I’m worried about loose thigh skin

Hannahwalksfar

I’m currently 75kg and wanting to lose/am actively losing 10kg. My thighs are quite cellulitey and not toned at all. I’m really worried about having loose skin on my thighs! It’s actually got me thinking whether it’s worth the risk of dropping the weight. I’m terrified of loose skin! It’s a phobia. What is the likelihood of that happening?

LyndaBSS

I think it really depends on genetics. Of course, the older we get, the less elasticity we have in our skin.

I once went from 235 to 148, in my late 40's and had no loose skin.

Hannahwalksfar

I’m 31. 5’4” 1/2 and have good skin generally speaking if that helps

AnnPT77

Most people worry about it, IMO, beyond what will really happen.

Loose skin can look worse part way through weight loss than at goal weight (mine did), and worse at goal weight than it will after a few months or so of maintenance.

It really can't start to shrink until the fat layer is depleted enough that it stops conspiring with gravity to keep the skin stretched; and then it shrinks more slowly than most of us lose fat. My loose skin kept shrinking well into year 2 of maintenance at least, and I was 60+ at the time. (I'd lost about 50 pounds, so close to 1/3 of my body weight.)

You're 31, and don't have a massive amount of weight to lose. I think odds are good that you'll look fine at the lower weight, long term.

Maybe go take a look at some of the after photos in the "Success Stories" part of the forum. There are people there who have lost way more weight than you're losing, and some include bathing suit or similar after photos.

Exercising (cardio & strength), good nutrition, adequate hydration, enough sleep, etc., are going to give you your best odds: Skin is just another organ of the body, and the same things help it be healthy as help the other organs be healthy.

Cellulite specifically has a genetic component, and most women have some of it (no matter what carefully posed and photoshopped celebrity photos might suggest). It can improve, for some, with weight loss.

Lillymoo01

I have a little bit of loose skin but it is getting less noticeable the further along into maintenance I get. However, I was in my mid 40's when I lost around 70 pounds. That being said, give me loose skin over excess fat any day of the week.

SnifterPug

I too was worried about loose skin. I've lost 30kg. I don't have intolerably loose skin anywhere. My upper arms have some but it's not noticeable unless I put my arms out to the side. I'm actively working on filling out my arms with muscle and we'll see what happens then.

However, because I had a lot to lose, and was concerned about loose skin, I lost the weight at a sensible rate. Too fast and it can take a while for the skin to catch up, though I think that may only be a temporary phenomenon. However you want to avoid it if you find that demotivational. Also I was and am rigorous about using a good body moisturising cream every day, particularly in the areas where I feared loose skin. I think that has helped.

Finally, there are reports that taking high dose liposomal vitamin C orally can improve skin elasticity. I've been doing that for about a year, now, and I can feel the improvement in my skin.

zebasschick

work out your legs as you lose weight, and your loose skin will be filled by muscle - it will take some time, but it's SO worth it. not only will nicely muscled legs be more attractive - and no, your legs won't get TOO muscular as that takes MASSES of work - but it comes with the extra benefit of being stronger.

ExistingFish

I was heavier than 70kg and I've lost almost 20kg, I'm also 31.

The only place I have loose skin is my stomach, and that is due to the 3 recent pregnancies, not the weight loss.

I strength train, which may change the appearance of my legs and whatnot. But no loose, saggy skin.

snickerscharlie

Hannahwalksfar wrote: »

I’m currently 75kg and wanting to lose/am actively losing 10kg. My thighs are quite cellulitey and not toned at all. I’m really worried about having loose skin on my thighs! It’s actually got me thinking whether it’s worth the risk of dropping the weight. I’m terrified of loose skin! It’s a phobia. What is the likelihood of that happening?

Choosing to be overweight because of a slight risk of loose skin is never the better choice.

pinuplove

Cellulite is largely genetic, and the vast majority of women have it. Seriously, not worth another moment of your time.

I think we often use fear of the unknown outcome as a reason to avoid change. At your weight, age, and with the amount you have to lose, even if you did wind up with some loose skin it would be minimal and noticeable only to you.

Lynzdee18

I agree with the above posters. Loose skin is better than fat. You’re young and with some time in maintenance your skin will most likely tighten. But if not, no big deal. It’s takes a long time to realize that loose skin is not as important as other things in our lives. And yes, likely more noticeable to you. We’ll all think you’re fabulous.

snickerscharlie

One thing that seems to have helped some people is to use a good body moisterizer. Nourished, hydrated skin tends to be more elastic.

LKArgh

Just 10 kilos will not cause loose skin. It is barely a couple of sizes.

sgt1372

I wasn't worried about it but still got some after losing 40# and being in maintenance for over 3 yrs now. I view it as a consequence of genetics and age (68 going on 69).

It's at the bottom of my butt cheeks and lower abs. It's not severe, just annoying, and is covered by clothing but, of course, I'm still aware of it.

Even thought of getting a butt lift and tummy tuck to "fix it" but my more rational mind and cheap nature prevailed.

So, no surgery for me but that's always an option, if you just can't stand it and can afford to do it, after you've achieved your wt loss goal and the loose skin doesn't go away on its own after a sufficient period of time.

MelanieCN77

I'm in my 40s, lost twice that amount, and my thighs are fine.

kshama2001

I lost 80 pounds in my late 30s and had no loose skin whatsoever.

I lost it slowly, and exercised as I did it.

lorrpb

Lose slowly and strength train. It likely won’t be a big issue for 10 kg.

DancingMoosie

I lost 5 pant sizes and have no loose skin on my thighs. Loss of cellulite does not necessarily equal loose skin. Just try to stick to a reasonable deficit, don't loose too quickly, eat your protein, and do some strength training.

poisonesse

I'm in my late 60s, I've lost over 60 pounds in the past 6 years, so yeah, I took my time. But no loose skin. I did have that hangy thing going on under my upper arms that you can't get away from with age, but even that has decreased. With what you have to lose, I don't think you need worry.

admin765

Just tell everyone the loose skin is a flotation device to keep you from drowning at the beach.

pinuplove

admin765 wrote: »

Just tell everyone the loose skin is a flotation device to keep you from drowning at the beach.

My loose stomach skin (from pregnancies, not weight loss) sort of floats in the bath now. I find it oddly fascinating