The skin is less likely to shrink after large amounts of weight loss of 100 lbs. or more are lost in a short amount of time, creating loose or saggy skin around the body, according to Columbia University Health Services. Loose skin can be a problem and once you have loose skin after extreme loss, surgery may be the only option.
Causes
The skin becomes less elastic as you age and being obese can take a toll on your skin. When a large amount of weight is lost in a short amount of time, the skin does not have a chance to gradually shrink to accommodate your new weight loss and instead you are left with loose, sagging skin. According to a 2005 article by Janice Elizabeth Small, the longer you wait to lose weight or continue to yo-yo diet, the less elastic your skin becomes, increasing the chance of loose skin after you finally lose the weight. How much excess skin you will have after losing weight depends upon your age, total weight loss and how much the skin was stretched while being overweight, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Medical Issues
Excess, sagging skin after extreme weight loss leads to the development of folds in the skin around the lower abdomen and inner thighs, according to the University of Minnesota Physicians. Such issues as chronic chaffing, rashes, skin breakdowns and infections caused by the moist environment of the skin folds and inability to maintain hygiene are problems caused by excess skin.
Psychological Issues
Loose skin can be a nuisance while exercising or when trying on new clothes, negatively effecting body image due to the appearance of the body after losing a lot of weight. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people who have lost a significant amount of weight want their bodies to reflect the new, positive image of themselves and sagging skin may prevent someone from viewing themselves as a thinner, healthier person.
Treatment
Body-contouring or body lift surgery is the surgical removal of excess skin that is left after losing a significant amount of weight. It tightens and reshapes different areas of the body where skin is saggy or droopy, according to the University of Minnesota Physicians. When large amounts of weight are lost in a short amount of time through liquid diets or surgical weight-loss treatments, part of the weight-loss treatment involves surgery to remove excess skin. Patients are fully recovered within four to six weeks and the surgery results in scarring and temporary pain and discomfort.
Prevention
To lessen or prevent loose skin with extreme weight loss, lose weight gradually instead of quickly, making it easier for your skin to keep up with your weight loss. People who lose moderate amounts of weight over a longer period of time are less likely to have loose skin after losing weight. Eating nutrient rich foods and taking a multi-vitamin everyday to nourish your body and skin can help minimize loose or sagging skin. Regular exercise as you are losing weight can help lessen loose the skin by building up muscle that may be lost during dieting and it also helps to tone the skin.
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