Managing Excess Skin After Significant Weight Loss
In 2022, 66% of Australian adults were overweight or obese. Losing weight isn’t an easy task. It often requires breaking long-established habits or beliefs to improve your nutrition and increase your exercise. Sometimes, it may also involve medical or even surgical assistance to see improvements in your weight.
As you’re progressing on your weight loss journey, you may notice changes in your skin’s elasticity. So, what are your options if you’re feeling uncomfortable with excess skin?
Understanding excess skin after weight loss
Losing a significant amount of weight is an impressive personal achievement that can positively impact health and well-being, reducing your risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
Health is a big motivator for weight loss but it’s not the only one. Many people also have aesthetic motivators – and may not have expected the excess skin that can accompany major weight loss.
Your skin is an incredible organ, capable of expanding and retracting thanks to proteins like collagen and elastin. When you gain weight, your skin expands. If it has been stretched significantly over a long period, such as in cases of prolonged obesity, the collagen and elastin fibres may be affected. As a result, after weight loss, the skin may not always retract fully to match a leaner frame.
Other factors influencing excess skin include your age, genetics, rate of weight loss and lifestyle factors like smoking or sun exposure.
Chronic rashes or infections in skin folds
Difficulties walking or exercising as the skin may hang uncomfortably
Musculoskeletal problems such as back or shoulder pain or posture-related difficulties.
Can excess skin improve over time?
Yes, it can in some cases. The extent to which excess skin may tighten naturally varies from person to person. Some individuals notice gradual improvements with time, strength training, good hydration and careful skincare.
However, in cases of significant weight loss, excess skin may persist due to changes in collagen and elastin fibres.
Options for managing excess skin
If excess skin is affecting your comfort or quality of life, there are options that may assist in managing this concern. These options can be surgical and non-surgical, depending on individual needs and medical suitability.
Non-surgical approaches
Some non-surgical treatments, such as radiofrequency skin tightening or laser therapy, have been explored for their potential to improve skin texture. However, their effectiveness for significant excess skin is limited and are generally more effective for mild to moderate skin laxity and may not be suitable for individuals with significant excess skin. Results vary between individuals.
Surgical procedures
If you have significant excess skin after major weight loss, your doctor may suggest a surgical procedure called a body lift. During this operation, your plastic surgeon removes large skin folds or fat from sites such as the hips, upper thighs, and lower abdomen.
The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and involves a short stay in hospital to monitor your initial recovery.
Considerations and risks
As with all medical procedures, it is important to consider potential risks and recovery time. Some risks associated with body lift surgery may include:
Infection
Scarring
Changes in skin sensation
Swelling or fluid accumulation
Blood clots.
Expected outcomes
Results from a body lift vary between individuals. Some potential outcomes may include:
Changes in body contours due to the removal of excess skin, which could help improve the fit and feel of clothing
Scarring, which is a natural outcome of surgical procedures and may take time to fade.
Long-term results depend on lifestyle factors, including maintaining a stable weight and engaging in regular physical activity.
How can Dr James Allan help?
Dr. James Allan is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with accredited training in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. He has undertaken advanced surgical training at major teaching hospitals in Sydney and is qualified through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).
Dr. Allan provides consultations and performs procedures for the breast, face, and body. His approach prioritises patient education, informed decision-making, and comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to support both physical and emotional well-being.
If you're thinking about a procedure and would like to explore your options, you can book a confidential consultation with Dr James Allan.
Disclaimer
Dr James Allan (MED0001204818), Registered medical practitioner, specialist registration in plastic surgery. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Results may vary. A second opinion may help you decide if a particular treatment is right for you.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Overweight and obesity, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/overweight-obesity/overweight-and-obesity/contents/summary, [Accessed 10 February 2025]
Better Health Channel, Weight management services, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/weight-management-services, [Accessed 10 February 2025]
Healthline, How to tighten loose skin after weight loss, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/loose-skin-after-weight-loss#causes, [Accessed 10 February 2025]
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Body lift, https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/body-lift/, [Accessed 10 February 2025]
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, Non-surgical skin tightening, https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/non-surgical-procedures/skin-tightening/,[Accessed 10 February 2025]
