Weight loss and pregnancy are the main causes of loose and sagging skin on the abdomen. According to The American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, you can inherit the propensity for loose skin. The skin can be stretched so much that the elasticity is lost, and aging skin is more likely to lose elasticity. Dr. Hugh McLean says that once skin has lost its elasticity, exercise alone cannot bring it back.
Why Treat Sagging Skin?
Loose and excessive abdominal skin can be more than a cosmetic concern. Some people have a large flap of skin that hangs down, which can cause skin irritation, rashes and itching. Clothes don't fit correctly and are uncomfortable because of the excess skin.
Why Does Skin Sag?
Collagen is what makes skin firm and healthy looking. The epidermis is the skin you can see. The dermis is under the surface and contains collagen. Subcutaneous tissue is the deepest layer that contains fat and collagen. The break down of collagen is what causes skin to sag, according to an article in Thermage.
Abdominoplasty
A sure fix for sagging abdominal skin is surgery commonly known as a tummy tuck. Major surgery does involve some risk. The surgeon will evaluate your skin condition, muscle tone and amount of fat before operating. The incision is usually placed horizontally above the pubic bone and would be covered by a bathing suit. Skin is repaired by removing the excess. Depending on the degree of the problem, an incision may be made around the belly button. Muscles that have separated will be repaired, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The recovery time is from one to three weeks to resume activity, possibly longer if the doctor feels it necessary. Most insurance will not cover cosmetic surgery.
Other Options
Thermage is a non-surgical option that can tighten loose skin. The results are not as dramatic as surgery but improvement occurs. Thermage uses radiofrequency technology that causes deep heating in the lower layers of skin. During the treatment Thermage cools the surface layer. The treatment causes new collagen to form which leaves tighter skin. No recovery time is required for Thermage.
Prevention
According to the Daily Glow, there are steps you can take to prevent loose and sagging skin on your stomach. Slow weight loss is crucial. Fast weight loss like what is experienced with gastric bypass surgery does not allow skin time to adjust. Use a good quality moisturizer to keep skin in the best condition you can. Weight training can improve the appearance and condition of the underlying tissue.
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