How can I avoid as much loose skin as possible while losing 100-120 pounds?

Question

I have 100-120 pounds to lose. I have just turned 36 years old. I am really scared about getting tons of hanging loose skin. I know I will need a breast lift as I am a G cup bra and prior to gaining the weight I was a DD. So I will be going from a G to a DD. What can I do while losing the weight other than lose it slowly to minimize the amount of skin I will have? I can't afford/take the time off work to have the multiple surgeries needed for skin removal on body and arms plus breast lift.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hello, Thanks for sharing your query. Loose skin is a problem of rapid weight loss. The amount of laxity can vary from patient to patient depending on gender, genetics and skin type.There are a few things you can do to minimize this, Lose weight gradually use plenty of moisturizers and oils for massage. Use some skin tightening creams which help maintain skin integrity. Consult a plastic surgeon after your weight loss to assess skin laxity.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Asalu82, Congratulations on beginning your weight loss journey.  The simple answer to your question of how to minimize the amount of excess skin that develops after massive weight loss is "nothing".  Nothing can be done to maximize your skin contractility and minimize the amount of hanging skin.  There is no garments, supplements, vitamins, or creams that can minimize the amount of hanging skin.  Considering the amount of weight you plan to lose, I would imagine you need  at minimum, a tummy tuck. Usually, a 360 circumferential lower body lift can be performed in one procedure. During the second procedure and final procedure, the arm lift and breast lift can be performed. After you have lost the weight, you weight should be stable for three months before you consider reconstructive plastic surgery.  Please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgery who specializes in reconstructive plastic surgery after massive weight loss. There are several plastic surgeons who specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after massive weight loss.  If you need to travel out of state to find such an expert, please do so.    If you have any more questions after you have lost the weight, please contact my office.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question.There's no way to prevent the excess skin that develops after losing weight. However, once the excess tissue is known and stable (your weight goal stable for 6 months) then consider a body lift surgery or an extended tummy tuck. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Kenneth Bermudez, MD, FACS · Answer

Skin laxity after massive weight loss is a difficult problem. Most patients who have undergone massive weight loss, tell me they feel physically better, but are dissatisfied with the loss of volume and loose skin. The amount of laxity can vary from patient to patient depending on gender, genetics and skin type, all things that we have no control over. I don't know of any prophylactic measures to prevent skin laxity after massive weight loss.

Shahin Fazilat, MD, FACS · Answer

Skin laxity occurs when skin is stretched, and as we age we lose collagen and elasticity which causes us to have sagging/loose skin with weight loss. There's not much you can do to avoid this, however, you can use skin firming creams to assist in the strengthening of the skin while losing weight. We love Body Therapy by PCA Skincare.

How can I avoid as much loose skin as possible while losing 100-120 pounds?

Answers (10)

Answer: How can I avoid as much loose skin as possible while losing 100-120 pounds?

Answer: How can I avoid as much loose skin as possible while losing 100-120 pounds?

Answer: Skin Laxity

Answer: Skin Laxity

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How can I avoid as much loose skin as possible while losing 100-120 pounds?

Answers (10)

Answer: How can I avoid as much loose skin as possible while losing 100-120 pounds?

Answer: How can I avoid as much loose skin as possible while losing 100-120 pounds?

Answer: Skin Laxity

Answer: Skin Laxity

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.