Loose skin after weight loss
Loose or sagging skin can follow significant weight loss, pregnancy or natural ageing, especially on the abdomen, arms, thighs and buttocks. How it is best treated depends on how much excess skin there is.
Mild laxity may improve with non-surgical skin tightening. Significant excess skin usually needs body-contouring surgery such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift or body lift.
Your options
- Non-surgical body skin tightening for mild laxity
- Tummy tuck for loose abdominal skin and separated muscles
- Arm, thigh or body lift for larger areas
- Staged post-weight-loss surgery planned with your surgeon
Before surgery
Your weight should be stable for several months before body-contouring surgery, and your surgeon will discuss the sequence, recovery and risks with you.
Suitable options
Your doctor will confirm the best option after examination.
- Body Slimming & CelluliteBody Skin TighteningNon-surgical treatments to improve firmness and loose-looking skin.Learn more
- Plastic SurgeryPost-Weight-Loss SurgeryBody contouring for excess skin after significant weight loss.Learn more
- Plastic SurgeryTummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)A firmer, smoother abdomen.Learn more
- Plastic SurgeryArm Lift (Brachioplasty)Removes excess skin and improves the contour of the upper arms.Learn more
- Plastic SurgeryThigh LiftImproves thigh contour by removing selected excess skin and tissue.Learn more
- Plastic SurgeryBody LiftFor significant excess skin, particularly after substantial weight loss.Learn more
Common questions
Can exercise tighten loose skin?
Exercise tones muscle but cannot remove excess skin.
How do I know if I need surgery?
If skin hangs or folds, surgery is usually needed. A consultation will tell you.
Will there be scars?
Surgical skin removal leaves scars, placed as discreetly as possible; they fade over time.
How long should I wait after weight loss?
Usually until your weight has been stable for around 6 months.