Medical or surgical treatments are more invasive options to tighten loose skin after major weight loss. People who have lost a significant amount of weight via bariatric surgery or other weight loss methods often request surgery to remove excess skin In body-contouring surgery, a surgeon makes a large incision and removes excess skin and fat. They then suture the incision with fine stitches to minimize scarring. Multiple surgeries are usually performed on different body parts over the span of 1 to 2 years after major weight loss.
Body-contouring surgeries usually require a hospital stay of 1 to 4 days. Recovery time at home is typically 2 to 4 weeks. There may be also some complications from the surgery, such as bleeding and infections. Body-contouring surgery may improve quality of life after significant weight loss. However, one study reported that some quality of life scores decreased in people who had the procedure 23 , 24 , 25 , Although body-contouring surgery is by far the most common procedure to remove loose skin, less invasive options with a lower risk of complications include:.
It appears that although there are fewer risks with these alternative procedures, the results may not be as dramatic as with body-contouring surgery. Body-contouring surgery is the most common and effective procedure to remove loose skin that occurs after major weight loss.
Some alternative procedures are also available, but not as effective. Having excess loose skin is common after losing a lot of weight. You may choose to seek treatment if the loose skin is bothersome. For small to moderate amounts of weight loss, your skin will likely retract on its own. Natural home remedies may help too. However, more significant weight loss may need body-contouring surgery or other medical procedures to tighten or get rid of loose skin. Saggy skin can be caused by many things.
We explore the causes, prevention, and many treatment options available for saggy skin. Rather than focusing on lower numbers on the scale, body recomposition emphasizes the importance of losing fat while gaining muscle.
This article…. It can be a challenge to know how to tighten loose skin. Some methods that may work include exercise, creams, supplements, weight loss, massage, and…. Body composition refers to more than weight, since it accounts for both fat and muscle mass.
Hyaluronic acid levels also reduce with age. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that helps the skin retain moisture and appear fuller.
For most people, the skin begins to lose firmness between the ages of 35—40 years. Sagging skin may also occur after significant weight loss. The skin stretches to accommodate an increased body mass. Over time, however, this can damage the collagen and elastin in the skin. This can lead to sagging after weight loss. Also, during pregnancy, the skin of the abdomen stretches. This may lead to skin sagging after giving birth. High sun exposure, particularly exposure to UV light, can also result in wrinkles and sagging skin.
Some people may refer to this as photoaging. This is due to harmful UV rays reducing the elasticity of the skin. Many external factors expose the skin to free radicals. The body produces free radicals in response to its environment.
If free radicals build up, oxidative stress occurs. This can increase inflammation in the body. Oxidative stress can cause the skin to age prematurely and may contribute to sagging. Pollution, exposure to UV light, cigarette smoke, and an unhealthy diet can also increase free radical production.
Antioxidants may act to neutralize free radicals. Plant-based foods are good sources of antioxidants. People can also attempt to prevent loose skin by:.
Some lifestyle approaches may help with sagging skin, depending on its cause and severity. Some techniques are better for certain areas of the body than others. Engaging in exercise such as resistance training can increase muscle mass. Building muscle through exercise can improve the appearance of sagging skin, especially in the legs and arms. Also, facial exercises may improve muscle tone around the jaw and neck.
This may reduce sagging skin in these areas. There are many firming products available that are marketed for the treatment of loose skin. These aim to reduce minor sagging affecting the skin of the face, neck, or abdomen.
The American Academy of Dermatology says that these products have limited efficacy. They are unlikely to penetrate the skin deeply enough to improve sagging.
Products containing retinoids may offer some benefit. Retinoids may increase the amount of collagen in the skin, helping it appear firmer. Eating a healthy diet that includes a range of brightly colored fruits and vegetables supports good skin health. Additional supplementation may have some benefits for sagging skin. Collagen supplements may help replace collagen that the body naturally loses. Collagen supplements come in tablet, powder, capsule, and drink form.
One study in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology monitored the effects of collagen supplementation on the skin. It found that 8 weeks of collagen supplementation improved skin elasticity. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that may cause skin aging. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant and supports collagen production. Without vitamin C, collagen production reduces significantly.
Also, include nuts, beans and legumes that help the body to replace dead skin cells. Try to include a portion of oily fish such as mackerel and salmon a few times a week. It is believed that omega-3 fatty acids keep your skin soft and supple. Try and exercise every single day to stay in shape.
Trust us, exercise will also help to tighten and tone your skin. An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town. So, sign in RN to get your daily dose of wellness. Home Fitness Weight Loss Struggling with loose skin after weight loss? Weight Loss. Read on to know more.
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