How to Tighten Skin After Weight Loss

After achieving significant weight loss, the next part of the battle is tightening skin that has become loose and saggy. It's not guaranteed that--even with hard work--you can get the results you want. With combination of good diet and a fitness routine, you can tighten your skin to a certain degree, leaving you feeling healthy and confident.

How to Tighten Skin With Diet

Step 1

Eat a lower fat diet with lean protein. Cutting down on dietary fat can help lessen extra skin, even after weight loss. Choose lean protein foods, such as chicken and fish.

Step 2

Drink plenty of water. Keeping your body hydrated is crucial in tightening loose skin. Drink 64 oz. of water a day. You can add to hydration levels by eating water-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

Step 3

Refuel your electrolytes. In addition to hydrating your body with water, replenish your body's electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. Sports drinks are a good way to get electrolytes back into your system.

How To Tighten Skin With Exercise

Step 1

Reduce body fat. To tighten and lose that extra skin, reduce your body fat. While you may have hit your target weight, you still might have a high percentage of body fat.

Step 2

Do cardiovascular activity, such has running, swimming or walking. This type of endurance exercise will burn excess fat. Engage in aerobic activity several times a week for 30 to 60 minutes.

Step 3

Strength train to reduce excess skin by building muscle. Building muscle can reduce the sagging by creating a firm layer under the skin. For best results, strength train two to three days a week.

How To Tighten Skin With Surgery

Step 1

Ask your doctor about skin folds. After trying to reduce excess skin with diet and exercise, surgery should the last option.

Step 2

Wait at least six months for surgery, to ensure you are at a stable weight.

Step 3

Consider the downsides of surgery. While surgery can permanently remove excess skin, it is an expensive procedure that leaves scars and requires a lot of recovery time.

Tips and Warnings

  • Use skincare products to exfoliate your skin to increase elasticity.
  • Surgery should be a last option to tighten skin.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Jan 18, 2010

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