How to Lose Excess Skin

Sagging, loose skin may not be pretty, but it's a normal byproduct of extreme weight loss. Unfortunately, skin stays in place even when underlying fat disappears. The best way to tighten loose skin is to avoid having it in the first place. Of course, this may be easier said than done. Many people have no choice but to be overweight or be stuck with loose skin. Even though you may have some loose skin, there are actions you can take to reduce and tighten it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Weights
• Skin toning cream
• Contouring garment

1. Prevent loose skin in the first place. The key to avoiding excess skin is to lose weight slowly and, ideally, to start a weight-loss program when you're young and your skin has more elasticity. A good goal is to lose one or two pounds a week. Rapid weight loss and crash dieting damages skin elasticity, leading to issues with hanging, loose skin. Don't go on a diet at all---just use a common-sense approach to eating and be sure to drink plenty of water.

2. Exercise regularly, concentrating on strength training exercises. Over time, regular exercise will tone your body and get rid of that pesky excess skin. Strength training will replace your body fat with muscles, leading to decreased amounts of loose skin.

3. Try a skin toning cream. There are many types of skin toning creams on the market that offer positive results. Check online for user reviews of different creams to find the right one for you.

4. Wear a contouring garment to help push excess skin into its place. There are special binding garments on the market created for postpartum women to help rid them of post-pregnancy bulges.

5. Consider surgical options to tighten loose skin. Keep in mind that these procedures are major surgeries. Surgical procedures to tighten loose skin include abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck") and body lifts. Possible side effects include permanent scarring, bleeding, suture rupture and adverse reactions to anesthesia. These are considered cosmetic, not medical, operations and generally aren't covered by insurance.

6. Accept yourself. Many people are more predisposed to having loose skin than others. If you've lost a significant amount of weight in the past, congratulate yourself for taking action to live a healthy lifestyle and accept that excess skin is just a side effect from losing the weight. You don't want to stay heavy just to avoid having excess skin. Exercising frequently and maintaining a healthy body weight should be your goals---not tight skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult with a health care provider before starting an exercise regimen.

References

• Go Ask Alice! - Columbia University

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