How to Get Rid of Saggy Skin After Weight Loss
Excess skin removal surgery improves comfort and contour
Excess skin removal surgery improves comfort and contour
Reaching your weight loss goal is a major achievement that can improve your health and boost self-esteem.
However, losing a large amount of weight — especially quickly — can result in loose sagging skin. This is particularly common in people who undergo bariatric surgery or take weight-loss medications like GLP-1 agonists.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments for loose skin after significant weight loss. Both surgical and non-surgical options can help improve body contour, restore confidence and support your wellness goals.
Nonsurgical treatments, such as radiofrequency therapy or laser-based skin tightening, may offer modest improvement for mild skin laxity. For more significant results, a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in post-weight loss body contouring can help you choose the right approach based on your individual needs.
“After weight loss, excess skin can be a concern just about anywhere on the lower or upper body, as well as around the torso,” says Manish Champaneria, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Scripps Clinic Del Mar and Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo.
“Having this skin removed and reshaping the body contours can improve the way clothes fit, make it easier to exercise and do other physical activities and help people feel more comfortable and pleased with their ‘new’ look,” he says.
Why skin sags after weight loss
When skin stretches over time from weight gain, the underlying collagen and elastin fibers can become damaged. Rapid weight loss doesn’t give skin enough time to adjust, which often results in sagging. Contributing factors include:
- Amount of weight lost - losing more than 50 pounds significantly increases the risk of excess skin
- Age - older skin produces less collagen, reducing elasticity
- Genetics
- Smoking and sun exposure - both accelerate skin aging and damage
Surgical options for excess skin removal
Plastic surgery is often the most effective way to remove loose skin and reshape the body after major weight loss.
Depending on your goals and body areas of concern, your surgeon may recommend one or more of the following:
Lower body lift: Common procedure removes sagging skin from the buttocks, thighs and abdomen. It also tightens underlying muscles to enhance body shape.
Thigh and buttock lift: If excess skin is limited to the thighs and buttocks, the surgeon can remove it and reshape the lower body.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): Removes excess skin of the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles, sometimes combined with liposuction for improved contour.
Back lift: Removes rolls of extra skin on the back, sometimes combined with liposuction for improved contour.
Breast lift: Reshapes and raises the breasts; implants may be added if desired for added volume.
Arm lift (brachioplasty): Removes hanging skin from the underside of the upper arms, giving them a firmer, toned appearance.
Facelift and neck lift: Refines facial and neck contours.
A board-certified plastic surgeon will evaluate your goals and recommend the most effective procedure(s) to help you achieve your desired results after weight loss.
Growing demand for skin removal after GLP-1 weight loss
GLP-1 medications have changed how people lose weight. While they may not work as quickly as bariatric surgery, which often results in major weight loss within six to 12 months, GLP-1 medications can still lead to significant weight loss over 12 to 18 months.
Gradual, significant weight loss from medication can lead to loose or sagging skin, prompting may to choose body contouring surgery to feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.
If you’re on weight-loss medications and exploring surgery for loose skin, consult both your physician and a board-certified plastic surgeon.
You will need to stop your medication for a short time before surgery. Some GLP-1 drugs slow digestion, which can raise the risk of problems with anesthesia.
Your surgical team will tell you how long to stop the medication before the procedure. They will also let you know when it is safe to start taking it again. Your surgeon will want to make sure your weight has been stable for at least six months before the surgery. This helps with healing and leads to better results.
Who is a candidate for excess skin removal surgery?
You may be a good candidate for skin removal surgery if:
- You’ve maintained your goal weight for at least six months — small weight fluctuations are normal, but significant regain can affect results
- You are in good health — chronic medical conditions can raise the risk of complications
- You have realistic expectations — body contouring surgery can improve your shape, but it won’t make you look like a supermodel
- You understand the risks — like any surgery, complications such as bleeding, infection and scarring are possible
“If you decide to have skin removal surgery, do your research and choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in the type of procedure you’re considering,” advises Dr. Champaneria. “Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and ask to see before-and-after photos of patients who have had the same procedure.”
What to expect after skin removal surgery
Skin removal surgery typically involves incisions and recovery time. Here’s what you should know:
- Hospital stay — you may need to stay overnight, depending on the procedure
- Recovery time — most patients take a week or more off work and avoid physical activity for several weeks
- Scarring — while some scars are inevitable, surgeons make every effort to hide them in natural folds
- Long-term results — if you maintain your weight, the results can last for years
Skin tightening and body contouring at Scripps
Board-certified plastic surgeons at Scripps provide advanced body contouring procedures in safe, accredited settings. If you want to improve your body shape or feel more confident after losing a significant amount of weight, Scripps offers expert care designed for your needs.