Key Takeaway:
- Loose skin after bariatric surgery is a very common and natural outcome of the weight loss procedure.
- After weight loss surgery, sagging skin is most commonly observed around the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts, and face.
- The most common causes of loose skin after bariatric surgery include loss of skin elasticity, rapid weight loss, age, genetics, and more.
- Loose skin after weight loss surgery can be managed with surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
- Brachioplasty, panniculectomy, face lift, thigh lift, and abdominoplasty are some of the surgical procedures that can help manage loose skin after weight loss.
Managing Loose Skin/Excess Skin After Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss is a process to reduce the overall body mass. Weight loss can be done intentionally through diet and physical exercise, and unintentionally by illness and other factors. Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent any complications and aids in maintaining overall well-being. Weight loss can be done through dietary changes, physical activities, lifestyle adjustments, and more. However, there are conditions where weight loss is not possible through physical exercises, diet changes, and more, plus they are unlikely to work effectively. In such situations, bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery is recommended. People with severe obesity, type 2 diabetes (if uncontrollable), high BP, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other conditions where weight loss is not possible through diet, exercise, etc, are advised to undergo bariatric surgery to improve serious medical conditions, reduce complications, and enhance quality of life.
Post bariatric surgery, people who went with significant weight loss can leave them with excess sagging skin which may affect self confidence, make the skin lose elasticity, may make it harder to find clothes that fits, etc. Rapid weight loss can lead to sagging skin around the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts, and face.
Causes of Loose Skin/Excess Skin After Bariatric Surgery
Loose skin after bariatric surgery is a very common and natural outcome of significant weight loss. Some of the common causes of loose skin after bariatric surgery include:
- Loss of Skin Elasticity: Our skin is made of collagen and elastin that give the skin structure and flexibility. As people gain weight and the skin stretches to accommodate fat for a long time, these fibers can become damaged and lose their ability to snap back or tighten up after weight loss.
- Rapid Weight Loss: The speed and the amount of weight loss that occurs after bariatric surgery don’t allow the skin enough time to gradually shrink. The skin which has been stretched over a larger body mass may not have enough elasticity to contract fully, resulting in loose skin.
- Age: As we age, the body produces less collagen and elastin, individuals who go through weight loss surgery may experience more loose skin because their skin has naturally lost some elasticity over time.
- Genetics: Individual genetic predispositions also affect how the skin responds to weight changes. Some people naturally have more elastic skin than others and can adapt better after weight loss surgery while others may find their skin is less resilient and more prone to sagging.
Also Read: Bariatric Surgery – The Ultimate Weight Loss Solution
Areas Most Affected by Loose Skin/Excess Skin After Weight Loss Surgery
After weight loss surgery, some areas of the body are more likely to develop loose skin or sagging skin including,
- Abdomen: The abdomen or the belly area is the most affected part after weight loss surgery. Particularly, if most of the weight loss was carried in the midsection. Excess loose skin around the belly area may cause discomfort, rashes, and even interfere with daily activities.
- Upper Arms: Loose skin in the upper arms is also referred to as bat wings. Loose skin after weight loss surgery in the upper arms is also common in individuals.
- Inner & Outer Thighs: Thighs are often affected by loose skin after bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery. This further leads to friction or discomfort while walking.
- Breast/Chest: The breast in women and chest in men are also affected by loose skin after weight loss surgery. The breast may appear deflated or drooped, while the chest may sag due to fat loss and stretched skin.
- Face & Neck: Loose skin may also appear commonly around the face and neck, especially the jaw line. This may lead to giving a prematurely aged look.
- Buttocks: After a weight loss surgery, the gluteal area can flatten and sag after losing fat stored in the buttocks.
Also Read: Best Foods for Healthy Weight Loss Journey
Options for Managing Loose Skin/Excess Skin After Bariatric Surgery
Loose skin after bariatric surgery is a totally natural outcome and can be managed with surgical and non-surgical options. A combination of these two can also be effective and is used widely to get rid of loose skin. Some of the surgical options to manage loose skin after weight loss surgery include:
- Brachioplasty/Arm Lift: Surgical procedure to remove excess skin hanging below the upper arm.
- Face Lift/Rhytidectomy: Procedure involves removing excess skin from around the neck to give the face a smoother and younger appearance.
- Panniculectomy: Panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that helps remove an apron of excess skin that hangs below the belly button.
- Thigh Lift: To help manage excess loose skin around the thigh, the surgery is performed. It gives the thighs a sleeker appearance.
- Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck: As the name implies, tummy tuck (procedure, need for treatment & side effects) involves tightening abdominal muscles and removing excess skin.
Also Read: Diet Chart for Weight Loss
Non-surgical Options for Managing Loose Skin/Excess Skin After Bariatric Surgery
- Strength Training: Strength training can help build lean muscle to fill out loose skin. Plus, it helps improve tone and reduce saggy appearance.
- Healthy Diet & Hydration: A healthy diet and hydration help maintain skin elasticity. Protein-rich foods especially help with collagen production.
- Firming Creams: Firming creams that contain retinol, collagen, or hyaluronic acid may tighten the skin over a period of time.
- Massage & Skin Stimulation: Massage with gentle oils can help improve circulation and elasticity.
Also Read: How does weight loss affect daily life?
Preventive Measures Before & After Bariatric Surgery
Preventive measures before bariatric surgery
| Preventive Measures |
Benefits |
| Nutrient Rich Diet |
Eat a healthy diet since it makes the skin ready for elasticity & healing. |
| Strength Training Exercises |
Engage in training as it helps improve body composition and fill loose skin. |
| Avoid Smoking |
Quit smoking as it breaks down collagen & weakens skin. |
| Creams |
Use topical creams to support skin health before weight loss begins. |
Also Read: Is exercise alone enough for weight loss
Preventive measures after bariatric surgery
| Preventive Measures |
Benefits |
| Maintain Hydration |
Drink plenty of fluids as it helps keep the skin firm and resilient. |
| Regular Physical Exercise |
Exercise regularly to build muscle under skin as it helps improve the overall tone. |
| Topical Care |
Use firming location with collagen, retinol, etc, can improve mild skin sagging |
| Nutrient Rich Diet |
Stick to a high protein diet as it helps support collagen production and healing. |
Read More: Soaked Almonds VS Raw Almonds for Weight Loss
FAQs
Is bariatric surgery safe?
Yes, bariatric surgery is considered safe. Though there are certain risk factors involved, which must be clarified with a healthcare provider.
How do you qualify for bariatric surgery?
Individuals with a BMI of 40+ or BMI of 35+ with one obesity related health condition, or individuals who are unable to lose weight through other measures, are often recommended for bariatric surgery.
How successful is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is considered successful, particularly in achieving substantial and sustained weight loss for individuals with severe obesity.
What is the minimum weight for bariatric surgery?
The eligibility for bariatric surgery is determined by BMI (body mass index). Individuals with a BMI of 40+ are qualified for bariatric surgery.
