Loose skin after weight loss - does it go away?

oremus1

As per the title. Some places say yes, your skin does shrink back if you moisturise and don't lose too fast. Others say, no it doesn't. Obviously age plays a part, so assuming that person is say 25 - 35. Under that age, your skin is still elastic so unless you have a lot to lose, it should be ok. Over 35-40 ish, possibly not.

lisabinco

Check out this recent thread on the same subject:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1137652-confusing-belly-fat-with-loose-skin

I'm told by my doc that yes, young healthy skin will "snap back" within a 18 month to 2 year span of time, but that most of us can't keep the weight off long enough for the skin to shrink. Age causes skin to lose its elasticity. I suppose moisturizing helps to some extent. Some say building muscle under the loose skin helps with definition but I doubt it does anything to the skin itself. My doc said to wait a couple of years while keeping the weight off, and then decide if surgery is the next step. I tend to agree.

CyberEd312

There is alot of variables that come in to play and every case can be different.... Age, amount of weight lost, how long you carried the extra weight, if you have lost and gained and lost it again, etc, etc...... Some are fortunate to have it go back to normal and other may have to explore options (surgery). Either way you need to give it a year or 2 after you have lost the majority of your weight and see were you are then.... Best of Luck

oremus1

I would be so chuffed if I kept the weight off for two years! Thanks guys xx