You're working hard at the gym and monitoring your calorie intake, but it's not easy, especially during the holiday season. (Eggnog gets you.) Well, you've lost a lot of weight. yay! However, you may have excess skin sagging on your abdomen, thighs, face, arms, etc. This occurs because the elastin and collagen in the skin become damaged, making it difficult for the skin to “return” to its taut state.
It can be hard to get excited about your accomplishments if you're feeling insecure about your extra skin. It can also be uncomfortable or difficult to find clothing that fits properly. However, there are some solutions. We review the safest and most effective skin tightening methods and treatments.
Why does the skin become sagging?
As we age, the amount of elastin and collagen, which keep our skin elastic and firm, decreases. Weight gain and pregnancy can also damage elastin and collagen fibers. When you lose weight, it may be difficult for your skin to recover.
How to tighten skin after weight loss?
There are many products that claim that creams tighten the skin. Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to show that home treatments are very effective.of The American Academy of Dermatology writes: Make sure these creams do not penetrate deep enough to lift sagging skin. They explain that while some moisturizers can make skin look more “plump,” the effect is usually temporary.
However, there are effective treatments, both non-invasive (non-surgical) and invasive (surgical).
Will my skin actually become firmer after weight loss?
yes! There are several non-invasive treatments recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. These treatments consist of:
- Ultrasound. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery writes: In this procedure, a hand-held device transmits energy through the skin (approximately 5 mm) to induce collagen production.
- radio frequency. This procedure involves inserting a thin tube or needle into the skin to heat the underlying tissue. Like ultrasound, this also stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin.
- Laser treatment.by mayo clinicLaser resurfacing is a procedure that uses a laser to destroy the top layer of skin and heat the next layer to increase collagen production.
It is important to note that although stimulation of collagen production is essential to all of these treatments, collagen supplements have not been proven to be effective. effective treatment.
Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon may recommend one of these or surgical procedures, especially if you have lost a lot of weight.
Ozempic's face?Do not use this term. It's offensive and unhelpful.
Can I get rid of sagging skin after weight loss?
Yes, there are several surgical procedures that can be performed. The most common ones are:
- “Tummy tuck”. A “tummy tuck” or abdominoplasty removes excess skin from the abdomen and tightens the stretched abdominal muscles.
- Lower body lift. A lower body lift (or circumferential lift) tightens the skin on your abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. It also tightens your stretched abdominal muscles.
- Pancreatectomy. Panniculectomy simply removes excess skin from the abdomen.
- Lift up the thighs and buttocks. This procedure creates a smoother, more defined look while removing excess skin around the thighs and buttocks.
- Upper body lift. Same as thigh and butt lifts, but lifts around the arms, chest, and back/bra line.
Excessive skin can be frustrating, but with the help of a trusted medical professional, you can feel confident about your recent weight loss.
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