Natural/Home Remedies to Tighten Loose Skin
Several home remedies can improve skin firmness and elasticity. However, the results, if any, will be subtle.
Therefore, these treatments are best suited for people who have lost a few to moderate pounds. And those that prefer to get rid of or tighten loose skin after weight loss without surgery.
Consume Collagen Supplements
Studies have shown that taking hydrolyzed collagen increases the strength of your skin’s collagen significantly.
Hydrolyzed collagen, which is also known as collagen hydrolysate, is collagen that has been broken down to make it easier for your body to absorb. It typically comes in powdered form and is considered a dietary supplement.
Note: You can buy collagen supplements for sagging skin in natural food stores or online. Alternatively, foods such as bone broth and pork skin are good sources of collagen.
Use Skin-Firming Creams
Despite their claims, the results of firming creams are subtle and temporary. If effective, the cream can plump up your skin, making fine lines and other aging signs less noticeable. However, for continued results, you will need to use the product daily.
Note: There is also a possibility you will not see any results.
Perform Resistance Training
Engaging in exercises that build your muscle mass not only burns calories but can also lessen the appearance of loose skin.
These strength-training workouts can effectively build muscle mass in both young and older adults.
Consume Certain Nutrients and Stay Hydrated
Consuming these nutrients is crucial for collagen production:
Protein: adequate protein intake is essential for healthy skin. The amino acids lysine and proline play a role in the formation of collagen.
Vitamin C: among other benefits, you can take vitamins to tighten loose skin. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and also helps protect the skin from sun damage.
Omega-3 fatty acids: in a study of 24 healthy women, there was a 10% increase in skin elasticity after three months of supplementation with Eskimo Skin Care, which is an omega-3 supplement. Foods that provide Omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish (e.g., salmon and tuna) and nuts and seeds (e.g., walnuts and flaxseeds). (5)
Water: increasing your daily water intake can help improve the appearance and function of your skin.
Note: Reducing loose skin using natural home remedies can take a bit of time. You will need to be patient and persistence for you to achieve your goal.
Medical Treatments to Tighten Loose Skin
For patients who have had massive weight loss, loose skin surgery and other medical procedures are usually necessary to tighten sagging skin. These procedures include:
Body-Contouring Surgery
As we previously discussed, many people seek surgery to remove excess skin following dramatic weight loss.
Body contouring surgery removes excess sagging skin and fat while improving the tone of the underlying tissue. Procedures that may opt for include:
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): removes excess fat and sagging skin from your abdomen. It also tightens weakened abdominal muscles, creating a smoother, firmer tummy.
Lower body lift: removes loose skin and fat from your abdominal area, buttocks, and thighs (inner, outer, posterior, or all-round). A lower body lift also shapes and tones the underlying supporting tissue in these areas.
Mastopexy (breast lift): removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to achieve perkier, more youthful-looking breasts.
Brachioplasty (arm lift): removes excess skin and localized fat deposits from the underside of your upper arm. It also tightens and smoothens the underlying tissue.
Medial thigh lift: removes excess skin and fat from your upper leg, resulting in smoother skin and improved shape of your thighs.
Rhytidectomy (facelift): removes loose skin and excess fat in your face and neck.
Non-Invasive Options
Tightening of loose skin can also be achieved with minimally invasive procedures, which are less risky and have a less recovery period.
However, while noticeable, results from these treatments cannot compare to the results of body-contouring surgery. If you choose a non-invasive skin tightening procedure, your options will likely include:
Ultrasound
A dermatologist uses ultrasound to send heat deep into your skin. The heat can result in increased collagen production, which may cause modest skin tightening and lifting.
It can take up to 6 months for you to see results. Not to mention, you may require additional treatments.
Note: one study found no objective changes in loose skin following ultrasound treatment who had bariatric surgery.
VelaShape
VelaShape is a non-invasive body contouring procedure that uses a high-energy combination of radiofrequency, infrared light, and massage to improve skin.
One study of 25 postpartum women found the treatment significantly improved loose skin in the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. (6)
And another study showed treatment with VelaShape resulted in a significant loss of loose skin and fat deposits in the upper arm. (7)
Does loose skin after weight loss go away on its own?
Not really. But remember, factors like age, genetics, and how much weight you lost determine how much excess skin you’re left with and how well your skin responds to weight loss.
Therefore, while some patients may see improvements in their loose skin over time, some will require surgery to remove the excess skin.
How to Avoid Loose Skin After Weight Loss
The most effective way to prevent loose skin after weight loss is to lose weight slowly and steadily. Ideally, you should lose 1 to 2 pounds a week to give your skin time to regain elasticity and recover.
“Losing weight rapidly doesn’t give our skin adequate time to gradually contract and this results in loose, hanging skin,” says Jordan Jacobs, M.D., an assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
Our skin is elastic like a rubber band and it has the ability to move and stretch without breaking. Unfortunately, losing weight too first is one of the factors that lead to sagging skin.
Strength training workouts to build muscle mass not only shape and tone underlying muscles. They can also help prevent or minimize loose skin. Wearing compression garments can help you feel and look more confident when exercising.
Takeaway
The presence of loose skin after weight loss is common. If your weight loss was small to moderate, your skin will likely snap back on its own eventually. Natural remedies can help quicken the process.
However, substantial weight loss will require body-contouring surgery or medical treatments to reduce or get rid of sagging skin.
And given that there are so many skin-tightening options available, you should consult a board-certified plastic surgeon or a board-certified dermatologist to learn the best option for you.
You must be logged in to post a comment.