How to Tighten Skin After Weight Loss
Published January 24th, 2020
We all want to lose weight to achieve a specific body goal. And one way to do that is by exercising or eating a balanced diet. Others also remedy their excess weight through medical procedures such as laser liposuction.
Sure, losing a lot of weight is undeniably an impressive accomplishment. However, significant weight loss also comes with an unexpected and unwanted change, too – loose skin.
Now, these sagging folds all over your body may negatively affect appearance and your self-esteem, as well. It can also be uncomfortable and frustrating, especially if you don’t know how to get rid of it.
In this article, we will tackle why loose skin happens after weight loss and how you can remedy the situation.
What Causes Loose and Saggy Skin After Weight Loss?
The largest organ in your body is your skin, which also acts as a protective barrier against the environment. Its innermost layer consists of proteins such as collagen and elastin.
The collagen, which makes up 80% of your skin’s structure, provides firmness and strength. Elastin, on the other hand, provides elasticity and helps your skin stay tight.
When you gain weight, your skin expands at the same time. And when you lose weight rapidly, it doesn’t give your skin adequate time to contract and get back to its original form — resulting in loose, hanging skin.
Another example of this expansion is pregnancy. When your skin has been too stretched and remained that way for an extended time, collagen and elastin fibers become damaged. Thus, losing their ability to retract.
To sum up, the greater the weight loss, the higher your chance of having loose skin.
Factors That May Affect Loss of Skin Elasticity
- Length of time being overweight
- Amount of weight loss
- Age
- Genetics
- Sun exposure
- Smoking
How to Tighten Skin After Weight Loss?
There is so much hype that’s going on about how creams and exercising can get rid of loose skin. Unfortunately, there are no magic creams nor other ways that can tighten your skin except for medical treatments.
Medical or surgical procedures are often necessary to tighten loose skin after significant weight loss. Here are some of the treatments your doctor might recommend if you want to tighten your loose skin.
Body-Contouring Surgery
Whatever means you had in order to lose weight, removing excess skin via body-contouring surgery is the most effective and fastest way.
In body-contouring surgery, your doctor will have to make a large incision to remove excess skin and fat. Your doctor will suture the incision with fine and delicate stitches so you will not have to worry about having scars once the suture is healed.
Different types of body-contouring surgeries include:
- Abdominoplasty: Sometimes called “tummy tuck”, is the removal of skin from the abdomen.
- Lower-body lift: is the removal of skin from the belly, buttocks, hips, and thighs.
- Upper – body lift: is the removal of skin from the breasts and back.
- Medial thigh lift: is the removal of skin from the inner and outer thighs.
- Brachioplasty or arm lift: is the removal of skin from the upper arms.
Click here to learn more about cosmetic surgery options we offer.
These types of surgical treatments usually require one to four days of hospital stay with two to four weeks of recovery time. Complications, such as bleeding and infections, are also possible. This will be discussed with you by your doctor before the operation.
Alternative Medical Procedure
If you are not fond of going under the knife, less invasive treatment with a lower risk of complication is also available to remove loose skin.
Plasma Fibroblast
This non-invasive revolutionary cosmetic treatment uses state-of-the-art technology to tighten loose skin. It works best for stretch marks, skin folds, drooping eyelids, and even facial wrinkles. Results usually show after the first treatment but it takes about 6 weeks before you can feel its full effect.
We Are A Medical Beauty Spa In Boca Raton Florida
Four Seasons Laser Center is a highly renowned med spa in Boca Raton Florida. Our state of the art equipment is run by highly trained and experienced staff so you can rest assured that you are in good hands. We offer laser hair removal services for your whole body, PDO Threads facelift, safe and effective Plasma Fibroblast skin tightening, and other advanced medical beauty services to help you look your best. Contact us now to book a free consultation.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is the lead author for Four Seasons Laser Center and several other prominent websites covering a variety of topics including law, health, nutrition, and more. Her passion for health and beauty trends helps her craft helpful articles that reach millions of people.
