What to do with flabby skin?

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kit_liu
kit_liu Posts: 22 Member
in Goal: Maintaining Weight
Ok, I lost the weight I want using MFP. Now I've been maintaining for 2 months (without counting calories, YAY!). Another problem now crops up - flabby skin.......what to do about that? Asking for help here.
I've tried and still am trying, going to the local gym and doing workouts 2x a week and exercising at home when I can. It just doesn't go away. All I get is a decrease in cm of thigh, butt and waist where I want them, but its covered over with hideous fatty skin. How do I go about tightening that. I need help and advice here.
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Replies

  • fluffyasacat
    fluffyasacat Posts: 242 Member
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    Is it flab (extra fat you'd like to lose) or loose skin (which no amount of working out will erase)? Describing it as "flabby skin" is somewhat confusing.
  • jade2112
    jade2112 Posts: 272 Member
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    I'm sorry to say the only way to get rid of it is surgery. Think of a balloon after the air is let out and it's all flabby looking. That's skin after the fat is gone.

    Exercising will firm the muscle behind it and make it look a little better. Unfortunately, exercising won't make it go away.

    I've lost over 115 pounds and have a lot of extra skin. I'm not willing to go under the knife, so I live with it. I hate it, but I live with it.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,372 Member
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    Same boat here. Nothing but surgery can get rid of it.
  • ianthy
    ianthy Posts: 404 Member
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    Yep - agree with others. If it is genuine flabby skin then there is not a lot you can do. I have toned up a lot but my thighs have a lot. Given the choice between having all that extra weight and the flabby thighs after weight loss = I will take the flabby thighs after weight loss. Certainly not interested in going under the knife. For the beach, shorts etc If you moisturise well it can look ok.
  • melaniebutler2012
    melaniebutler2012 Posts: 7 Member
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    Just a thought...I wonder if any of the facial skin tightening creams that are on the market would help at all? Could be an interesting experiment. Could be expensive, if there are large areas to cover, but not as expensive as surgery! ;)
  • fluffyasacat
    fluffyasacat Posts: 242 Member
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    Just a thought...I wonder if any of the facial skin tightening creams that are on the market would help at all? Could be an interesting experiment. Could be expensive, if there are large areas to cover, but not as expensive as surgery! ;)

    No.

    Facial tightening creams make your face look and feel tighter by being made from a substance which contracts as it dries. It lasts until it's washed off. It doesn't do squat for the underlying tissue.
  • erockem
    erockem Posts: 278 Member
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    Tuck it in my pants.
  • tremroy1
    tremroy1 Posts: 90 Member
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    Congrratulations.......please dont stop counting......one of the keys for lasting success......as for the skin.....we are stuck with it.....good luck
  • tami101
    tami101 Posts: 617 Member
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    Some of it may tighten up after a while. I have maintained the same weight for over a year now and my loose skin has tightened up. It's not gone but it has lessened. I drink lots of water and use lotion every day. Best of luck to you and congratulations on meeting your goals!
  • 0dreamer0
    0dreamer0 Posts: 21
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    Ok, I lost the weight I want using MFP. Now I've been maintaining for 2 months (without counting calories, YAY!). Another problem now crops up - flabby skin.......what to do about that? Asking for help here.
    I've tried and still am trying, going to the local gym and doing workouts 2x a week and exercising at home when I can. It just doesn't go away. All I get is a decrease in cm of thigh, butt and waist where I want them, but its covered over with hideous fatty skin. How do I go about tightening that. I need help and advice here.


    From what I know, surgery is the way.
    However, because I am new to this exercise/weight loss stuff... is there a way to avoid the loose skin that often develops?
  • peonip
    peonip Posts: 1 Member
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    Wearing spanxs or tights under your clothing can help to hold everything in place, but I think only skin removal surgery can truly make a difference. Good luck.
  • beautifuldisasta
    beautifuldisasta Posts: 89 Member
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    Congrats on your weight loss and maintaining :) Just going off how much you weighed and what you are now on your ticker, surely it cant be loose skin, as you weren't big to start with, I think you'll be fine just keep up with the exercise, eating well, drinking lots of water and I'm sure you will see results :)
  • TattooedCinderella
    TattooedCinderella Posts: 10 Member
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    Most insurance companies will cover that surgery IF the skin covers your pubic bone. It's called a panectomy. They cover it bc once it covers the pubic bone it can lead to certain types of yeast infections bc of the dark, moist area. But the skin must cover the pubic bone. I did some research and spoke to my PCP about it. I still have a lot of weight to lose but I have the excess skin. Mine doesn't cover my pubic bone yet. She told me if I pull my skin eventually it'll cover the bone and I can get it! Can you imagine?! I thought she was kidding but she was serious! I can't picture myself walking the treadmill and yanking my excess skin so it'll cover my girly parts so I can get my panectomy covered!
  • Myazia17
    Myazia17 Posts: 2
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    Permanent results can only be done with surgery
  • plwp
    plwp Posts: 2 Member
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    if it's fat, you lose more weight, if it's sagging skin, you can opt for surgery. You can also look into Thermage which is a laser treatment that can accomplish some tightening on the body.
  • kathyflannery129
    kathyflannery129 Posts: 151 Member
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    depending on your age, some of it you are stuck with...unless you elect for surgery. I have it but have found it is something i will just learn to live with...think of it as kind of a badge of honor(hard i know)....along with my c section scar this is all mine...wouldn't go back for anything......
  • JodieSmith15
    JodieSmith15 Posts: 40 Member
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    I know a lot of people who wear compression because of loose skin. Honestly it's just kind of part of the weight loss process. It's something I deal with and although I've seen good progress with the skin on my arms from weight lifting, my midsection not so much. But rather than focus on that I try to just live a healthy life, eat healthy foods and stay active. Maybe some day down the line after being in maintenance mode for a while I'll look at other options but it's not something I'm too worried about. I agree with kathy though, it shows where you've been and how hard you've worked, the stretch marks too. It may not seem that way but I try to look at it that way at least. Congratulations on reaching your goal and maintaining the loss, well done!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,527 Member
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    It can retract some in a years time, but loose skin can't be tightened unless it's "filled" again (either with muscle or fat). You either accept it at that point, or get surgery to remove it.
    Don't fall for topicals, wraps, corsets, massages, etc. They may visually help temporarily, but that just it......it's temporary. And a lot of money to boot.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • elisa123gal
    elisa123gal Posts: 4,287 Member
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    depends how serious your coniditon is. If it is mild, i'd go to a dermatologist or laser skin clinic and see if there is something they can do to improve it… they have all the latest and greatest stuff..and will tell you the truth if it can be fixed without surgery.

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