The Results of weight loss are typically very positive. You feel more energized, your physical prowess has increased, and you probably feel healthier, not to mention more self-assured. However, loose skin is one minor side effect of weight loss that is sometimes overlooked and may not be as desirable.
The biggest organ in the body, the skin, serves as insulation, the body’s first line of defense against infections, and keeps everything in its proper position. It is an extraordinarily adaptable organ that heals to changes in our bodies. When you gain weight, your skin stretches to accommodate the increased surface area. Regrettably, though, as that bulk is eliminated, it is less likely to shrink. It might be upsetting if your loose skin overshadows the accomplishments you have worked so hard to attain if you have just lost a significant amount of weight. However, there are a few methods to alleviate that issue. Some require medical assistance, while others may be done alone.
You should feel secure and at ease in your flesh regardless of size. Here is the skinny on how to do that if you are having trouble getting rid of excess loose skin after losing weight.
Quick Weight Loss
Those who have bariatric surgery to lose a significant amount of weight, more than 100 pounds, usually have loose skin due to rapid weight loss. After undergoing this treatment, over 70% of patients have extra skin. According to Dr. Jacobs, losing weight rapidly does not give our skin adequate time to contract gradually, resulting in loose, hanging skin.
After losing weight, who can anticipate having loose skin? Although it varies, minor weight loss of 20 pounds or less usually does not result in more skin, according to Joshua Zuckerman, M.D., surgical director of Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City. A weight loss of 40 to 50 pounds might appear to be as significant as a weight loss of more than 100 pounds when it comes to issues with loose skin.
Slow Weight Gain
Another result of the weight increase is loose skin after a decrease in weight. The skin has a certain elasticity, and if forced beyond the limit of that elasticity upon weight gain, the skin cannot fully deal back down upon subsequent weight loss, said Dr Zuckerman.
Skin Ageing
The elasticity required for slack skin to snap back after most weight loss is lost with age. According to Jaimie DeRosa, M.D., founder and chief face plastic surgeon at DeRosa Centre Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and Palm Beach and double board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon, this results in loose, wrinkled, and sagging skin.
Because of this, having loose skin affects more than simply weight loss. According to him, whether or not you will have loose skin after losing weight also depends on your age and skin condition. Younger people and those with naturally high skin elasticity have a greater chance of avoiding too much skin than older people. As you age, the collagen molecules and elastic fibers that give your skin its firmness weaken.
According to Jeffrey M. Kenkel, M.D., a professor and the chair of the Betty and Warren Woodward Chair in Plastic and Surgical Reconstruction Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Centre, males also often have more muscular arms and legs than women.
After Losing Weight How Can You Get Rid of Loose Skin?
Dr. Jacobs suggests the following solutions to tighten your skin after losing weight.
The surgical Excision
According to Dr. DeRosa, removing the quantity of loose skin nonsurgically will be difficult after a considerable weight reduction, typically between 70 and 100 pounds. However, specific tightening techniques effectively remove extra skin so that scars are hidden in areas like the underarms or trouser line.
Shape of the Body
To reduce fat and tighten skin, patients can also undergo contouring techniques like BodyTite and FaceTite, which can be combined with liposuction. Just keep in mind, says Dr. Zuckerman, that unless you have a severe case of extra skin, these therapies might not be able to resolve the issue altogether.
Reduced Weight Loss
Dr. Jacobs points out that while it is not always possible, particularly for people who have undergone bariatric surgery, losing weight gradually appears to be the most excellent strategy for avoiding loose skin in the first place.
Exercise
Building muscle through strength training and a regular workout program. Furthermore according to Holly Wyatt M.D. a medical professor at the University of Colorado it may provide the appearance of more taut skin.
According to Dr. Jacobs, surgical excision is still the best option, even if it requires a longer recovery time and has profound consequences. The outcomes of less intrusive procedures are predictably more subdued.
After Losing Weight Does Loose Skin Go Away on Its Own?
Not much doctors say. However, remember that a variety of factors, including age, genetics, the amount of weight lost, and the quality of your skin, affect how much extra skin you retain and how well your skin reacts to weight reduction in the first place. Consequently, you may be able to anticipate certain modifications based on your situation.
According to Dr. Kenkel, patients who may see changes in their loose skin are those who do not have stretchmarks and younger patients who still have suitable skin conditions despite the weight gain. The condition of the skin is the key to wellness.
In addition, Dr. Jacobs advises giving your skin a whole year to shrink after you’ve reached your target weight if you have gradually lost weight. After this time, you will not see any more noticeable tightening.
Next, conduct your research and contact a cosmetic surgeon qualified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery to find out about alternatives if you have loose skin that worries you or if you have loose skin following bariatric surgery, advises Dr. Jacobs. There are a lot of physicians who label themselves as plastic surgeons. As long as they have a valid medical license, they can legally perform any procedure according to them. However, the American Board of Plastic Surgery denotes the proper training.
Which Home Remedies Is the Best for Tightening Skin?
Exercise alone won’t significantly tighten loose skin following weight reduction; no miracle skin tightening product can. According to Dr. Zuckerman, having additional skin presents a challenge for people with mild instances. According to Dr. DeRosa, adding collagen and elastin back into the loose skin may help tighten it if one has lost a moderate amount of weight. This can include radiofrequency-based treatments, ultrasound, and certain skin care products. While over-the-counter remedies like cocoa butter seem like a beautiful idea, their effects are often, at most, minor.
Thus, what is the finest over-the-counter remedy? Dr. Jacobs advises Taking care of your skin. This includes sun protection, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar and saturated fats.
