Weight loss and pregnancy can be beautiful phases of life to go through, but sadly, they have strings attached. And by strings, we mean sagging loose skin. When you’re pregnant, your skin expands suddenly to make room for your baby and remains this way for a long time damaging the elasticity of your skin. In the other case, when you’ve lost weight, excess skin is left behind after the loss of the fat from your body. The higher the weight loss, the more the loose skin effect.
So, let’s see what we can do about this!
What are the methods of treating loose skin?
Here are the different treatments available to tighten your loose skin:
1. Skin-firming creams and lotions
There are lots of lotions and creams in the market that claim to tighten loose skin. Some of them contain retinoids which help prevent free radical damage that harms your collagen. Applying the cream on the skin helps to tighten the loose skin slowly. Also, massaging the cream will help increase blood flow to the area, which helps with better results. To know which cream or lotion to use, contact a dermatologist.
Limitations:-
- They need to be applied early on.
- The results are subtle, if any, and can take a long time for you to notice changes.
- The result may also be temporary.
- Retinoids should not be applied during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always discuss with your doctor first.
2. Non-invasive skin tightening procedures
Here non-surgical devices are used to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin to shrink tissue, which has lost its tone and elasticity. This way, loose skin gets tightened slowly. These methods help in tightening the skin without any scars and are less painful.
Limitations:-
- They may cause some redness and swelling.
- A board-certified dermatologist must perform them.
3. Ultrasound
During this procedure, ultrasound waves are used to send heat deep into your skin to tighten loose skin.
Limitations:-
The heat can cause your body to produce more collagen. If the procedure is not done correctly, excessive collagen can cause damage to internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
4. Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency energy is used to send heat deep into the skin to tighten it.
Limitations:-
The heat can cause your body to produce more collagen. If the procedure is not done correctly, excessive collagen can cause damage to internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
5. Laser treatment
Lasers are sent deep into the skin without wounding the top layer of your skin. These lasers are used to tighten skin all over the body and can be especially helpful in tightening loose skin on your belly and upper arms.
Limitations:-
You may need 3 to 5 treatments to get results, which gradually appear between 2 and 6 months after the last treatment.
Minimally invasive skin-tightening procedures
These procedures help with better results than non-invasive procedures and need less downtime as compared to surgical procedures.
1. Radiofrequency
In this procedure, tiny needles or thin tubes are inserted into your skin to heat up the targeted layers of your skin. In this way, heat is directed to the particular area required.
Limitations:-
Results can be gradual and subtle.
2. Laser resurfacing
This is known to be the most effective method. Lasers used are of a higher intensity and concentration. However, unlike the regular laser treatment, this procedure will require downtime of about a week.
Limitations:-
- Downtime required. You will need to stay home for 5-7 days.
- There is a greater risk of side effects, including scarring or pigmentation.
Lifestyle changes to prevent loose skin
Maintain your ideal weight
Losing too much weight too fast invites loose skin. Having consistent weight helps avoid these issues quickly. If you are looking to lose weight, do it gradually.
Eat a healthy diet
Excessive fat and oil consumption can lead to loose or sagging skin.
Moisturise!
If you are pregnant or working towards weight loss, you should anticipate changes in your skin before they happen. The best way to prevent the formation of stretch marks or loose skin is to moisturise your skin regularly. This reduces the damage that may be caused.
Staying hydrated
Drinking a lot of water moisturises your skin from the inside, and applying moisturiser on the skin keeps it hydrated from the outside. When your skin is hydrated inside-out, there are fewer chances of loose skin.
The silver lining
Your rewarding journey of pregnancy or weight loss should not be ruined by yet another problem of loose skin popping up. Now, it doesn’t have to be!
FAQ’s
1. How long does it take for skin to tighten after weight loss?
You could be looking at a retraction period of a month to a year, depending on the amount of weight you have lost. Your skin will have to regain its elasticity and heal.
2. Does slow weight loss reduce the chances of loose skin?
Yes, the best way to avoid getting loose skin after you lose weight is to do it over time gradually. This way, your skin has time to adapt to the changes in your body.
3. What supplements help tighten skin?
Collagen supplements can help in tightening the skin. However, you must only take them under the supervision of a doctor.
4. What is the best vitamin for skin elasticity?
Vitamin C, E, carotenoids, lycopene and antioxidants all help in improving the skin’s elasticity. You can include food rich in these in your diet.
Worried about your looks because of your loose skin?
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