Minimize Excess Skin Following Weight Loss Surgery – Loss of weight is a beautiful thing that boosts confidence and self-esteem. However, it has a not-so-good effect of loose, excess, and sagging skin that no one appreciates. The skin holds the body mass and fats in place, which, when removed, leaves the skin sagging as it has nothing to hold. However, the excess skin depends on several factors, including genetics, skin health, amount of weight loss, and the exact procedure performed.
Sagging skin does more than negatively impact one’s self-esteem by constantly reminding oneself of weight struggles. It may have adverse health effects like bacteria growth and chaffing. The bottom line is it does not end with losing weight. Most people are concerned about getting rid of unnecessary skin after weight loss surgery. This guide provides a list of proven methods of regaining that slender and more toned shape that you want after weight loss.
Non-Surgical Means
There are several medically proven methods of erasing the sagging skin without going under
the knife, especially given that you’ve just been through surgery.
Dietary Methods
Medically, some things can be included in one’s diet to help reduce unnecessary skin. However,
note that these methods require a little bit of patience and consistency.
Eating a Balanced Diet
Balanced diet improves overall skin health. It enhances the skin’s elasticity, making it firm and stop sagging. In this sense, consider including Vitamins, zinc, omega3, magnesium, and proteins in your diet. Proteins contain amino acids and other compounds which promote collagen production that improve skin elasticity.
Taking Collagen
Though it has not yet been proven to have any positive outcome on people with loose skin, it is believed to help boost the existing collagen in the body. This will help promote skin elasticity hence eradicating the sagging skin.
Skin Care Routine
This is the most effective non-surgical method of dealing with loose skin after weight loss surgery. Consider taking your skincare routine a notch higher by using firming creams that contain collagen, which will, in turn, promote skin elasticity.
Physical Exercises
Exercises work by building muscles that help hold the skin in place. Exercise also prevents further loss of these muscles hence reducing the sagging of the skin. The good thing about the method is that it helps you continue with the weight loss journey by burning excess calories and fats.
Medical Non-Surgical Means
These medical procedures help eradicate loose skin after weight loss surgery.
Injectables
For those who are not considering going through surgery again and want to lose the sagging skin in a short time may as well consider this option. According to Dr. Baker, the best results with injectables are achieved when using small amounts of products frequently. Dr. Baker urges that large amounts may have dramatic effects, especially during aging. The most common injectables include botox cosmetics, dermal fillers, and Kybella.
Skin Resurfacing
This treatment option is also known as skin peeling. Commo skin-peeling options include:
● A chemical peel, also known as derma peeling- Uses chemical solutions like TCA or Glycolic to improve the skin’s appearance.
● Laser resurfacing- This treatment option removes skin irregularities by directing short and concentrated pulsating light beams to remove skin layer by layer.
● Dermabrasion-Is are used to exfoliate the skin using a rotating instrument to remove the skin’s outer layer. It is a good treatment option for those who want to improve the appearance of the skin.
Dr baker explains the working of skin peeling as follows:
● The outer layer of the damaged skin is removed either chemically, mechanically, or using heat abrasion.
● Smooth and young-looking skin will appear during the healing process as new cells form.
● The effectiveness of this technique depends on the depth of the peel. However, the deeper the peel, the longer it takes to recover, hence a high skin and lightning sensitivity.
Surgical Procedures
If all other methods have failed or you do not prefer any of them, you can turn to plastic surgery to remove the loose skin. You may also choose contouring procedures that are less invasive compared to body lift surgery. Before considering this option, you should stabilize your weight loss for approximately 18 months. If your weight has not stabilized and you continue losing weight even after the procedure, you will still have sagging skin.
Dr. Baker does all body lift procedures and other contouring procedures to help remove sagging skin and restore a tight and smooth, harmonious body. The body lift procedures are done in the following areas.
● Inner and upper thighs
● Arm
● Abdomen
● Lower back
● Hips
● Lower buttocks
Dr. Baker performs the following body lift surgeries
Abdominoplasty
Also called tummy tuck surgery, it tightens weak abdominal muscles by making an incision across the lower abdomen. It restores muscle tone by suturing the abdominal muscles and trimming away the excess-skin. The remaining skin is then redraped over the new contours.
Hip Lift Surgery
It is done by making an incision along the outer area of the hips to provide a smooth waistline. Unnecessary skin is removed, and the remaining skin is redraped over the hips.
Inner Thigh Lift
This treatment option is for patients with sagging skin on the inner thighs. It improves one’s shape by removing excess tissue and skin from the inner thighs. It is done by making an incision along the groin crease to remove fat and loose skin. In cases of severe skin laxity, an incision will be made along the thigh’s inner portion to redrape the remaining skin.
Upper Arm Lift
Most people who have undergone weight loss surgery experience sagging skin on the upper arm. Upper arm surgery is the best treatment option for such people as it removes the excess tissue and skin from that area leading to an improved appearance. An incision is made along the inner space of the upper arm to remove the excess tissue and sagging skin. It is followed by tightening, reshaping the supportive tissues, and smoothing the skin along the arms’ natural contours.
Conclusion
If you have been worried about losing your sagging skin after weight loss, you have many alternatives to choose from. However, before settling for a technique, it is essential to take note of the associated risks and side effects.
Surgical procedures, for example, have the following side effects:
Fluid accumulation
Possible need for revision surgery
Poor wound healing
Skin loss and discoloration
Bleeding, which may be excessive
Non-surgical means, especially dietary methods, may take a decent amount of time before you
can notice any significant results. It, therefore, requires consistency and patience. Consider all
these before making a decision.
