Is There a Chance Your Skin Can Shrink Back After a Weight Loss of 100lbs or More?

Question

I am 5ft 3in tall. Just had lap band put in place on Aug 19. My max weight was 320lbs (In June) and I am at 286ish now. I have been overweight most of my adult life but not considered morbidly obese until the birth of my now 4 year old daughter. I would like to be a healthier weight, between 140 and 160 to me, seems reasonable, is there a chance my skin will shrink to fit my body or is it likely that I will need surgery to get rid of loose sagging skin?

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

If you are successful in losing more than 100 lbs, I would predict that you will likely have some degree of  excess skin in one or more areas.  The rapidity of weight loss seems to correlate with the amount of skin recoil; i.e., very rapid weight loss does seem to produce more loose skin.  Also, patients with preexisting stretch marks have lost skin elasticity and will almost always have excess skin folds after massive weight loss.  How much excess skin is difficult to predict, so certainly you ought to wait until your weight plateaus for at least 6 months before making decisions about plastic surgery.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss journey and taking that step of having a LAP-BAND placed. 
	I would see how much weight you lose with the LAP-BAND.  Younger patients have more recoil or rebound to their skin and the skin can shrink wrap around your body after massive weight loss. 
	I would wait until your weight has plateaued for at least 3 to 4 months and then evaluate your body to see if you will need surgery.  I have seen patients lose more than a 100 pounds and not require any reconstructive surgery because their skin is relatively healthy and shrink wraps around their new arms, new legs, abdomen, and buttock.
	 
	Thank you,	J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, a 100 pound weight loss is usually always accompanied by loose skin. This may involve the face, arms, breasts, upper back, lower back, abdomen, buttocks and thighs.The degree of sag is dependent upon several factors including the patient's skin elasticity and the magnitude of the weight loss. Although it's reasonable to expect some skin contraction, this would probably be inadequate to totally address your sag.For these reasons, it's highly probable that some type of surgical intervention will be likely. Under these circumstances, it's appropriate to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

Christopher K. Patronella, MD, FACS · Answer

While some people
will have better skin shrinkage than others, it is highly unlikely there will
not be poor tone and excess loose skin in areas of the body such as the buttocks,
abdomen, arms, and breasts. Typically body contouring surgery is required to restore a smoother, firmer skin tone and more ideal contours which complement and reveal the body's new look.

Paul Fortes, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it is not in anyone's favor to experience weight loss of that magnitude with no effect on the skin.  Of course, skin laxity is not an all or none phenomenon.  There are degrees of looseness that can develop in different regions of the body.  The skin's tightness or looseness is affected by not only the total weight loss, but also by the fat loss in specific areas, the age and sex of the individual, and factors like prior pregnancies, prior significant weight fluctuations, and overall health.  I wish you great success with your weight loss goals!

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

Depending on the character or quality of your skin it is possible that it will contract enough tht you won't need surgery. However, it is more likely that you will need surgery to remove the loose skin and fatty tissue that doesn't shrink back. Your skin may be like a rubber band that is over stretched and then it rebounds back, but not all the way.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Congratulations on your successful lap band surgery and your commitment to weight loss and healthy lifestyle.

	Unfortunately,  given that you will end up losing over half of your weight  (at least 150 pounds),  it is most likely that you will have  &ldquo;loose sagging skin&rdquo;.  Also unfortunately this excess skin does tend to be a reminder of the previous history of obesity even when you reached your goal weights.

	There are a variety of plastic surgical procedures designed to eliminate the excess skin when you are closer to your stable weight ( you may find the link below helpful).

	At that point it would behoove  you to seek consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.

	Congratulations again!

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Three factors can determine the amount of skin shrinkage after significant weight loss. The first is how much weight gain and loss is at issue. Next is the length of time you have been overweight. Over weight your whole adult lift is not good for your odds. Last is genetic elasticity of the skin. Two out of three would give you more hope.
	Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

James Hoyt, MD (retired) · Answer

The ability of your skin to shrink back after a significant weight loss, such as 100 pounds or more, depends on various factors including age, genetics, the rate of weight loss, and the elasticity of your skin. In some cases, particularly for younger individuals with good skin elasticity, the skin may gradually adapt to the reduced body size over time. However, for others, excess skin may remain. Surgical options like a body lift or skin removal procedures can help address excess skin, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your specific situation. Healthy lifestyle habits, including staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet, can also aid in skin elasticity during weight loss.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Unfortunately, the skin does not shrink after large weight loss because the colagen has been damaged. If there is loose skin the only way of getting rid of it is removing it surgically.

Is There a Chance Your Skin Can Shrink Back After a Weight Loss of 100lbs or More?

Answers (16)

More Body Lift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (16)

More Body Lift Questions

How Many Weeks After a Body Lift Can You Exercise?

I Have a Lot of Skin to Be Removed, Can You Help Me? It Causes Yeast Infections.

Will a LBL Address Significant Saddlebags? I Hear Resagging is Almost a Given.

How Long After Lower Body Lift Can I Perform Heavy Exercise Without Compromising My Results?

What % Body Fat Do I Need to Avoid Liposuction During a Body Lift?

Can a Full Body Lift Be Done in Seperate Surgeries Instead of One?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS