Weight loss (bariatric) surgery and loose skin
What is loose skin?
Loose skin is skin that has lost its elasticity and firmness, often appearing stretched, saggy or wrinkled.
It commonly occurs after significant weight loss or as part of the natural ageing process, when collagen and elastin in the skin decrease.
Loose skin can vary in appearance, from mild wrinkling to more noticeable folds, and is often most prominent in areas such as the stomach, arms, thighs, neck or face.
Factors affecting loose skin
Loose skin can occur for several reasons.
As we age, skin naturally loses elasticity, making it more prone to sagging. Genetics also play a role in how your skin responds to ageing and changes in weight.
Rapid and significant weight loss, particularly after bariatric surgery, often results in loose skin because the skin does not have time to adapt.
The longer someone has been overweight, the less likely their skin is to ‘bounce back’.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking and dehydration can further reduce skin elasticity, making loose skin more common.
Impact of loose skin
Physical impact
Loose skin can lead to physical discomfort and even pain, as the skin may rub against clothing or other areas of the body, causing irritation or chafing.
Some people may feel restricted or uncomfortable during exercise or certain activities.
Skin folds often require extra care to maintain hygiene and prevent problems such as rashes or fungal infections.
Emotional impact
Following bariatric surgery and significant weight loss, it is common to experience a range of emotions relating to loose skin.
Some people may feel disappointed because they feel their appearance does not reflect the hard work they have put into their weight loss journey. Feelings of sadness and shame relating to body image can also arise.
You may find it challenging to adjust to your new body and struggle to recognise the changes that have happened following surgery.
It is important to acknowledge these feelings and understand that they are a normal part of the process.
Over time, many people report feelings of acceptance around their loose skin, while some feel that it represents their journey and hard work.
Coping with loose skin
Loose skin is unlikely to ‘bounce back’ or reduce by itself over time. For many people, loose skin will result in a permanent change to their body.
Will exercise ‘fix’ loose skin?
Exercise such as weight training may help to build muscle underneath the skin, which can sometimes improve the appearance of loose skin.
However, no exercise can ‘fix’ or completely eliminate loose skin.
Will skin care ‘fix’ loose skin?
While many products may advertise that they ‘cure’ loose skin, there is no skin care product that can completely eliminate loose skin.
Skin care products containing collagen or vitamin E can support skin hydration, which may help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin, but these will not ‘fix’ excessive loose skin.
Being more comfortable
Wearing compression garments or choosing clothing that flatters your new shape can help manage the appearance of loose skin.
Loose clothing may also help to ease discomfort and reduce potential chafing.
Surgical options
Several surgical options are available to address loose skin:
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): Removes excess skin from the abdomen.
- Arm lift (brachioplasty): Removes excess skin from the upper arms.
- Thigh lift: Removes excess skin from the thighs.
- Body lift: A more extensive operation that removes excess skin around the torso, including the abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks.
- Breast lift (mastopexy): Lifts and reshapes the breasts.
Unless there is a significant physical medical need linked to loose skin, surgery for loose skin is not offered within NHS services.
You will therefore need to pay privately for loose skin surgery.
As with all surgery, loose skin surgery carries risks. When investigating private options, it is important to use plastic surgeons who are appropriately qualified and certified.
You can find a list of certified surgeons on the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons website.
Emotional support
If you are experiencing emotional distress as a result of loose skin, you can access support from the Bariatric Psychology team.
E: chelwest.bariatric.psychology@nhs.net
You can also speak to your GP about psychology services available locally.