The skin expands to accommodate extra fat when you gain weight. Losing the excess weight often creates a plethora of skin that usually hangs loosely off the arms, legs, abdomen and face. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the fat loss coupled with reduced skin elasticity can be unattractive and create a misshapen silhouette. Cosmetic procedures, proper hydration, exercise and diet can help you develop a smooth appearance that complements your new body weight.
Effects
The effects of rapid weight loss take a toll on the skin that exacerbates the loss of fat. According to the National Institutes of Health, skin loses its turgor, or ability to pop back into shape after being stretched, when it becomes dehydrated. Drinking more fluids while you're dieting can help to keep sufficient fluids in the skin and prevent it from becoming entirely loose and flabby.
Considerations
Aging also plays a role in the quality of your skin and how it reacts to weight loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the second layer of skin loses collagen over time, making it less likely to produce sufficient filler when needed. Elasticity also decreases, making the loose skin even more pronounced. Combined with the loss of underlying fat, weakened muscles and bone loss, losing weight later in life increases the chances of developing excessive sagging skin.
Function
The function of body contouring is to remove the flaps of excess skin and any residual fat. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, people who lose large amounts of weight often require a number of procedures to remove all the leftover skin. Excess skin is surgically removed and usually leaves scars that surgeons try to place in inconspicuous spots.
Warning
You should wait until your weight has stabilized for a period of time before undergoing cosmetic surgery to remove extra skin. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, weight gain will appear in other places on your body and leave you with a misshapen form. In addition, doctors prefer to make sure a patient's health is stabilized and no other obesity-related medical issues are present before putting patients under the anesthesia and rigors of a complicated surgical procedure.
Benefits
Exercise also can improve the appearance of sagging skin, filling it up with muscle rather than fat. Just like women who tighten up their bellies after giving birth, you can help to tighten up loose skin after losing weight through regular exercises that involve resistance. Crunches are the most efficient form of exercise to tighten abdominal muscles that may be covered with excess skin, according to MayoClinic.com. Coupled with a diet that continues to keep your fat in check, aerobic and strength training can help to alleviate the problem of extra skin.
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