Why do you get loose skin after losing weight?
Rapid weight loss (whether natural or medically supported with Mounjaro or Wegovy) can lead to loose skin because the skin’s ability to contract and tighten is limited. When weight is lost too quickly, the skin does not have enough time to adjust and shrink back to fit the body’s new shape, resulting in loose skin. It’s essential to allow your skin time to adapt during weight loss.
How much weight loss causes loose skin?
The amount of weight loss that causes loose skin varies; more significant weight loss in a short time tends to cause more loose skin than a large amount of weight loss over a more extended period.
Loose skin is caused by the speed at which you lose weight rather than the amount of weight you lose.
How to avoid loose skin after weight loss
Although you may want to reach your goal weight as soon as possible, rapid weight loss is not always the best idea. You can avoid loose skin by being consistent with exercise and diet, and gradually losing a healthy amount of weight over time. Give your skin time to shrink back down to your body.
How to tighten loose skin after weight loss
There are many ways to tighten your skin after rapid weight loss. Some people may opt for natural remedies, whereas others may opt for surgical treatments. The most popular options for tightening loose skin are strength training, supplements such as collagen, creams, tummy tucks, and other loose skin surgeries focusing on different body parts.
Strength training for loose skin after weight loss
Strength training builds muscle mass, so replacing the missing fat with muscle eliminates the appearance of loose skin. Of course, if you have a lot of excess loose skin, muscle mass will only help so much, and you may still have a small amount of loose skin after building muscle.
We advise you to do some strength training throughout your weight loss journey so that you can manage your loose skin more easily when you reach your goal weight.
Collagen for loose skin
Collagen helps with loose skin by maintaining skin elasticity. Your body naturally produces collagen, so over time, your body will naturally reduce loose skin (to an extent). Collagen supplements support your skin, helping maintain its elasticity and potentially minimising the appearance of loose skin. As you age and collagen production decreases, your body’s ability to restore elasticity to your skin decreases.
Loose skin cream
Loose skin creams work by targeting collagen and elastin production. They are a topical option rather than a supplement for collagen boosting.
Tummy tucks for loose skin
A tummy tuck is cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It can also tighten core muscles, resulting in a smoother and flatter tummy.
Tummy tucks for loose skin can be expensive and risky. You will be in recovery for a considerable amount of time with permanent scarring, and complete healing can take up to a year. Getting a tummy tuck is a big decision, so do your research before making a final decision.
While tummy tucks are permanent, you can regain loose skin if you lose weight. It is best to reach your goal weight beforehand if you decide to get a tummy tuck.
Can you get a tummy tuck on the NHS?
The NHS does not generally offer tummy tucks unless your loose skin medically impacts you. Tummy tucks are considered cosmetic surgery, which the NHS does not cover.
Other surgeries for loose skin
You can suffer from loose skin on other parts of your body, not just your belly: your arms, legs, face and back. Tummy tucks will improve the appearance of your belly, but what about the other body parts?
Arm lift (brachioplasty)
Loose skin on the arm caused by losing arm fat fast is quite common. Surgeries such as arm lifts can help remove loose skin on the arms. Again, this is a permanent procedure, but the results can be reversed if you lose weight after the surgery. Doing your research, knowing the risks, and achieving your goal weight before surgery are essential.
Facelifts for loose skin
Loose skin on the face and neck after extreme rapid weight loss is common. A facelift can help to tighten the skin. Facelifts are not permanent and will only be a temporary fix, but they can provide long-lasting results; many have seen results that last 10 to 15 years.
Thigh lifts (thighplasty)
Loose skin on your thighs after rapidly losing leg fat is common, and thigh lifts are an option to treat it. Like the other loose skin options we have covered, thigh lifts remove excess skin. The risks and benefits remain the same: a permanent scar and permanent results as long as you don’t continue to lose weight after surgery.
In conclusion, there is no right or wrong way to reduce loose skin after rapid weight loss, and you should make your own informed decision by carefully considering the pros and cons of each option.
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
| Strength training | – Non-invasive – Improves muscle tone under skin – Affordable | – Limited impact on significant loose skin – Takes time to see results |
| Facelift | – Dramatic results for facial sagging – Long-lasting effects | – Invasive surgery – Expensive – Downtime and potential scarring |
| Thigh lift (thighplasty) | – Removes excess skin from thighs – Immediate contour improvement | – Surgical risks – Scarring – Recovery time |
| Collagen (supplements/injections) | – Supports skin elasticity – Minimally invasive (injections) | – Subtle results – Requires ongoing use or sessions |
| Loose skin creams | – Easy to use – Non-invasive – Widely available | – Mild, temporary effects – Ineffective for major loose skin |
| Arm Lift (brachioplasty) | – Targeted contouring of upper arms – Immediate skin tightening | – Surgical risks and scarring – Recovery time |
| Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) | – Most effective for abdominal skin tightening – Can repair muscle separation | – Major surgery – High cost – Noticeable scar and long recovery |
