Will my skin tighten by itself after Gastric Bypass? 6 Months Post-Op.

Question

Hello everyone. First, before my question I will put some info about me: Age: 25 Height: 5 foot 5 Inches Weight Before Surgery: 348 Weight 6 months out ( Current ): 227.8 Goal Weight: 150 Since I am so young and I exercise and weight lift 4-6 days a week, will my skin tighten by itself? So far I don't haven't got much hanging skin, just on my arms and under my arms and a little on my thighs. Will it go away in time or will I need to have surgery? What other options besides surgery do I have?

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

You're doing incredibly well with your weight loss and fitness routine, and at your age, you have a better chance of skin retraction compared to someone older. However, skin elasticity depends on multiple factors, including genetics, how long your skin was stretched, and how much weight you ultimately lose.
Since you're only six months post-op, your body is still adjusting. Skin retraction can continue for up to two years after major weight loss, so it's too early to determine whether you'll need surgery. Your commitment to exercise, particularly strength training, will help. Building muscle can improve the appearance of loose skin by adding volume underneath. Hydration and proper nutrition also play a role. Drinking enough water and consuming adequate protein supports collagen production, which is essential for skin health.
Non-surgical treatments such as radiofrequency and ultrasound-based therapies have shown some effectiveness in stimulating collagen production and improving skin tightness. However, the degree of improvement varies, and these treatments do not offer the same level of tightening as surgery.
If, after waiting at least 12 to 24 months, you find that the loose skin is significant and does not improve despite your efforts, surgery may be the most effective option. Procedures such as an arm lift (brachioplasty) or thigh lift can remove excess skin and provide a more contoured appearance. The decision to pursue surgery should be based on both functional and aesthetic concerns, such as skin irritation or difficulty with exercise.
For now, continue with your fitness routine and give your skin time to adjust.

Gregg (Kai) Nishi, MD · Answer

Hi there. First off, congratulations on losing so much weight. That is fantastic! With regard to your skin, that's difficult to answer. Some people have very elastic skin and it snaps right back. Other people will end up having a lot of excess skin. Most people end up with some degree of excess or baggy skin and the more weight you lose, the more you tend to have. One thing to keep in mind though is that if you have a lot of excess skin, it just means you were super successful and lost a lot of weight! So it's not necessarily a bad thing.

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello.
Thanks for your time and question.Congrats on losing so much weight, regarding your skin what I can tell you is everyone has her own body shape, both before and after weight loss. Some people have more loose skin  after weight loss,  It's exceedingly rare to have no loose skin after massive weight loss--and it does not matter how slowly or quickly you lose weight. The skin damage is done with the weight gain, not the weight loss. Weight loss just unmasks it. what i would recommend to visit a certified plastic surgeon so you can get an evaluation and discuss the best option for you. 
Hope that you can get your surgery and start a new journey.
Good luck in this journey, blessings .!
Dr. Pablo

Will my skin tighten by itself after Gastric Bypass? 6 Months Post-Op.

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