You’ve had your surgery, you’re eating well and exercising more and you’re losing weight rapidly. You’re lighter, you’re fitter, you’re enjoying life more. It’s all great – apart from the loose skin.
Loose skin can be an unwelcome side effect of rapid weight loss. Why does that happen? And how can you deal with loose skin after weight loss?
Your skin is your largest organ, with a broad job description that includes helping to regulate your temperature, managing your sense of touch, helping you detect heat or cold, and creating a waterproof barrier.
Skin regenerates every 30 days or so. It’s made up of many different components including water, protein, fats and minerals.
The dermis is the middle layer of your skin, made up of collagen and elastin. These two proteins give your skin its elasticity, allowing it to stretch then return to its normal shape.
Unlike skinny jeans, your skin stretches as you gain weight. But, if you’re overweight for a long time, you may damage its collagen and elastin fibres. Collagen and elastin production also declines with age too.
The result is that your skin may struggle to keep up with your weight loss. The kilos are slipping off but your skin isn’t shrinking back down at the same rate. Instead, it’s hanging loosely off your slimmer body.
That really depends on you. Some people accept their loose skin, others struggle with it.
Excess skin after weight loss may cause problems such as:
If you’re concerned about loose skin after weight loss, then it may help to:
If you’re concerned about loose skin after bariatric surgery, then please come and talk to us. Dr Lockie has helped many patients in a similar situation and can help you to adjust to your new post-surgery body, including managing loose skin in a way that’s right for you.
Please contact us if you need advice and support about loose skin after bariatric surgery.
All information is general in nature. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
*All information is general in nature, patients should consider their own personal circumstances and seek a second opinion. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks
Medications will be assessed pre-operatively and post-operatively. With weight-loss and particularly after surgery, comorbidities can change for the better, particularly e.g., hypertension or diabetes. It is essential for your health that medications are discussed with you, your GP and/or any other specialists such as Cardiologist or Endocrinologist etc.
In addition, use of multivitamins, and alternative supplements should be discussed with the practice to promote your better health.
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