while adjusting deeper tissues. The aim is to reshape the torso after major weight loss. The procedure uses general anesthesia or sedation.
During an assessment, the surgeon reviews medical history, skin and tissue, and preoperative test results. The surgical plan is finalized during this consultation. Candidates should have a stable weight, good skin elasticity, and realistic expectations. The practice lists non-smoking as a candidacy factor.
Liposuction options
Liposuction may be included as part of body contouring. The listed options are traditional cannula suction, laser-assisted liposuction, and VASER, which uses ultrasound energy. Laser-assisted liposuction liquefies fat and may improve skin retraction. VASER is described as more precise and less traumatic.
Recovery timeline
Initial recovery usually takes 2–4 weeks, while swelling may take 3–6 months to subside. A compression garment is worn for at least 6 weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 6–8 weeks.
Postoperative care may include lymphatic drainage massage, a balanced diet, and avoiding sun exposure on treated areas. The practice lists post-surgery nursing support and virtual follow-up for international patients.
Planning treatment in Bogotá
International patients can request a free virtual assessment. This includes a review of photos and medical history, followed by a detailed quote and online evaluation. Patients then travel to Bogotá for surgery and recovery, with postoperative follow-up available after returning home.
The practice lists the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) as its accreditation. To discuss whether belt lipectomy may suit your needs, request a consultation through Bookimed.
Highlights
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Treatments prices in the clinic
| treatment | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Rhinoplasty (nose job) | Price on request | |
| Tummy tuck | Price on request | |
| Gynecomastia surgery | Price on request | |
| Lipomastia surgery | Price on request | |
| Mammoplasty | Price on request | |
| Chin Augmentation | Price on request | |
| Gynecomastia Vaser Liposuction | Price on request | |
| Liposculpture | Price on request | |
| Face Liposuction | Price on request | |
| Chin Liposuction | Price on request | |
| Liposuction | Price on request | |
| Laser liposuction | Price on request | |
| Breast lift | Price on request | |
| Facelift | Price on request | |
| Tumescent liposuction | Price on request | |
| Chin implant | Price on request | |
| Breast augmentation | Price on request | |
| Breast reduction | Price on request | |
| Tip rhinoplasty | Price on request | |
| Closed rhinoplasty | Price on request | |
| Belt Lipectomy | Price on request | |
| Full Body Lift | Price on request | |
| Breast Lift with Implants - Round | Price on request | |
| Breast Implant Revision | Price on request |
How are we doing?
hospital accreditation of quality
Dr. Santiago Ruiz: more details about the clinic
Experience and Accreditations
The clinic is led by Dr. Santiago Ruiz, a plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience. He trained in both Colombia and the United States, and this dual education shapes his surgical techniques.
The practice holds accreditation from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This signals adherence to international safety and ethics standards. Dr. Ruiz is also a member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Ruiz participates in the international medical community as an educator and speaker. He has contributed to training programs on botulinum toxins and facial fillers.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The clinic performs a wide variety of body contouring and facial enhancement procedures. Each surgical plan begins with a structured assessment of medical history and skin characteristics. Surgeons evaluate patient goals against anatomical reality to ensure safe outcomes.
Body and facial surgical options include:
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles
- Liposculpture and liposuction for targeted fat removal
- Rhinoplasty using both open and closed (scarless) techniques
- Sliding genioplasty and chin implants for facial harmony
- Otoplasty to correct ear shape or position
For facial surgeries like rhinoplasty, patients must arrive in Bogotá 72 hours before the procedure. This allows time for in-person exams, anesthesiology consultations, and altitude adjustment. Surgery typically lasts one to three hours under general anesthesia.
Specialized Breast Surgery
The breast surgery program offers four primary surgical pathways. These address both aesthetic enhancement and removal of previous implants. The surgeon clearly explains potential limitations and risks for each method.
Breast procedures performed at the clinic include:
- Breast augmentation and reduction
- Breast lift (mastopexy) to improve shape and position
- Explantation for permanent removal of breast implants
- Breast implant revision surgery
The clinic also treats gynecomastia – abnormal breast tissue growth in men. Treatment may involve liposuction, subcutaneous mastectomy, or both techniques combined.
Aesthetic Medicine and Technology
Non-surgical treatments are available for patients seeking skin rejuvenation without invasive surgery. These methods improve skin texture, firmness, and radiance. The clinic uses Liftera technology for non-invasive lifting and tightening.
The aesthetic medicine department provides several injectable and laser services:
- Botulinum toxin injections for forehead wrinkles and crow's feet
- Hyaluronic acid fillers for facial volume and contouring
- Laser hair removal
- Radiofrequency skin treatments
Botox results typically appear within 3–7 days and last up to six months. Aftercare instructions include avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours after injection.
Services for International Patients
The clinic has a dedicated pathway for international patients from the United States and Ibero-America. The process can begin with a free virtual assessment. Surgeons review clinical history and images remotely to plan necessary steps before arrival.
Support services for patients traveling to Bogotá include:
- Assistance with lodging and apartment rentals in local neighborhoods
- Coordinated airport transfers
- Specialized post-operative nursing support for initial recovery days
- 24/7 team availability for post-surgery emergencies
Follow-up care continues through virtual consultations after patients return home. This ensures long-term monitoring of healing and surgical results.
Additional services
Patient reviews
natasha abreu
Sofia Dong
Valentina Gonzalez
Betty Ortiz Realtor
Natalia Cortes
Carlos H. LORA
Ana Kimura
Delaney McLean
martica restrepo
Cra. 11 #87-51 Consultorio 302, Chapinero, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
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How it works:
- We find a medical coordinator familiar with the matter
- You get a personal offer with a step-by-step guide and the cost estimate
- We arrange your travel including appointment scheduling and flights booking
- You arrive at the hospital, we support you 24/7

