The effect of weight loss on your skin depends on the amount of weight you were carrying before losing the excess pounds. Being slightly overweight shouldn't impact the skin to the same degree as if you were very overweight. The more weight you gain, the more likely the added pounds will take a toll on the health of your skin. Significant weight loss can then result in undesirable outcomes.
Weight Gain
As you gain weight, the skin must expand to accommodate the added bulk. If you gain a small to moderate amount of weight, the skin should bounce back once you lose the extra pounds. But excessive weight gain often causes the skin to expand beyond its normal capacity. This can weaken or damage the underlying layers of connective tissue, affecting the elasticity of the skin, explains the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In this situation, losing weight can lead to loose or sagging skin on the body.
Exercise
No amount of exercise can return the skin to its former elasticity. Even lifting weights cannot get rid of excess skin. It could, however, make sagging less noticeable. Adding muscle to your body frame by strength training the arms, legs, buttocks or chest can sometimes improve the appearance of minor sagging along these areas of the body. It isn't likely to correct excess skin of the abdomen.
Body Contouring
When the skin isn't able to shrink back to its former size, body contouring may be an option for you, advises the Cleveland Clinic. In this surgical procedure, excess skin and fat are removed before the underlying tissue is repositioned and tightened. The remaining skin is then draped and sutured, improving the contour of the body. This is helpful in correcting excess skin along the abdomen, back, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms and chest.
Benefits
The potential of loose skin as a result of significant weight loss shouldn't dissuade you from losing the excess pounds. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Even certain cancers are more likely to occur in people who are overweight or obese. It's better to deal with loose, sagging skin than the complications associated with added weight.
Criteria
Body contouring surgeries aren't usually available until you've maintained a consistent weight for an extended period, sometimes upward of a year, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Your current health and diet can also play roles in the determination. Your doctor can best explain what is required of you before surgery.
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