Tightening Loose Skin Post Weight Loss

Carrying excess weight for a long period can damage collagen and elastin in the skin. This can make it difficult for the skin to snap back after weight loss. If you lose a significant amount of weight, it can lead to loose or saggy skin.

Extreme weight loss can be a huge achievement, but it can also lead to extreme disappointment. The appearance of the skin can hurt an individual’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are medical and natural solutions that can tighten skin.

Using Resistance Training

Some natural remedies can tighten loose skin after weight loss. The remedies are effective for people who have lost some weight, but not too much. Resistance training can be effective for someone who has lost a moderate amount of excess weight.

The strength training exercise is an effective way to increase muscle mass and burn calories. Apart from building muscle mass, the training can improve skin appearance by reducing loose skin.

Using Nutrition and Hydration

Consuming certain nutrients can help in the production of collagen and other essential components of great skin. The essential nutrients include protein, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids. Protein is essential for healthy skin while the amino acids proline and lysine play a significant role in collagen production. Vitamin C helps with collagen synthesis, while omega-3 fatty acids increase skin elasticity. Staying well-hydrated can improve the skin’s appearance.

Taking Collagen

Some studies suggest that taking collagen hydrolysate can protect the skin's collagen. Collagen hydrolysate is a processed form of the natural collagen present in connective tissues.

Using collagen peptides was shown to significantly increase collagen strength. Also known as hydrolyzed collagen, the product is available in powder form. Bone broth is also a good source of collagen.

Use of Firming Creams

Several firming creams contain elastin and collagen. These creams can offer some relief, but the skin tightness is usually temporary. The elastin and collagen molecules are large, making it difficult for them to be absorbed through the skin.

Body Contouring Surgery

The most effective way to tighten loose skin after weight loss is by going through medical or surgical treatment. Natural remedies do not work when there has been significant weight loss. Surgical treatment is often necessary to deal with loose skin after major or extreme weight loss. People who have lost a huge amount of weight through bariatric surgery or other methods can benefit from body contouring.

During the surgery, the surgeon will make a large incision before removing the excess skin and fat. The incision will then be sutured using fine stitches to reduce scarring. There are several countering surgeries performed on different parts of the body. The procedures include:

Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty
Upper body lift
Lower body lift
Medial thigh lift
Brachioplasty (arm lift)

Body contouring surgery is a common procedure to tighten loose skin. The surgery will usually require staying in the hospital for 1 to 4 days, depending on the extent of the surgery. Recovery usually takes between 2 to 4 weeks. If you have loose skin after losing weight, talk to your doctor about your options.

For more on tightening loose skin after weight loss, visit Gupta Plastic Surgery at our offices in San Diego or Encinitas, California. You can call (858) 408-6100 today to schedule an appointment.