What is saggy skin and how to get rid of it?
Saggy skin is a typical sign of ageing. Our external body shape depends not only on the bony skeleton and muscle mass, but also on the distribution of the fatty tissue under the skin and the condition of the skin overlying it.
- Bone: The bony skeleton determines our height. Bones and joints can only be changed to a limited extent by external influences (e.g. improvement in joint mobility, …).
- Muscle: The muscle mass depends on the level of activity and can be changed significantly through targeted training (bodybuilding, …).
- Fat tissue: The number and distribution of fat cells are genetically determined, the filling of the fat cells is dependent on the environment (e.g. malnutrition, obesity/obesity, …)
- Skin: Two vital proteins linked to skin firmness are collagen and elastin. As humans get older, these two proteins are produced less. With age, hyaluronic acid levels also decline. A chemical called hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture and seem fuller. However, most people start to lose firmness in their skin between the ages of 35 and 40.
Changes in body shape during pregnancy are typical temporary changes, although often some shape changes remain after birth (tummy, sagging breasts, stretch marks, …).
The youthful body shape is gradually lost. Initially, despite training and changing eating habits, there are small changes in the sense of fat deposits and a small amount of excess skin, but the skin’s elasticity is still retained.
Later, the age-related loss of volume and/or tension in the muscles and subcutaneous fatty tissue, coupled with a loss of elasticity in the skin and the changes in volume and shape of the bones, cause the soft tissue to become larger than the content. Wrinkles and sagging skin sacks appear.
Saggy skin after weight loss is a common issue faced by several people. The saggy skin expands to make room for an expanded body mass. However, over time, this might harm the collagen and elastin in the skin. As a result, after losing weight, the skin might sag. While people struggle to lose even a few pounds those who succeed may also have to deal with another issue of saggy or loose skin.
The sagging effect is more likely to occur based on the weight lost, the faster it is lost, and the longer you have been overweight.
Some of the common body areas where skin sagging can occur:
- Neck
- Face and jawline
- Upper arms
- Breasts
- Abdomen
- Inner thighs
Tips to avoid saggy skin
Free radicals can damage the skin due to numerous environmental sources. The organism creates free radicals in response to its surroundings. Free radicals can accumulate and cause oxidative damage. This can make the body’s inflammation worse.
Oxidative stress can accelerate the skin’s ageing process and may be a factor in sagging. In addition to these factors, free radical generation can also be boosted by pollution, UV exposure, cigarette smoking, and a poor diet. Antioxidants may neutralise free radicals. Antioxidants are abundant in plant-based meals.
How to get rid of saggy skin
Several lifestyle changes may be beneficial depending on the reason and severity of the saggy skin. In addition, some procedures work better for particular body parts.
These methods could consist of the following:
Firming items
For the treatment of loose skin, there are numerous firming solutions on the market. These are intended to lessen saggy skin after weight loss on the face, neck, or abdomen.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the effectiveness of these products is limited. They are unlikely to pierce the skin sufficiently deeply to lessen sagging. Retinoids-containing products may have certain advantages. Retinoids may boost the skin’s collagen levels, giving the skin a firmer appearance.
Exercise
Exercise activities like resistance training can build muscle. Exercising and gaining muscle can make drooping skin look better, especially on the arms and legs. In addition, facial exercises may enhance neck and jaw muscular tone. This could lessen the saggy skin in certain places.
Supplements
A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables with vibrant colours promotes healthy skin. Supplementing more might be advantageous for saggy skin after weight loss
Skin supplements to explore are:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants aid in scavenging free radicals that could age the skin. A well-known antioxidant, vitamin C, promotes collagen synthesis. The amount of collagen produced falls dramatically without vitamin C. Supplements containing antioxidants can be found in tablets, capsules, and gummy forms. A balanced diet includes a variety of antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
Collagen
The body naturally loses collagen, which collagen supplements may help to restore. Supplements for collagen are available as tablets, powders, capsules, and drinks. One study examined collagen supplementation results and discovered that supplementing with collagen for eight weeks increased skin suppleness.
Nonsurgical procedures
Mild to moderate skin sagging may benefit from nonsurgical therapies. The recuperation period is typically short because they are quick procedures. Skin flushing and brief oedema are typical symptoms. The creation of collagen and elastin is increased during non-invasive procedures by heating the skin’s various layers beneath the surface. 2-4 months following treatment, people might start to see effects.
These treatment types could consist of:
Ultrasound
The deepest layers of the skin are penetrated by high-intensity ultrasound, and heat may stimulate the body to make more collagen. A single treatment might produce minor skin tightening after weight loss and lifting. A more notable effect can result from additional treatments.
Non-Surgical radiofrequency
The tissue under the skin is heated using nonsurgical radiofrequency technology. Although some claim that a single treatment can be effective, it may take longer and more sessions to get the optimum effects. However, when skin is properly cared for, the effects can endure for two to three years.
Laser
Results typically come after three to five sessions and can take anywhere from two to six months to manifest. Skin can be tightened with laser treatments all over the body, but the abdomen and upper arms benefit the most.
Surgical or cosmetics options
Some people might think about surgical alternatives for extreme saggy skin – body contouring surgery in Dubai . However, recovery from body shaping treatments takes a long time—it could take several weeks. One portion of the body may be treated at a time or in many places. Scarring could result from body sculpting in Dubai
Various procedures for body sculpting include:
To sum it up
Saggy skin may result from a variety of causes. These include growing older and losing weight. Although it is safe, some individuals might not like how it looks.
Various options might help the skin’s drooping appearance. For example, those rose with mild to severe sagging may gain from the following:
- Trying firming products, and upping exercise levels.
- Messaging the skin and consuming vitamins
- Nonsurgical and minimally invasive techniques may be beneficial, although they frequently incur additional costs and carry some risk.
Those who experience extreme saggy skin after weight loss might think about plastic surgery. However, body contouring operations are the most sought-after solutions preferred by people. If you are looking for a skilled expert for body contouring in Dubai, get in touch with Prof Dr Robert Hierner. He is highly specialised with extensive experience in this domain.