Having loose skin can be a real confidence killer, and for most people who have it, it’s actually due to a really positive life event – losing a lot of weight.
As a result, it can feel really unfair when you’ve made such an effort to lose weight, but are still unhappy with your body due to leftover skin that won’t go away no matter what you do. If that sounds like you, don’t stress. There are many treatments for loose skin – some surgical and some not. Let’s take a look at the top ways you can combat loose skin, with and without cosmetic surgery.
1. Exercise
Believe it or not, exercise can help to tighten loose skin indirectly. If you lose a lot of weight and are left with loose skin, that’s because the fat that used to fill that space has been burned off – go you! The downside is that this leaves the skin hanging, where fat used to make it look plump.
Exercise can be great when you first lose the weight to build muscle and re-fill the skin with toned muscles. Of course, many people will never get rid of all the loose skin, especially if the weight loss was significant, but it’s a great place to start.
2. Firming Creams
This is probably quite surprising, because a lot of firming creams look like they would be rubbish – and some are! But there are some amazing creams on the market that help to firm loose skin. They are usually best when applied to the face, as they help to maintain skin elasticity with ingredients like collagen and retinoid. If you want some insight into the kind of creams that are reliable and backed by science, then fill out a consultation form for some advice.
3. Chemical peels
A chemical peel can be great for removing the outer layer of skin and tightening it up to reduce the appearance of sagging skin in the face. This is effective on the face and neck, and literally does what it says on the tin really – it uses chemicals to peel off the old layer of skin, revealing brighter and tighter skin.
4. Botox and Fillers
These are more appropriate for people who are looking to fill out the skin that is loose on their face and neck. Fillers can give the appearance of fuller, more plump skin, and is especially effective for those who are ageing. Botox can help with minimising wrinkles and fine lines which may become more prominent after weight loss.
As we age, the skin naturally loses collagen and elastin and becomes saggier – which is what makes us look older. Fillers help to combat this with Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which is a substance that is naturally found in the connective tissue. It replaces the lost volume and tightens and brightens the skin. Alternatively, some contain Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CH).
5. Skin removal
This is the most drastic option, but for those who have a lot of excess skin that isn’t shifting, it can be a good choice. With skin removal, or a tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty as they’re sometimes known, the skin is literally removed. During a tummy tuck the excess skin and fat is removed under general anaesthetic and your abdominal muscles may be sewn together.
The procedure takes around 3-5 hours and is considered a major procedure. This has to be planned properly so you can take the appropriate time off.