A Guide to Loose Skin

Do you have loose, sagging skin on your face or body? Does the loose skin cause you embarrassment or physical discomfort? In this guide, we’ll discuss the causes of loose skin and ways to correct it.

Causes of Loose Skin

Loose skin can result from various factors, including:

Age

As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and elastin. Without these proteins to give the skin a firm structure that snaps back when stretched, it becomes lax and saggy.

Weight Loss

Loose, sagging skin is an unfortunate side effect of losing weight. When weight is gained, the skin must stretch to accommodate the additional fat stores. If the skin is stretched too much, it can’t pull itself back once the weight is lost. Age also plays a role in how well skin returns to its former state after weight loss.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy naturally pulls and stretches the skin of the abdomen and breasts to make room for a growing baby and milk production. The weight gain some women experience with pregnancy also causes the skin to stretch. Some women are able to easily return to their pre-baby bodies after giving birth, while others experience loose skin in their abdomens, arms, and thighs.

Rare Medical Conditions

There are a few ultra-rare medical conditions, such as granulomatous slack skin or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, that cause the skin to lose its elasticity. 

Treatments for Loose Skin

Exercise

Mildly loose skin can usually be corrected with a simple exercise. Exercise stimulates blood flow and strengthens the musculature under the sagging skin. Focus on exercises that involve slow, controlled movements, such as Pilates, weight lifting, or resistance training.

Topicals

There are topical products that improve the appearance of sagging skin. However, it’s important to remember that most of these products only provide a temporary solution for loose skin and don’t correct the underlying issues.

Retinol and retinoids, on the other hand, stimulate collagen production and cell turnover. These products are sold both over-the-counter and by prescription, although only the prescription formulations are strong enough to cause a significant difference.

Non-Invasive Procedures

If exercise and topical products aren’t enough to rectify your loose skin, the next step up involves non-invasive medical procedures done under the supervision of a licensed, trained medical professional, like Dr. John Roach here in Tampa. Some of the most popular non-surgical treatments we offer for loose, sagging skin include:

Surgical Procedures

Finally, for sagging skin that hasn’t responded well to non-invasive options, surgical procedures are available. These surgeries are often referred to as “lifts”. Based on where your sagging skin is on your body, Dr. Roach will customize a surgical plan to address all your problem areas. Some of our most popular lifts include:

No matter where you have loose, sagging skin, Dr. Roach has the treatment you need to get rid of it fast! Call Dr. Roach at 1-813-528-8744 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.

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