This Morning: Dr Mark discusses weight loss device
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Nearly 50 percent of us have gained weight during the pandemic, but others have gone the opposite way and slimmed down. Those who have experienced extreme weight loss may now find themselves with sagging skin. During lockdown, enquiries to Transform Hospital Group for abdominoplasty increased 465 percent, while arm lifts saw a 283 percent increase and thigh lift enquires went up by 156 percent for those wanting to remove excess skin and achieve a tighter physique. Express.co.uk chatted to Mr Mabroor Bhattyat, Consultant Cosmetic Surgeon at Transform Hospital Group (THG), to find out why sagging skin can occur and the three things that can be done to help.
Loose skin can be extremely uncomfortable and can affect people’s confidence, appearance and quality of life.
However, if you want to lose a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time, it’s inevitable.
Mr Bhattyat said: “Collagen and elastin make up a big part of our skin’s structure.
“Collagen helps with the skin’s firmness and texture, while elastin is responsible for the skin’s elasticity which helps it stay tight.
“However, when we gain weight, our skin expands. When it has been stretched for a long period of time, the collagen and elastin fibres can become damaged.
“This can mean that when someone then loses a significant amount of weight, the skin is unable to ‘snap back’ and instead hangs from the body.”
Not everyone who loses lots of weight will have excess, saggy skin. There are several factors that can contribute to loose skin after weight loss. They are:
- The length of time someone has been overweight – as this stretches the skin for a prolonged period of time
- The amount of weight lost – extreme weight loss can leave more sagging skin than a small weight loss
- Age – as older skin tends to have less collagen than younger skin
- Genetics – this can play a part in determining how skin responds to weight loss and gain
- Exposure to sun – as this can break down the skin’s collagen and elastin production
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking – smoking can lead to the reduction in collagen production
Losing weight is a no brainer if you’re overweight because it reduces your risk of lots of health problems and can make you feel more confident.
However, lots of people who achieve their goals are disappointed when they are stuck with loose skin.
Mr Bhattyat said: “While losing weight is a great way to become healthier and reduce the risk of other health problems such as diabetes and even cancer, having loose skin can be a hindrance.
“Not only can it cause some people physical discomfort but it can also lead to a decrease in physical activity due to skin getting in the way of making people feel self-conscious.
“Others can experience skin irritation or infection between their skin folds too, so it is a real issue.”
The three things you can do to get rid of sagging skin
You don’t need to worry about sagging skin because there are plenty of things you can do to reduce it.
Mr Bhattyat said: “The good news is that people don’t need to suffer in silence and lots that can be done to help.”
For starters, you can make some lifestyle changes to improve the appearance of the sagging skin.
The expert said: “Exercising and taking part in strength-training activities can help build muscle mass and improve the appearance of skin while staying hydrated and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables can help look after the skin from within.
“However, no amount of exercise will be able to repair excess skin that has lost its elasticity.”
On top of lifestyle changes, there are three surgical procedures that will help.
Mr Bhattyat said: “There are several surgical interventions and body contouring procedures that can help combat this.
“At Transform Hospital Group we offer a range of treatments and procedures and work with each individual on their desired results.”
Three options include:
Tummy tucks
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a procedure that results in a firmer and smoother stomach.
It can benefit those who don’t like the shape of their stomach after they have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose skin.
Lifts
After significant weight loss, some may find the skin on various parts of their body changes and may become loose and sag.
Surgery can help tighten these areas to achieve a smoother and more contoured shape by reducing extra skin, tightening and smoothing tissue and removing extra fat.
Microneedling
Microneedling is also known as Collagen Induction Therapy.
It is a minimally invasive treatment designed to enhance skin tone and texture and encourage the stimulation of collagen and elastin production through the use of needles that create tiny holes in the skin.
A skin solution tailored to your skincare needs is then applied.
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