Finally, reaching your goal weight and losing stubborn pounds that may have been bothering you for years is a big feat in and of itself. One of the unfortunate and often not talked about side effects of weight loss is the loose skin that comes along with it. That’s because when there’s less fat in any area, the skin has less underlying support cushion to give it that smooth, plump look. Just because you lost the weight and now have loose skin doesn’t mean you need to accept it. There are plenty of ways to target skin tightening after weight loss for increased firmness.
Why Skin Changes After Weight Loss
After weight loss, loose or excess skin is common. With less fat under the skin, the skin cannot ‘mold’ itself around the fat, leaving it looking loose and saggy because the skin adapts to its surroundings, internally and externally.
Fat is more easily stored in some places than others, which is why there may be loose skin after weight loss in areas like:
- Lower abdomen
- Lower back (love handles)
- Hips
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Breasts
- Arms
- Neck
- Lower face
When you lose weight, the skin retracts with your body. If you lose weight too quickly, the skin can’t shrink at the same rate as fat cells, creating loose skin. The skin also needs elasticity, created by elastin and collagen, to bounce back after weight loss. That’s why the skin is looser in some areas after losing weight: the fat is distributed unevenly underneath the skin.
The Different Skin Tightening Treatments
Some people experience permanent loose skin, while others see their skin slowly retract over time. But if you want to speed things up and get firmer skin after weight loss, there are several skin tightening treatments available. The goal of nonsurgical skin tightening treatments is to improve elasticity and build collagen—some even focus on building muscle so that the skin can redrape itself properly. On the other hand, surgical skin-tightening treatments further contour the body or remove the excess skin tighter so that there’s less laxity in the area.
Many women turn to skin tightening treatments to address loose skin caused by pregnancy or significant weight loss. Skin-tightening treatments can stimulate collagen production in the abdominal region, contributing to a tighter and more toned appearance. The arms, thighs, and buttocks are frequently targeted for skin tightening treatments. The skin tends to lose its natural firmness as aging and weight fluctuations occur. Yet a series of treatments can improve firmness and contour in the area for a more sculpted, lifted appearance.
The main results seen with these procedures are improved skin elasticity and far less laxity. No matter the device, they all work to stimulate collagen and elastin production to provide structure and firmness to the skin. As a result, the treated areas emerge tighter and firmer. These effects are particularly noticeable in the face, neck, abdomen, and thighs.
Nonsurgical Skin Tightening Options
Skin tightening treatments after weight loss are noninvasive procedures that stimulate new collagen to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin and reduce the appearance of loose skin. The most effective skin tightening treatments include Morpheus8, Fotona aesthetic laser, and Evolve X RF, which are commonly utilized in noninvasive skin tightening procedures.
Radiofrequency (RF) technology is at the forefront of these treatments, providing visible and natural-looking results. The heat emitted stimulates collagen production and, in turn, promotes a tightening effect on the skin while improving its overall texture. RF can be performed as a standalone treatment or combined with microneedling, as in Morpheus8, which addresses loose skin on the face or body. The combination of microneedling and RF helps remodel collagen and elastin fibers, improving skin tightness and texture. See more benefits of RF Microneedling!
Similarly, ExolveX RF treatments for the body combine radiofrequency heating with electrical stimulation of the underlying muscle to tighten the overlying skin while decreasing subcutaneous fat and improving muscle tone. RF body contouring and skin tightening treatments are especially effective in conjunction with or as part of a weight loss and exercise program. Three to six weekly treatments are recommended for the best results.
The Fotona TimeWalker Aesthetic Laser is cutting-edge technology that refreshes facial skin, which can also experience laxity after weight loss. Powered by Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers and patented non-ablative technology, the Fotona stimulates new collagen production in the skin for naturally tighter skin and long-lasting rejuvenation.
EvolveX RF effectively addresses various areas of the body where skin laxity is a concern, whereas Fontana can tighten skin on the neck and face. Morpheus8 can be used on both the face and body. One of the most common areas affected by these treatments is the face, including the neck and jawline. These areas are prone to visible signs of aging, and skin tightening treatments can help reduce sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles for a more lifted and youthful appearance.
All of these options are noninvasive. They do not require significant downtime and recovery, like plastic surgery. This makes them appealing to individuals who want to enhance their skin and tighten it without undergoing the risks and recovery associated with surgery. Skin tightening treatments are generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
Surgical Skin Tightening Procedures
Skin tightening procedures are minimally invasive surgeries that result in tighter, smoother skin that better complements your new body. Stretched-out skin is often unable to retract appropriately to fit the body’s new contours, which is where surgical procedures come into play.
Body Contouring Surgeries
Body contouring surgery removes excess skin and tightens surrounding tissue. Typically, your plastic surgeon will create an incision in the targeted area, removing excess fat with liposuction. Many body-contouring surgeries target different body parts, including the arms, breasts, face, thighs, and abdomen. These procedures are a good option if you have lost weight but want to improve the shape of your body and address any lax skin, too. Body contouring typically requires incisions.
Tummy Tucks and Arm Lifts
An arm lift tightens the upper arm skin and reduces fat. The procedure is usually reserved for extreme weight loss patients with loose skin and resistant fat that may require body contouring surgery. Arm lifts help the upper arms appear firmer and smoother. While your arms should look tight and toned afterward, an arm lift won’t technically improve the quality of your upper arm skin or address collagen and elastin loss or production as a skin-tightening treatment can.
You may need a tummy tuck to address excessively loose skin on the stomach. It removes excess fat and skin, and any skin that is physically removed will be much tighter after healing. Although a tummy tuck, although permanent and with the downside of a large hi-top-hip scar, is going to give you beautiful results, it also requires much more downtime. Unlike a skin tightening treatment, a tummy tuck can also repair abdominal muscles that have split during pregnancy and childbirth.
At CARE Esthetics, we find skin tightening treatments after weight loss to be an easy yet excellent way to rejuvenate the skin! To determine if a noninvasive skin-tightening treatment suits you, schedule a consultation with our team to understand its benefits and how it can improve your skin after weight loss.
