A common side effect of weight loss is sagging skin. Fat loss from both the face and torso leads to saggy skin. Our skin begins to sag in old age as well, primarily because of muscle loss as we age. That’s why we often see the elderly more than the young with looser skin. There are, however, certain medical conditions that can cause abnormal muscle loss and, therefore, lead your skin to sag.
Sagging skin is a difficult—but not an impossible—condition to treat at home. That said, there are over-the-counter-remedies for treating a sagging skin along with other options, like surgical procedures and other invasive and non-invasive treatments.
In this article, we are going to explore the treatment options that are most commonly used to enhance muscle tone and treat saggy skin.
1. Nonsurgical Treatments
Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons use non-invasive procedures that seek to increase collagen and elastin production in the skin through heat.
Nonsurgical treatments are suitable for a majority of skin types and cause only mild swelling and redness.
An example of a nonsurgical procedure is:
- Laser treatment: This treatment targets the epidermis, or the outer skin layer of the skin. Changes can be noticed after two to six months after the treatment that lasts for three to five sessions in total. Laser treatments are particularly effective at toning the upper arms and abdomen.
However, manipulative advertising has led many people to inject silicone, an artificially-produced chemical that is used in muscle toning surgeries. After the harmful effects of silicone have become abundantly clear, people with silicone in their bodies are rushing to get it out. The demand for biopolymer removal experts has peaked since the FDA specifically warned against silicone filler use for muscle toning and saggy skin treatment.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise helps you stay in shape and age with grace. Strength exercises help reduce saggy skin by filling in the spaces with muscle mass. If your saggy skin condition is a result of a dramatic weight loss, you can switch to muscle tightening and strengthening exercises.
In overweight people, the skin takes on a permanently stretched structure, which doesn’t shrink back on its own even after weight loss. A better way to overcome this problem is to focus on building muscle mass once the fat has been lost.
You don’t need a gym to perform muscle-toning exercises. There are a variety of exercises you can do at home, including the following three exercises that target all the body’s major muscle groups. You can combine these three for a killer circuit workout.
- Squats: Squats help strengthen your lower body and core. It also improves flexibility in your thighs and hips. Squats also help you burn calories by working some of your body’s largest muscles.
- Push-ups: If you are struggling with upper body toning, you can’t go wrong with the humble push-up. Push-ups are a great upper-body exercise, since no equipment is required to do them and they can be done almost anywhere. Start with your knees on the floor if the basic push up is too hard.
- Stretch your abdominal muscles: Stretching out is a fantastic way to complete a circuit. Reach up and back as far as you can. You will sense a stretch in your abdomen as you stretch the front of your body. It’s critical to strengthen your core muscles to maintain excellent posture.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated
Consume more fruits and vegetables than usual. Eating higher quantities of fruits and vegetables is the best thing you can do for your heart.
Fruits and veggies contain almost all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Fruits and vegetables improve digestion and keep you feeling light throughout the day.
Eating a balanced meal with generous servings of fruits and vegetables can aid in muscle growth and repair, resulting in the production of fine, lean muscle that is responsible for that nice and toned look.
Moreover, staying hydrated allows your body to flush out impurities and toxins. Water helps you keep the skin hydrated and improves its health. Drink at least two liters of water every day, and more on the days you go for exercise and sweat a lot.
Drinking water improves skin elasticity, reduces sagginess and tightens up the areas prone to sagging, such as the upper arms, waist, thighs, and jawline.
4. Firming Creams
For the topical treatment of saggy skin in small patches on the body, you can try a variety of firming gels, lotions, patches, and other medications available over the counter.
If you are looking for a firming product, you should pick ones that contain retinoid components. Retinoids are important antioxidants that may aid in the production of collagen in the body.
However, experts believe that firming solutions are ineffective long term. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most firming creams provide relatively moderate results, and act primarily as a moisturizer only. People who get results from these products may need to continue taking them to keep on seeing the results.
There are a variety of skin shaping modern treatments available for people looking for a long-term solution to saggy skin. Firming creams are a good alternative to in-clinic treatments if you aren’t ready to go that route yet.
Remember that firming creams are meant to be used in conjunction with the other skin treatments, not as a standalone option. Follow your doctor’s recommendations on which creams to use. When applying firming creams, make sure you really massage it into your skin for the best results.
The Key Takeaway
Weight loss is a great achievement for many people. But the skin sag can put a damper on an otherwise incredible experience. In order to get rid of the sagginess, it’s advised that you start focusing on strength exercises that build muscle. Muscle loss is one of the reasons behind your skin sagging. Apart from exercise, you should focus on your diet, staying hydrated, and explore some alternative treatment options, like laser treatments and firming creams. The most important thing is that you listen to your doctor and act according to the best medical advice.
