Losing a lot of weight within a short period of time can sometimes result in unwanted areas of 
excess skin. Individuals who undergo weight-loss surgery often tend to develop loose pockets of skin, as well as those who do cardio exercise frequently without adding strength training to their routines. In some cases, you might even have loose skin due to switching to eating healthier foods, but have difficulty tightening and toning your skin through exercise.
There are multiple different ways to tighten excess skin after weight loss, such as through establishing a solid strength-training routine, or by having one or more cosmetic procedures that can help contour your body, such as liposuction or tummy tuck surgery. Check out these five effective ways to tighten loose skin after you’ve lost weight.
1. Limit your exposure to the sun
Spending time outdoors is good for your health, but exposing your skin to direct sunlight for long periods of time can cause it to lose its elasticity. Spend no more than 15 minutes per day in direct sunlight to prevent skin damage, and to help your skin maintain elastin. When you do spend time in the sun, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
2. Drink more water
Water will naturally keep your skin smooth, plump, and hydrated, and can improve its elasticity. If you’re exercising regularly, water is important for helping your muscles and body recover during and after your workout. Drink more water throughout the day to help tighten your excess skin, and reduce your intake of sugary sodas, teas, fruit juices, and coffee.
3. Get into strength training
If you engage in lots of cardio exercise, it’s possible your skin has become loose as a result of losing weight without doing strength training on the side. Strength training can help tone and tighten underlying muscles and as a consequence skin, especially if you focus on specific areas that need tightening. The CDC recommends that in addition to cardio exercise, adults should do strength-training exercises at least two days per week that work all the major muscle groups.
4. Moisturize your skin
Use moisturizing skin care products that contain vitamin E, which can help improve elasticity and tighten your skin. Vitamin E also has the ability to encourage new skin cell growth, which may aid in the repair of loose skin.
5. Work your abs
Both men and women tend to develop loose, excess skin in their tummies and abdominal regions following extreme weight loss. If you consider your tummy a problem area, start doing strength-training exercises that specifically work your abs and core. Do multiple plank variations, sit-ups, crunches, and all other exercises that can help tighten and tone your abs.
If you’ve already tried a number of different ways to tighten stubborn pockets of loose skin, consult with a cosmetic surgeon to learn more about other treatments. For instance, a tummy tuck can help remove excess skin and fat from your midsection, whereas liposuction can reduce pockets of excess fat in various regions of your body, including your thighs, arms, back, and abdomen. Liposuction using SmartLipo technology can also help tighten your skin while also minimizing bruising and swelling.
GLOW Surgical Arts offers a variety of cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures to help you look and feel more attractive. Request a consultation online, or call GLOW Surgical Arts at (650) 241-2209.
