How to remove excess skin while losing weight

The feasibility of skin tightening after weight loss

The skin is not just the surface layer of the epidermis.
They are a special organ consisting of several layers associated with the underlying structures and with the entire organism as a whole. Each of these layers performs strictly predefined functions. Any changes in the body lead to corresponding histological and functional changes in the structural components. For example, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, a gradual or rapid increase in the volume of subcutaneous fat tissue followed by a rapid decrease, pregnancy, age-related processes lead to stretching of the skin, damage to collagen and elastin structures, the appearance of sagging, the formation of atrophic scars, etc. d.

Rapid weight loss especially affects your figure. Stretched, flabby, sagging excess skin after losing weight, which has lost its elasticity and tone, does not have time to shrink to the required extent, especially in places of greatest stretching - in the chest, front and side surfaces of the abdomen, buttocks, back of the shoulder, hips, subscapular areas.

In addition, with rapid weight loss, body fat decreases unevenly. In the listed areas they remain in significant quantities. The most problematic area in terms of reducing fat tissue is the abdomen. The skin in this area is subject to significant stretching, and stretched skin on the abdomen contracts especially slowly. The remaining adipose tissue leads to even more sagging and the formation of the so-called “apron”.

The resulting ugly folds are not only an aesthetic problem, but also a hygienic problem, since they lead to maceration, weeping and redness of the surfaces touching in the folds, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, etc. How to remove sagging skin after losing weight or giving birth and giving your figure the correct proportions and desired shapes and contours?

There are two ways to solve this issue:

1. Radical surgical methods.
2. Conservative non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques of aesthetic medicine and cosmetology.

Plastic surgery represents the most radical and, at the same time, the most effective correction options. Their general meaning is the removal of excess skin after losing weight and/or the remodeling of shapes and areas of the body by replenishing missing volumes, which allows achieving the effects of tightening and restoring contours.

Surgical methods are designed for people with such pronounced changes that correction of the figure by other (conservative) methods is impossible. These operations are performed simultaneously with tumescent or under general anesthesia lipectomy (liposuction), which involves removing or redistributing excess fat tissue.

Read more about liposuction methods in the article: “Types of surgical liposuction”

Mammoplasty

Mammoplasty consists primarily of increasing the volume of the mammary glands, which results in tissue tightening. Correction by removing their excess is carried out in cases where it is necessary to reduce the volume of the mammary gland.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is one of the most extensive, complex and lengthy (about 2-5 hours) surgical interventions in plastic surgery. It is accompanied by liposuction of excess adipose tissue, excision of excess skin formed as a result of its stretching and preservation of fat deposits in it, tightening of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, as well as relocation of the navel.

This operation allows not only to get rid of the skin-fat apron formed as a result of rapid weight loss, but also to tighten the skin on the abdomen after childbirth. Stretching of the skin on the abdomen in pregnant women and the formation of an “apron” in them is associated with loss of skin elasticity due to rapid hormonal changes in the body, significant stretching of the muscles and other tissues of the anterior abdominal wall, as well as an increase in fat deposits in many women during pregnancy and rapid their reduction after childbirth.

If the stretching is moderate, mini-abdominoplasty can be performed, the technique of which involves excision of a smaller area of ​​skin and removal of smaller volumes of fatty tissue - only in the lower abdomen. Mini abdominoplasty does not involve moving the navel.

Brachiolastic

Brachioplasty involves the correction of sagging tissues on the back surface of the upper limbs - from the elbow to the shoulder joints. Problems with skin elasticity in this area usually occur in overweight people in middle and old age, after rapid weight loss, as well as in athletes and people involved in high-stress physical education, after a sudden cessation of regular sports activities. Surgery to remove excess skin on the shoulders is often performed in combination with abdominoplasty and chest correction in the subscapular areas.

Gluteoplasty

Gluteoplasty or butt lift - corrective surgery of the gluteal areas, is not a very popular, but quite effective way to get rid of sagging tissue in the lower parts of the gluteal region. They also involve the removal of excess stretched tissue, liposuction, additional tightening and shaping of the buttocks through the installation, in some cases, of buttock implants or lipofilling, that is, partial transplantation or redistribution of fatty tissue.

Conservative minimally invasive and non-invasive, including hardware, methods of aesthetic medicine and cosmetology are not as effective as surgical correction. These products are intended primarily to restore elasticity, tone and lift flabby tissue with slight sagging.

The simplest remedy is a skin tightening cream, which is recommended in the early stages of sagging, loss of tone and the formation of small folds. The following are considered effective for folds on the stomach and thighs:

• cream from Bioterm, containing caffeine and seaweed extracts as components;
• cream and gel from “GUAM” with seaweed extract, hyaluronic and glycolic acids, macadamia oil;
• oily nourishing cream “TALASSO” with seaweed containing a large amount of microelements and vitamin C, as well as soy isoflavones in liposomes, shea butter from the fruits of the African tree and peach oil. Creams from Nivea, Garnier, the Fitness-Body line and others have a similar effect.

However, it should be understood that all of them are intended primarily for use for preventive purposes and with minimal changes in the tone of the skin. Loose skin after weight loss can be corrected quite successfully with the regular use of creams and gels with a lifting effect.

Injection techniques

Some effect is observed when using mesotherapy procedures that reduce tissue sagging (due to improved blood circulation in them, reduced swelling, stimulation of the synthesis of collagen and elastin proteins), and contour plastic surgery using high and medium density hyaluronic acid fillers, allowing for lifting of shallow folds due to replenishment missing volumes and tissue tension.

Abdominal skin tightening after childbirth using mesotherapy

Thread lifting

In case of moderate sagging, a relatively alternative technique (in relation to plastic surgery) is lifting in the abdomen, inner thighs, back of the arms and buttocks using “APTOS Excellence Body” threads. The technique is similar to that used for thread lifting of soft tissues of the face.

Hardware techniques

Hardware for tightening the skin after childbirth or losing weight are represented by devices operating on the “Endermologie” system, or LPG massage. They are a vacuum chamber with rotating rollers, as well as devices in which the influence of infrared radiation is also combined with rotating rollers or the suction effect with bipolar high-frequency radiation.

The action of these hardware techniques is aimed at compacting and tightening without incisions. However, their results are more than modest and require a series of treatment sessions. For patients with mild to moderate sagging without significant changes in tissue volume, broadband light sources, non-ablative laser lifting using a potassium titanyl phosphate laser, pulsed dye lasers, neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet lasers, etc. are most suitable.

Procedures using radio wave, or radio frequency, radiation, called RF lifting procedures and other types of thermolifting, are also highly effective. A high degree of effectiveness, especially for tightening sagging skin after pregnancy and childbirth, is characterized by devices in which radiofrequency exposure is combined with vacuum.

When losing weight, there is a serious restriction of calories entering the body. Due to this, not only your own fat deposits are gradually burned, but also beneficial amino acids, microelements and vitamins are lost. As a result, the epidermis begins to lose elasticity and firmness, and simply hang.

• separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy;
• C-section;
• wrong approach to weight loss (if you lose weight too quickly).

The wrinkles that appear after weight loss are not only an aesthetic problem. From a hygienic point of view, they bring no less discomfort - they get wet, turn red, and sometimes emit an unpleasant odor. For this reason, it is very important to know methods on how to remove sagging skin after sudden weight loss. The effect will be different in each case. It all depends on how strong the problem is and on the individual characteristics of the body.

On the stomach

Simple and affordable ways to tighten skin after losing weight

If sagging skin has just begun, the process of losing weight is still ongoing, then it is worth trying to solve the problem using non-surgical methods. If you follow all the recommendations of specialists and observe regular procedures, the result will be positive.

Proper nutrition

We are talking not only about a low-calorie menu, but also about methods of preparing dishes. Heat treatment is an enemy to vitamins, minerals, micro/macroelements. And all this actively participates in metabolic processes and has a beneficial effect on the production of elastin and collagen by dermal cells.

When losing weight, doctors recommend not to indulge in ready-made dishes from fruits and vegetables, but to consume them raw. The following will be useful for tightening the skin while losing weight:

• replacing second breakfast and afternoon snack with slices of fresh cucumbers, carrots, sweet peppers, tomatoes;
• instead of desserts, sweets and pastries (even if all this is dietary) - fresh fruits and berries in any quantity.

Some people love sushi - why not try it with raw fish, but in this case you need to be sure that the restaurant that specializes in such a menu has an impeccable reputation. In general, you need to start eating raw foods and within a month the first results will be noticeable - the skin in places where there is sagging will tighten a little and become smooth to the touch.

Massage

Experts recommend performing this procedure almost from the first day of losing weight. Massage has the following properties:

• stimulates regeneration processes in skin cells;
• accelerates blood circulation in the layers of the dermis, which ensures sufficient oxygen supply to the cells;
• increases skin tone and elasticity.

The procedure can be carried out with special nourishing creams - vitamins and microelements will enter the upper layers of the epidermis, which will speed up the restoration of the lost properties of the skin. You can use an anti-cellulite massage - it will have a complex effect on the body.

Official medicine confirms the fact that if a course of massages is started early, even significant and rapid weight loss will not affect the condition of the dermis.

Physical exercise

They must be regular and intense - morning exercises and cycling will not work. Cardio exercises and strength exercises are considered the most effective, but they cannot be performed without prior preparation and if you are obese.

Those losing weight should visit a nutritionist, sports instructor and create an individual plan for exercise. Only after the weight has been reduced by at least 10 kg can you give your body more serious stress.

Strength exercises and cardio exercises not only help you quickly burn fat deposits, but also build muscle mass. It is due to this that it is possible to prevent sagging skin.

Wraps

Can be carried out at home, but subject to the following rules:

• frequency of wraps – 1-2 times a week, duration is not limited;
• it is necessary to pre-steam the skin in problem areas;
• Wraps are prohibited during menstruation in women, for dermatological diseases and malignant neoplasms;
• the procedure time is 20 – 90 minutes, which depends on the product used;
• the cling film should not fit too tightly to the body, but the wrap should not be too loose;
• Before the procedure, you need to conduct an allergy test to exclude an inadequate reaction of the body to the cosmetic product.

The raw materials for wraps are honey and blue cosmetic clay, seaweed and red/hot pepper, cinnamon and chocolate.

The greatest effect will be achieved by a procedure that is carried out using cinnamon or hot red pepper , because these components have a powerful warming effect. Dermal cells receive a thermal “signal” to accelerate regeneration, already weakened cells are replaced with new and elastic ones, and at the same time elastin and collagen are actively produced.

Wraps not only solve the problem of maintaining skin elasticity during weight loss, but also make weight loss faster.

Cream

There are many products on the cosmetic market with a rejuvenating and firming effect. Of course, they are labeled “for the face,” but why not try them on your stomach, shoulders, sides, and thighs? But you need to take into account that the skin on the body is thicker and denser and therefore you will have to apply a layer of cream of at least 0.5 cm, waiting for it to be absorbed.

Experts recommend choosing creams with firming properties, which contain not only hyaluronic acid, but also collagen and seaweed extracts. You will first need to make sure that the chosen product does not cause an allergy - it can appear even if it was not on the face.

Water treatments

Exercises in the pool (or banal swimming), contrast showers - these water procedures help maintain skin tone at the proper level. Moreover, there are no restrictions - people even with extremely heavy weights can conduct exercises in water.

But one important point must be taken into account - “city” water contains chlorine, which has an extremely negative effect on the condition of the skin. Therefore, it is imperative to wash your body with soap after procedures, and the water should not be hot, but warm.

Exercises in water and contrast showers stimulate blood circulation, accelerate the delivery of oxygen to the cells of the dermis, and promote the removal of toxins . This complex effect increases skin tone and indirectly contributes to overall weight loss.

Power training

Push-ups, planks, dumbbell bench/standing/seated presses and other strength training are aimed at strengthening muscle tissue. By contracting, they lead to increased elasticity and skin coverage. Simply put, skin tightening after weight loss occurs due to muscle gain.

Interval strength training will be especially effective - it is carried out for 20 minutes once every 3 days. It is important to observe the speed of performing each exercise, and in this case the process of strengthening, tightening and losing weight will also occur during periods of rest from training.

All the proposed methods for tightening the skin after losing weight will have a positive effect only if you start using them in the initial stage of sagging or simultaneously with active weight loss. It will take a long time to work on the body and it is not always possible to achieve a full result.

Watch the video about skin tightening after weight loss:

Salon treatments

Most beauty salons offer a variety of procedures that help remove sagging. Their price depends on the effectiveness and complexity of implementation. A cosmetologist will be able to advise you on specific salon procedures for tightening the skin of the body. You can choose from the following options:

• mesotherapy;
• fractional RF lifting;
• fractional photothermolysis;
• massage;
• microcurrent therapy;
• photorejuvenation;
• thread lifting.

Those who have lost a significant amount of weight through bariatric surgery or other weight loss methods often request surgery to remove excess skin.

Body contouring surgeries include:

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): removal of skin from the abdomen.
• Lower body lift: Removal of skin from the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and thighs.
• Upper body lift: removal of skin from the chest and back.
• Medial thigh lift: removal of skin from the inner and outer thighs.
• Brachioplasty (arm lift): removal of skin from the shoulders.

Typically, any such operations to eliminate sagging skin are performed on patients about a year or two after losing weight.

Contour surgeries usually require a hospital stay of one to four days. Recovery time at home is usually two to four weeks. Complications after surgery may also occur, such as bleeding, problems with healing of the skin at the scar site, and infections may occur.

This surgical method lifts and tightens the abdominal area.

Some plastic surgeons may also perform a thigh lift to eliminate loose skin in the legs.

For more information about what abdominoplasty is, whether there are any contraindications, etc., see the video. Experienced specialist Sergey Viktorovich Kruglik tells.

Although body contouring surgery is by far the most common procedure for removing sagging skin, there are also less invasive options with a lower risk of complications:

• VelaShape: This system uses infrared light, a combination of radiofrequency and massage to reduce excess skin. Quite a good way to tighten the skin of the abdomen and arms.

Body contouring surgery is the most common and effective procedure for removing loose skin that appears after significant weight loss. Some alternative procedures are also possible, but they are not as effective as surgery.

Losing a significant amount of weight is a great achievement! The appearance and internal condition of the body improves significantly. The load on the body goes away, overall well-being improves and immunity increases.

However, people who achieve excellent results and lose many tens of pounds are often left with a large amount of saggy skin, which can negatively affect their appearance and quality of life.

What to do and what other ways you can tighten sagging skin will be discussed further.

Natural possibilities, home remedies to tighten sagging skin.

Attention! March!

With the desire to lose weight, a woman comes to mind that it is easier to limit some foods in her diet than to regularly sweat in the gym. But the diet should be reasonable. Firstly, you cannot give up meat, eggs, legumes and dairy products. These are sources of protein that are involved in muscle formation. If you lose muscle mass instead of fat mass, you will not be able to tighten your skin while losing weight. Secondly, you need to drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water per day, keeping an interval between food and drink of at least 15-40 minutes. Thirdly, you need to give up the desire to lose weight quickly. A 3-6 month plan is the sure way to slimness without saggy skin. In order for fat to melt and muscle mass to grow, you need to monitor the ratio of these indicators using special scales. It is also worth doing at least some kind of sport, or doing simple exercises at home. Typically, yoga, Pilates, and bodyflex help tighten the skin while losing weight.

Removing excess skin

Surgery to remove excess skin after losing weight can vary. It all depends on the problem area. The following types of operations are distinguished:

1. Mammoplasty. Lifting and possible simultaneous breast augmentation.
2. Abdominoplasty. It is one of the longest operations. It consists of excision of excess skin, tightening of the abdominal wall muscles and relocation of the navel.
3. Gluteoplasty. Corrective surgery after losing weight in the gluteal area and even inserting implants into it.
4. Torsoplasty. The essence of this operation is a comprehensive lift - lifting the lumbar region, hips, abdomen, buttocks and chest.