Sagging skin after weight loss is one of the most worrying problems for obese people who intend to lose weight, especially when there is excessive obesity. Therefore, most people are constantly looking for the best way to lose weight without affecting their appearance. This article discusses the causes of sagging skin after weight loss, and provides information about natural and medical solutions that can help tighten sagging skin after weight loss.
What causes skin to sag after weight loss?
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, as it forms a protective barrier for the body, and the inner layer of the skin consists of proteins including collagen and elastin. Collagen, which makes up 80% of the skin's structure, provides firmness and strength, and elastin helps with elasticity and helps the skin stay tight.
But during weight gain, the skin stretches to make room for the growth of fat cells, as it does during pregnancy. Skin stretching during pregnancy occurs over a few months, and stretched skin usually shrinks within several months of giving birth. When the skin is stretched too much and remains that way for a long period of time, the collagen and elastin fibers are damaged, and lose some of their ability to contract as a result. Therefore, when a person loses a lot of weight, excess skin on the body sags, and the more weight is lost, the more noticeable the effect of saggy skin becomes.
What factors affect sagging skin and loss of elasticity?
There are several factors that contribute to sagging skin after weight loss:
Length of duration: In general, the longer a person has been overweight or obese, the more sagging skin will be after weight loss due to loss of elastin and collagen.
Amount of weight lost: Rapid weight loss from the body usually results in a greater amount of sagging skin than moderate weight loss.
Age: Older skin has less collagen than younger skin, and tends to be more sagging after weight loss.
Genetics: Genetics may affect how your skin responds to weight gain and loss.
Sun exposure: Chronic sun exposure reduces the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, which may contribute to sagging skin.
Smoking: Smoking reduces collagen production and damages existing collagen, leading to sagging skin.
What are the problems associated with sagging skin after weight loss?
Sagging skin after weight loss can cause physical and emotional challenges for some people, such as:
Physical discomfort: Excess skin can be uncomfortable and interfere with normal activity.
Emotional discomfort: A person may not accept the sight of excess sagging skin.
Reduced physical activity: While a 2022 study found that weight loss encouraged more people to exercise, excess skin was found to interfere with exercise in some people after bariatric surgery.
Skin irritation and inflammation: A 2014 study found that 44% of 124 people who requested cosmetic surgery to tighten skin after weight loss surgery reported skin pain, sores, or infections due to sagging skin.
Body dissatisfaction: Sagging skin resulting from weight loss can negatively impact body image and mood.
Are there natural remedies to tighten loose skin?
Some of the following natural remedies may improve skin strength and elasticity to some extent in people who have lost small to moderate amounts of weight:
Do resistance training
Regular strength training is highly effective for building muscle mass in both younger and older adults. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, it is recommended to engage in strength training exercises twice a week. Building muscle mass through these exercises can also enhance the appearance of loose skin.
Take collagen
Like gelatin, collagen hydrolysate is a processed form of collagen found in animal connective tissue. Although it has not been tested in people with loose skin associated with significant weight loss, some studies have suggested that collagen hydrolysate may have a protective effect on skin collagen.
In a 2019 controlled study, skin elasticity, along with texture and hydration, significantly increased after 12 weeks of taking a liquid collagen supplement that also contained vitamins C and E, as well as biotin and zinc. Bone broth is another popular source of collagen that can also provide other health benefits.
Eat certain nutrients and stay hydrated
There are some important nutrients for collagen production, including:
Protein: Getting enough protein is essential for healthy skin, and the amino acids proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine play a direct role in collagen production.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and also helps protect skin from sun damage.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish and plant sources, including walnuts, chia, and flax, may help increase skin elasticity and have anti-aging effects.
Water: Staying well hydrated improves the appearance of your skin. A 2015 study found that women who increased their daily water intake saw significant improvements in skin hydration and function.
What are the medical treatments for loose skin?
Medical or surgical treatments are the most common options for tightening loose skin after major weight loss.
Body contouring surgery
People who have lost a significant amount of weight through bariatric surgery or other weight loss methods often request surgery to remove excess skin. The surgeon makes a large incision and removes excess skin and fat, then stitches the incision with fine stitches to help minimize scarring. Specific body contouring surgeries include:
Tummy tuck: Removes skin from the abdomen.
Lower body lift: Removes skin from the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs.
Upper body lift: A procedure designed to remove excess skin from the breasts and back.
Mid thigh lift: Removes skin from the inner and outer thighs.
Arm lift: Removes skin from the upper arms.
Multiple surgeries are usually performed on different parts of the body over time after significant weight loss.
Body contouring surgeries may require a short hospital stay, followed by a recovery period at home, and some complications may also occur as a result of the surgery, such as bleeding and infection.
Are there alternative medical procedures to treat sagging skin after weight loss?
Although body contouring surgery is the most common procedure to treat sagging skin after weight loss, less invasive options with a lower risk of complications include:
Radiofrequency therapy: These treatments may use a combination of infrared light, radiofrequency, and massage to reduce sagging skin. This type of treatment does not cause weight loss, but it may help reduce the size of small areas of fat cells and tissues.
Ultrasound: A 2019 research review found that ultrasound therapy for skin tightening is effective and safe with minimal side effects.
It appears that while there are fewer risks with these alternative procedures, the results may not be as pronounced as with body contouring surgery.