Loose skin or subcutaneous fat? I am confused whether I have loose skin or fat (Photo)

Question

Okay so i lost a lot of weight. I think 25 to 30 kilos by strength training, cardio and a diet. I am confused wheather i have loose skin or subcutaneous fat. Its been 3 months since i have lost the weight. There still havent been a noticeable change in my skin. Also my left lat is bigger than my right lat and is extremely squishy.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your question about discerning between loose skin and subcutaneous fat following your commendable 30 kg weight loss. Your attached pictures and detailed history provide valuable insights into your current situation.
Firstly, congratulations on your significant weight loss! This is a notable achievement and a testament to your dedication and hard work. Based on the examination of your pictures and considering your weight loss history, it appears that you predominantly have excess loose skin. While there is some presence of fat, it does not seem substantial.
To gain a clearer understanding of your body composition, I recommend investing in a body fat scale. These scales are reasonably priced and offer insights into the percentage of your body weight that is fat versus muscle. This tool can help you more accurately determine the extent of excess fat or skin.
From your pictures and the extent of weight you've lost, it's likely that the majority of the weight loss was due to fat reduction rather than skin. Your age, genetics, and overall health seem to have contributed positively to your skin's elasticity post-weight loss.
If your primary concern is the loose skin on your abdomen, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) might be a suitable option to consider. For addressing loose skin around the hips and buttocks, a 360 circumferential lower body lift could be beneficial.
In summary, it seems that loose skin is the primary issue rather than significant residual fat. This distinction is important in deciding the next steps for any potential surgical interventions.
I hope this answers your question and provides clarity on your post-weight loss body concerns. Wishing you the best in your continued journey of health and wellness.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  First, congrats on the weight loss!  It appears that you would benefit most from a full tummy tuck which would excise the excess skin that you have as a result of your massive weight loss.  All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss. You should be very proud of yourself! Most patients who undergo significant weight loss will experience some degree of "loose skin". Once you reach a long-term stable weight, you may be interested in procedures like tummy tuck or lower body lifting.  If so, seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. Best wishes.

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss and amazing transformation!  As our societies become more weight conscious and healthy, and as bariatric surgery continues to gain in popularity, more and more patients present for massive weight loss body contouring.  What we have learned is that most patients demonstrate both loose skin and excess fat.  Fortunately, we all have some degree of skin elasticity, influenced by age, tobacco use, and genetics, that allows for retraction of the skin with weight loss.  There is a limit however, and with greater weight loss, most patients will demonstrate loose, excess skin as you do, on the lower abdominal wall.  A surgical procedure to remove that skin and soft tissue could further improve the contour of your abdomen.  Weight loss patients have also demonstrated to us, that some body sites are relatively resistant to weight loss.  While we can make some generalities - men have a hard time loosing their "love handles,"  adipose deposits in their flanks, and women struggle with "saddle bags," fatty deposits on the other thighs, - the pattern of fat gain and loss, and how weight fluctuation influences our body shape varies from person to person.  Fortunately, focal residual fat deposits can be addressed by liposuction or other body sculpting technologies.  Hope this explanation is helpful.

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your weight loss! It looks like you have some excess skin laxity that often accompanies large amount of weight loss. There is likely some excess fat as well, but your main problem is skin. The best thing to do is to continue your exercise regimen as you have been doing, and continue to tone. Given that you are young, you may have some some skin snap back, but your likely best option will be surgery once you have been at a stable weight for at least 6 months. Best of luck!

Loose skin or subcutaneous fat? I am confused whether I have loose skin or fat (Photo)

Answers (5)

More Body Lift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Body Lift Questions

Full Body Skin Removal. How long will this procedure take?

I'm 7 weeks post-op after having a 360 body lift. How do you know when you're ready to not wear the compression garment anymore?

Lower body lift, How do I get ready for it? Planning on getting this done first quarter of next year.

Open area on butt incision from lower body lift. What should I do?

Why am I feeling a pin prick feeling under my incision 1 month post op?

Does medicaid cover body lift after weight loss surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS