Can Loose Skin After Weight Loss Surgery Be Prevented?

As you gear up for bariatric surgery in Baltimore, you are likely picturing all the ways your body will change after your procedure: a tighter waist, slimmer thighs, and a minimized stomach. But one change you might not be thinking about is loose skin after weight loss. This is one of the most common side effects that bariatric surgery patients experience. It’s important to understand why sagging skin after weight loss happens and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place. Let’s get started!

It Isn’t Surgery Specific

The first thing we need to get out of the way: sagging skin after massive weight loss isn’t just a “surgery” issue. Whether you lose weight through diet and exercise alone or with the help of a bariatric procedure, sagging skin is a potential side effect.

Why Loose Skin Occurs

Essentially, being overweight can cause stress on the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin. These are the fibers that give your skin elasticity, allowing it to snap back into place with weight fluctuations or pregnancy. The longer you were overweight or obese, the more likely you are to experience loose skin after weight loss surgery.

Loose Skin Is Not a Guarantee

You are likely to experience at least some degree of sagging skin after weight loss surgery. However, it isn’t a guarantee, and for some, it is barely noticeable. So, if sagging skin is a major concern for you, don’t let it stop you from getting the procedure you need.

Loose Skin Can Be Minimized

There is no outright prevention of sagging skin after weight loss surgery. However, there are things you can do to minimize it. These include:

• • Starting with collagen supplements well in advance of surgery.
  • Moisturizing your skin with a lotion that contains collagen and elastin.
  • Drinking plenty of water.
  • Exercising to build muscle.

In the end, there are a few things you can do to lessen your sagging skin. However, much of it will come down to genetics and how damaged your collagen and elastin fibers are. If all this talk about aging has got you feeling really anxious or depressed, we recommend scheduling a consultation for bariatric surgery today! We can help you create a plan for preventing excessive loose skin and talk about your options should they occur despite your best efforts. For more information, read: Life After Weight Loss Surgery.