Once you've reached your goal weight, get your skin back into shape. Stretch marks are striations on the skin that occur when skin is stretched due to growth spurts or rapid weight gain. These stretch marks, along with loose, sagging skin, can remain after weight loss. There are both surgical and non-surgical ways to remove sagging skin and stretch marks after your weight loss.
Step 1
Get microdermabrasion. Your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can perform microdermabrasion on stretch marks. Microdermabrasion is a coarse material that is rubbed on the skin to rejuvenate skin. This process may additionally tighten loose skin by regenerating new, firmer skin cells, although microdermabrasion is generally not used as the sole treatment for loose skin.
Step 2
Consider a tummy tuck to get rid of both stretch marks and loose skin. Cosmetic surgeons usually perform tummy tucks, either in the hospital or the cosmetic surgeon's office. The surgeon removes a portion of the skin in the stomach area, then the remaining skin is sewn back together. Areas that contain stretch marks can be removed during this procedure to create the appearance of tight skin with a clear complexion on the stomach.
Step 3
Consult your doctor about post-bariatric surgery if you have had weight loss surgery. Like getting a tummy tuck, post-bariatric surgery is the removal of excess skin from the body. Loose skin is usually removed from all areas of the body, and is more drastic than a tummy tuck. Areas with striations can be cut out of the skin, while clear skin is stretched over the old, sagging areas.
Step 4
Avoid spending money on skin-tightening creams and other over-the-counter cures. Although moisturizer may be effective in making skin more supple, according to the Mayo Clinic, skin-tightening creams are not considered effective.
Step 5
Wait it out. Minimally loose skin will tighten over time, and most stretch marks will eventually fade. Although the results will not be drastic, waiting for skin to tighten up and fade on its own is the most frugal option.
Tips and Warnings
- Get opinions from several doctors before undergoing cosmetic surgery.
- Stretch marks across the entire body may be a symptom of Cushing's syndrome.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizer
