How To Fix Sagging Skin Caused By Weight Loss

Firm skin snaps back when stretched, but when skin loses this ability it can become loose and saggy. Sagging skin can affect both men and women in areas like the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. This loss of firmness can be a result of weight loss, lifestyle factors, or simply part of the process of aging.

Factors that can contribute to sagging skin are:

• Weight loss - Sagging skin is a common side effect of weight loss, especially if it’s rapid
• Pregnancy - Post-pregnancy bodies often have loose skin around the abdomen
• Aging - As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin weakening the skin structure and loosing firmness
• Illness - There are a few rare medical conditions which lead to excess skin
• Sun Exposure – Elastin and collagen proteins can also deteriorate due to excess UV exposure which can speed up the process of skin aging
• Smoking – Cigarettes increases the level of free radicals in the skin causing lax skin, fine lines, and wrinkles

If you’re concerned about sagging skin on your body and want to improve both the look and shape of your figure, there are solutions no matter what the cause. In this blog, we will look closely at how to tighten loose skin caused primarily by weight loss.

Weight Loss And Sagging Skin

Although weight loss is generally a positive, one thing that rarely gets spoken about is the unfortunate side effect of loose skin. The truth is, loose skin after losing weight is normal. It tends to show up in the abdominal area, on the upper arms, thighs, and anywhere else that has lost significant inches. It’s nothing to be ashamed of—in fact, you should be proud, because loose skin is a sign that you’ve made a lot of progress toward your body goals. However, at some point in your journey, you may want to get rid of it. Luckily, there are solutions for sagging skin on the body.  

How To Treat Sagging Skin On The Body

Exercise

If your sagging skin is a side effect of weight loss, you’re probably wondering how exercise can possibly be a good solution. The answer is that any activity that builds muscle tone beneath the skin gives your skin a good foundation, and reduces the look of sagging. Beneficial exercise types to solve sagging skin include weight lifting, resistance training, pilates, and fascial exercises.

Supplements

Keeping a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals in your body is always a good idea. To help improve loose skin, you could also try collagen or hyaluronic acid supplements. Collagen hydrolysate, also known as hydrolyzed collagen comes in powdered form and can be purchased at natural food stores or online. Studies suggest that collagen supplements can have a boosting effect on the collagen your skin already produces naturally. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture, giving it a plumped, full look, which can help reduce the appearance of sagging skin.

Topical Treatments 

Creams, lotions, and serums that include hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and/or retinol can improve elasticity and tighten skin. Prescription retinoids, such as tretinoin and retin-A will usually have more significant results than over-the-counter products. Because the skin’s ability to absorb the useful ingredients subcutaneously is limited, you would have to use topical treatments for a very long time before you saw results. They are, however, a handy option for mildly sagging skin on the face, neck, and jawline. 

Surgical Options 

After significant weight loss, some people consider surgery to remove excess skin. In this case, a large incision is made and a portion of skin removed, and the area is then closed with sutures. Often, more than one surgery is required to achieve the desired effect, and these need to be spread out over one or more years to allow for recovery. The downside of surgery is the downtime. They usually require a hospital stay of one to four days, followed by a recovery period at home of two to four weeks. Complications such as bleeding and infections are also a possibility.

Non-Invasive Aesthetics Treatments

Medical aesthetics treatments harness powerful technology, delivering awesome results without disrupting your life. Venus Concept’s Trim & Tite™ is the best example of this. The healthy production of collagen, which makes up 80% of our skin’s structure, as well as elastin, is what keeps our skin looking firm and youthful. This treatment uses radio frequency energy to delicately stimulate skin’s natural collagen and elastin production. Best of all, the treatments are quick, comfortable, and require absolutely no downtime. It’s a convenient and efficient way to target your sagging skin and get closer to your aesthetic goals.

Trim & Tite™ treatments are an excellent addition to other aesthetic treatments you may be interested in. Fat treatments and body slimming treatments can sometimes result in loose skin after the subcutaneous fat has decreased in volume. Trim & Tite™ maximizes your weight loss efforts. Together, the technology contours, tightens skin, and reduces cellulite, resulting in a slim and sculpted appearance. Before you begin the process of tightening, smoothing, and firming your skin, it’s important to speak to a qualified aesthetics professional who will come up with a plan tailored to your goals. Find one near you by using the search field provided below: