While bariatric surgery can do wonders for a patient’s health and quality of life, it can often lead to excess loose skin after all that weight loss. In fact, the experience affects up to 96% of people who get the surgery, and can have a big impact on health, comfort and confidence. Thankfully, there are many treatment options that can target loose skin to help patients feel and look their best. The following article will explore the causes of extra skin after weight loss surgery and how to address it.
Why Does Excess Skin Occur After Weight Loss Surgery?
Excess skin after a gastric sleeve or another bariatric surgery usually happens because the skin is stretched beyond its elastic limit when a person gains weight, and then cannot fully retract after significant weight loss. The amount of excess skin can depend on the amount and rate of weight loss, age and genetics. Here is a deeper look at why it often happens after weight loss surgery:
- Skin stretching: When a person gains weight, their skin stretches to adapt to the extra volume. The stretching of skin can affect its overall elasticity and lead to excess skin when weight is lost.
- Loss of elasticity: As a person gains weight over time, their skin can lose its ability to return to its original shape, which would cause excess skin after weight loss surgery. A loss of elasticity is also natural to aging, and can become worse as the skin is repeatedly stretched from weight gain.
- Rapid weight loss: When a person loses a lot of weight fast, their skin might not have enough time to adjust to the change and return to its original state, causing sagging and excess skin.
- Personal factors: Age, genetics and the amount of weight a person loses can also affect the amount of excess skin they have after bariatric surgery.
Areas Most Commonly Affected by Excess Skin
After significant weight loss from bariatric surgery, many people commonly experience extra skin in their stomach, arms and breasts. Common areas include:
- Abdomen: The stomach is a common area to have loose skin after weight loss surgery, especially in the lower stomach.
- Thighs: Extra skin can show near the inner thighs, often irritating the skin while walking.
- Arms: The upper arms are a common place to see sagging skin after a lot of weight loss.
- Breasts: Flat or drooping breasts may occur after bariatric surgery.
- Face and neck: While less common, weight loss surgery can also lead to sagging jowls, a double chin or a less defined jawline from losing facial fat and skin elasticity.
The exact areas and amount of extra skin after weight loss surgery can depend on the amount of weight the patient loses, their age and genetics. Some people might see extra skin in multiple areas of their bodies, while others may notice it in only one or two.
Physical and Emotional Impact of Excess Skin
Excess skin can affect a person’s appearance and self-esteem and can also be physically uncomfortable. The additional loose skin on the body could make it harder to bathe and get around day to day. It might even keep people from doing their favorite activities or hobbies.
The exact physical effects can include chafing, rashes and pain near skin folds, as well as more moisture in these areas that can lead to infection. Loose skin can also make it harder to exercise or even change how often a person works. Emotionally, many people see their extra skin as a constant reminder of their past weight or feel less confident in their appearance overall.
Surgical Options for Excess Skin Removal
Thankfully, several surgical treatments can target extra skin and help patients feel healthier and more confident in their bodies. The following surgeries target different areas of the body where a patient might have concerns:
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. The surgery can help with everyday function and result in a smoother, flatter stomach. After a tummy tuck, most patients will be able to move around within the first few hours after surgery and can return to normal activities within three weeks. Most patients fully recover within three to six months.
Arm Lift
An arm lift removes extra skin and fat from around the upper arms, improving the appearance of saggy arms. By defining the arm area, it can lead to a leaner, more sculpted look. As for recovery, patients can usually return to work or school within two weeks and normal activity levels within six.
Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift removes excess skin and fat from multiple areas of the body, usually the abdomen, thighs, hips and gluteal area. It can also restore contour and improve definition, tightening the skin and reshaping the lower body for an attractive appearance. Most patients will be able to move around within the first few hours and recover safely at home, experiencing complete healing within six to eight weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions we receive about excess skin after weight loss surgery:
1. Can Patients Prevent Excess Skin After Weight Loss Surgery?
While loose skin usually cannot be avoided after weight loss surgery, steps can be taken to minimize and manage it. For instance, gradual weight loss can give the skin more time to retract and adjust to a changing body shape, while staying hydrated can keep the skin supple and resilient so it can more effectively manage changes from weight loss.
Also, strength exercises might help build muscle to fill the space left from fat weight loss, which might reduce the appearance of sagging or loose skin after bariatric surgery.
2. How Long Should Patients Wait Before Considering Skin Removal Surgery?
In general, it is recommended to wait until a patient’s weight has been stable for at least a year or longer before considering skin removal surgery. This is to ensure the skin has reached its “new normal,” so the final amount of excess skin is clear. It is also because if patients undergo surgery before their weight stabilizes, weight loss or gain can affect the end results.
3. What Are the Benefits of Excess Skin Removal Surgery?
Benefits of these surgeries can include better mobility and hygiene and more comfort and confidence. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following post-op care instructions can help patients get the best results and minimize complications.
Turn to the Center for Weight Loss Surgery for Excess Skin Treatment
While excess skin is a common challenge after bariatric surgery, it does not have to keep you from enjoying the full benefits of your transformation. Reclaim your confidence and comfort with treatment options from the Center for Weight Loss Surgery. Our team will guide you through effective treatment options, from tummy tucks to body lifts, and help determine the best option for your needs.
Schedule a consultation with our experienced surgeons today to explore treatments and see how we can help you look and feel your best.
Links:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9330885/
- https://www.centerforweightlosssurgery.com/cosmetic-surgery/tummy-tuck/
- https://www.centerforweightlosssurgery.com/cosmetic-surgery/arm-lift/
- https://www.centerforweightlosssurgery.com/cosmetic-surgery/lower-body-lift/
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000958.htm
- https://www.centerforweightlosssurgery.com/about-us/
- https://www.centerforweightlosssurgery.com/schedule-a-consultation/
