How Can I Tighten Loose Skin After Weight Loss?

The way to address loose skin on the face and/or body is to excise it (cut it off) and therefore a facelift/ necklift and/or a tummy tuck surgery may be what you are looking for. Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for an examination and discussion regarding the best procedure for your situation.

Loose or excess skin is often caused by weight loss. In general, the treatment for loose skin requires the excision of the loose skin. Frequently, these type of procedures are known as “lifts.”

As we gain weight our skin stretches just like a spring does when pulled from both sides. At a certain point, the elasticity (the ability of skin to spring back), is damaged. If the weight gain continues, the stretching / pulling continues and finally all elasticity is gone. At this point, depending on the speed of weight gain, the the skin may start showing cracks ("Stretch Marks") - these are permanent through and through scar filled cracks in the skin which can never be erased... more

Generally the only way to manage loose skin is via a dermolipectomy procedure. There are alternatives. Titan, Thermage, Velasmooth, Accent, etc. However, I generally see the patients who have tried these and have been dissatisfied. I rarely see someone who has undergone these treatment modlaities and achieve satsifactory results. It doesn't mean that it doesn't work but on a scale of 1-10, these techniques may accomplish a 2-3 when you need an 8-9. Furthermore, it has been my experience... more

The only way to tighten loose facial skin after weight loss is to perform a face/neck lift. After significant weight loss, the skin becomes lax and loose in the jowls, face, and neck. At this point the laxity is significant enough for a comprehensive face/neck lift to be performed. The procedure will tighten excess sagging skin, muscle structure, and remove any additional fat deposits in the neck that may be diet-resistant fat.