When you were at your heaviest, you may have taken comfort in the idea that, once you lost weight, your body would snap to a slender, flab-free appearance. The
unfortunate truth is that, if you have been obese and lost weight, your body has been through a lot. Years of stretching has taken a toll on your skin and it may not look as toned as you envisioned when the weight comes off.
Whether you’ve always struggled with your weight or you gained pounds as an adult, your skin has been stretched out. Post-surgery, the fat shrunk so quickly that your skin was put through another rigorous test.
There’s no one size fits all approach to fixing sagging skin, but a variety of tactics that can work for you. To best enjoy your new body and celebrate your weight loss, here are some key strategies to help you address your sagging skin.
Creams and Ointments
There are a plethora of creams and ointments available that may help. Don’t assume that you have to spend hundreds of dollars for them to work. Everyone swears by different items, but a standout one is Palmer’s Cocoa Butter. It’s marketed for stretch marks, but it can also help smooth out any puckering on your abs, arms, or thighs.
Others enjoy using coconut oil. However, any moisturizer that works for you is going to help with saggy skin, because your skin craves moisture.
Double up your efforts with “body brushing,” which is just what it sounds like. A body brush can be found at most beauty stores for a reasonable price, and simple upward strokes daily before your shower can help encourage your skin to tighten up. At the very least, you’ll have a healthy glow.
Dermatology Solutions
Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and body wraps, performed by a dermatology office or
your local spa, are a step up from DIY creams and ointments. Check the reviews of both
dermatologists and spas before heading in for an appointment. Dermatology solutions can be
expensive, so consider scouring daily deals sites to give them a try for a lower price.
If you really want to fix your sagging skin, or you think it’s an extreme case, more surgery may
be the solution. Discuss your options with your doctor, who may be able to refer you to a trusted plastic surgery center.
Sagging skin can feel like adding insult to injury. However, there are ways, both natural and surgical, to treat the problem so you can fully enjoy your post-surgical body!