Loose and sagging skin can be caused by aging and excess weight loss. Both types of sagging can cause self-esteem issues, especially when a combination of the two occurs. A consultation with a plastic surgeon is the first step in fixing both problems and restoring your self-confidence.
Aging Sagging
Loose and sagging skin can be caused by aging due to genetic and environmental factors. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD, genetic aging begins in your mid-20s when gradual bone loss causes bones to shrink away from the skin. Without the bone structure to support the skin, the skin sags. Gravity also plays a role in sagging skin, according to AAD. Although sagging from genetics and gravity cannot be stopped, some environmental aging can be prevented. Photoaging is caused by exposure to sun's rays, which over time will cause loose skin.
Weight Loss Sagging
In addition to aging, significant amounts of weight loss can cause loose skin to sag. According to University of Minnesota Physicians, if you lose 100 or more lbs., your skin may not tighten to your body's frame. You can reduce fat and tone muscles; however, there is no natural way to tone the skin. The amount of excess skin varies and is determined by genetics, sagging region, skin quality, amount of weight loss, age and skin quality, according to University of Minnesota Physicians.
Treatment
For both loose skin and sagging caused from aging and weight loss, surgical options will be your best method for treatment. Most non-surgical aging options, such as Botox injections, will be successful at treating wrinkles and expression lines, but have less effect on sagging skin. A face lift is best for facial sagging since, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it fixes fallen fat, lost muscle tone and loose skin. The surgical method for weight loss is a body-contouring surgery that will tighten the areas of loose, saggy skin.
Prevention
You can prevent premature aging of the skin by avoiding deliberate tanning and always wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. As for sagging due to weight loss, if you lose weight slowly you should be able to minimize the amount of loose excess skin remaining once you hit your desired weight.
Considerations
All surgical procedures have the risk of complications. General anesthesia is used for both face lifts and body-contouring surgeries, and in rare cases, the anesthesia can cause brain damage or even death. According to Smart Plastic Surgery, some additional risks involved in surgery are excess bleeding, blood clots, infections and loose sutures.
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