Weight loss can be a life-changing achievement. Whether you
have lost weight to benefit your health or reduce the possibility of future
complications, losing weight healthily and sustainably can lead to an improved
quality of life. Although weight loss can lead to positive mental and physical
changes, some negative side effects are common with mass weight loss. Excess
skin is a common result of losing weight, especially in older individuals, and
people who have lost more than 50 pounds.
Managing excess, loose skin following weight loss is never
easy, but there are pathways to follow to reduce its size, if not alleviate its
presence altogether. In this blog post, we will share some of the most
effective ways you can combat loose skin. Some are more reliant on genetics,
and others are a solution for anyone and everyone. Take a look at the following
suggestions:
Build Muscle Through Weighted Exercise
Weight loss is a complex process. Whilst fat is mostly the
objective when shedding some pounds, inherently we also tend to lose muscle
mass in the process. This means if you have lost a significant amount of
weight, chances are you have also lost a high volume of muscle that may have
previously been present. Muscle mass is extremely important for us to have. As
we age, we begin to lose muscle mass and elasticity with age. Building a
sufficient layer of muscle on vital areas of our body will not only keep us
moving as we age but it is also proven to tighten skin and reduce the
appearance of loose skin. Of course, if you have a couple of inches of excess
skin, muscle building may not be the only solution, but this is the best place
to start following major weight loss. Consider weight training with a trainer, learn how to use weighted machines, or even opt
for body-weighted workouts.
Consider Collagen Creams
To improve our skin's elasticity, collagen is needed to
reduce excessive strength in our skin. Collagen is also known to reduce signs
of ageing because we have a reduced ability to produce collagen as we age.
Older individuals may have a harder time with excess skin following weight
loss, as they will have less collagen to promote elasticity in their skin. Some
creams and supplements feature a collagen compound to promote elasticity.
Although not solving the problem entirely, collagen can help to firm and tone
the less affected areas that need this. Collagen creams should be a
non-invasive consideration when tackling excess skin.
Non-Surgical laser Lipolysis
Non-surgical laser lipolysis, also referred to as laser
liposuction is a non-surgical way of treating loose skin following weight loss.
This treatment aims to zap stubborn fat using laser technology, reducing the
size of fat cells and breaking down their contents. This liquified fat is
eventually flushed out of your system, and will ultimately reduce the
appearance of excess fat in target areas. Sometimes this non-invasive method is
preferred by patients who want to reduce the size of excess skin, however often
this does not improve the elasticity of the skin which is the root of the
problem.
Consider Surgery
Surgery should never be your first option and you should
always carry out extensive research. Surgeries such as tummy tucks
in Manchester (abdominoplasties) are one of the best ways to contour,
rejuvenate and remove excess skin. It can also restore weekend muscles that can
be a result of pregnancy. These types of surgeries are typically non-reversible
unless the patient eventually puts the weight back on overtime and restores the
fat deposits that were once removed.
Learn To Love Your New Body
Last and certainly not least, you can also combat this
insecurity mentally, by learning to love this new body of yours. We all have
our insecurities, and loose skin can also follow on from the insecurity of
being overweight. Understand that your body is normal, and you should be proud
of what it has been through. In truth, your body will change multiple times
throughout your life. Loose skin does not have to be managed at all in truth.
You can learn to love yourself with enough time and consideration.