If your loose skin bothers you, here’s what to do next.
Losing weight, and maintaining weight loss, can be challenging. Some people can then face another factor: excess skin after weight loss.
Plenty of people who have lost weight come to accept and love their skin and stretch marks. Yet for others, loose skin—often around the arms, legs, neck, and midsection—may be uncomfortable or even painful.
Here’s what works, what doesn’t, and what people should know before considering surgery.
What Causes Excess Skin After Weight Loss?
In general, the skin has some degree of elasticity, known as skin turgor. That degree of elasticity is different for everyone and depends partially on their overall health and the health of their skin.1
The appearance of excess skin also depends on how much weight a person loses and how fast they lose it. Losing a lot of weight at once or in general, say at least 100 pounds, can result in loose skin.2
Who’s More Prone to Having Loose Skin?
Excess skin can happen to people who lose a lot of weight through diet changes and exercise. Also, people who undergo bariatric surgery and lose a large amount of weight all at once will likely have some excess skin afterward.3
One study said individuals who undergo bariatric surgery—up to 90%—have excess skin following the procedure. Excess skin around the stomach may appear after post-pregnancy weight loss—especially if someone gave birth to multiples.
Possible Side Effects of Having Loose Skin
Physical and psychosocial problems may arise if you have excess skin. They include:32
- Dermatitis or eczema
- Difficulty finding clothes that fit
- Issues with sex or intimacy
- Limitations with getting dressed or being active
- Problems with hygiene
- Rashes or sores in extra or hanging skin
- Risk of skin infections and irritation
- Skin odor, heaviness, and pain
Non-Surgical Remedies for Treating Excess Skin
There are non-surgical remedies available to keep your skin as healthy as possible, like:56
- Drinking lots of water and staying hydrated
- Keeping skin protected from the sun
- Not smoking
- Using moisturizer
However, none of these techniques will get rid of extra skin folds due to weight loss. Specially marketed creams, supplements, or exercises targeted at certain body parts are also ineffective.7
What Are the Surgical Options?
Surgery for removing excess skin, also called skin excision, or body contouring should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. These procedures involve large incisions, so patients are generally put to sleep using general anesthesia.8
The extent of the procedure, and the recovery time needed, depends on the body parts involved. Common surgeries for skin excision focus on:8
- The abdominal area—abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck
- The upper arms—brachioplasty, or arm lift
- Thighs
- Breasts or chests—for all genders
- Face
- Neck
Some patients opt for a full lower body lift. It’s a procedure that tightens the skin around the thighs and buttocks with an incision that runs around the waist.8
Some people, in addition to excess skin, also have extra pockets of fat that won’t budge no matter how much they diet or exercise. Liposuction—a procedure that removes fatty tissue—could also be performed along with skin excision procedures.8
These procedures can be pricey and often aren’t covered by insurance. However, carriers may approve some procedures if healthcare providers and patients can make the case that excess skin folds were causing pain or infections.9
Excess Skin Reduction and Recovery Times
Skin excisions that involve larger incisions, especially those around the midsection, may require several days in the hospital. On the other hand, a patient undergoing an arm lift could be sent home that same day. Body contouring procedures could also fall under either circumstance.8
Some skin incisions can take at least six weeks to heal.8 Healthcare providers and patients need to follow up closely with each other during this time.
Ultimately, it could take up to two years to see the results following surgery to remove excess skin.2
Other Considerations for Surgery
There are a few other things to consider if you want to get surgery for excess skin, such as eligibility and risks.
Not Everyone Will Be Eligible for the Surgery
It’s not a good idea to undergo surgery for excess skin if you’re still losing weight—or if there’s a good chance you’ll regain it right away. The ideal timing is if you have reached your ideal weight and kept it consistent for at least six months.8
Sometimes, a plastic surgeon may refer you to a nutritionist or a personal trainer to help with weight loss before they address procedures for excess skin. Healthcare providers will also consider the patient’s overall health when determining whether they’re a good candidate for surgery.8
You Should Choose Surgeons and Facilities Carefully
Body contouring procedures can be performed either in hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers. However, you have to ensure you are consulting with a board-certified surgeon working in an accredited facility. Surgeons should also be able to discuss their goals for the surgery with you.8
There Are Surgery-Related Risks
As with any type of surgery, some risks should also be discussed with a healthcare provider before you decide to proceed. For example, body contouring surgery may lead to complications such as blood clots, infection, or heavy bleeding.10 Additionally, skin excision surgery can cause swelling and pain or discomfort.8
A Quick Review
It’s common for weight loss to cause excess skin, which may be uncomfortable or painful. The recovery depends on how much skin you want to remove, so it may be a quick procedure or involve multiple surgeries over time. If you want to get rid of excess skin after losing weight, consult a healthcare provider for surgical treatment options.