Many individuals who lose a large amount of weight are not prepared for some of the changes their bodies will go through as the weight comes off. They are looking forward to the days when they look and feel better, but they are not thinking about the reality of excess skin and the gastric sleeve before and after skin changes that they may be left with.
If you are considering bariatric surgery, you may be wondering, “Will you have loose skin after weight loss surgery?” Or “What does gastric sleeve “before and after skin” really look like?”
Being left with loose skin after gastric sleeve surgery is very common and highly probable. The amount can be very different for each person based on their starting weight, the elasticity of their skin, and how much weight they lose.
It is normal to have concerns about how your body may look after surgery. This article will explain why excess skin can happen, where it may show up, what may help, and why some pre-planning with a specialist can help your journey go a bit smoother.
Causes For Loose Skin After Gastric Sleeve
Weight gain normally happens gradually, and as you gain weight, your skin stretches to accommodate your growing size. This can cause your skin to stretch more than it was designed to do, and this damages its natural elasticity.
Losing weight quickly after gastric sleeve surgery causes the fat under the stretched skin to diminish, and your shape can quickly change. Your skin is unable to fully retract back to its original tightness, which can leave you with excess loose, saggy, or hanging skin.
Everyone’s skin is different, and some only notice mild changes, while others may end up with visible folds. Some of the reasons some people end up with looser skin than others include:
- Skin elasticity naturally declines as you get older.
- Genetics can influence the elasticity of your skin and how well it can snap back after being stretched.
- Those with a higher starting weight are more at risk for excess skin after a gastric sleeve.
- Losing a large amount of weight rapidly can make loose skin more noticeable.
Common Areas Affected After Gastric Sleeve
Being left with loose skin after a major weight loss can unexpectedly change the way your body looks and feels. This loose skin may not only influence your appearance, but it can also affect your comfort, the way your clothing fits, and your self-confidence. Some of the most common areas where loose skin may gather include:
- Abdomen or stomach
- Upper arms
- Inner thighs
- Chest or breasts
How Gastric Sleeve Before And After Skin Can Look And Feel
Loose skin that is left behind after losing a lot of weight can look and feel different for everyone. Some people might notice small changes, and others may have excess skin that is more noticeable. It can affect your appearance, your comfort level, and your health.
Understanding what to expect from loose skin after a gastric sleeve can help you be more prepared for this part of your weight loss journey and to have a plan in place if needed.
Look and Feel
- Mild looseness that shows up when you are sitting, bending, or moving.
- Moderate loose skin with visible folds that are noticeable in certain positions.
- Very visible excess skin that is hanging or rubbing against other areas.
Daily Life
- The loose skin may bunch up when wearing fitted clothing like jeans, making it hard to zip up or to find clothing that fits properly.
- Men may avoid tighter shirts due to changes in their chest area.
- Movement like walking, bending, or exercising may be more difficult and uncomfortable.
Health
- Skin rubbing together can cause chafing, rashes, or redness.
- Irritated areas may become sore, swollen, or even start to bleed.
- Moisture trapped in your skin folds can lead to infections.
- Common problem areas include the inner thighs, underarms, and lower stomach.
Mobility Challenges
- Excess skin may make bending, walking, or getting around harder.
- Daily tasks like doing housework or just getting dressed may feel more difficult.
- Trying to exercise or work out can be frustrating with loose skin limiting activity.
Weight loss can improve your health in many ways, but it can also come with physical changes that can take some mental and physical adjustment time. Having a carefully thought-out plan for loose skin after a gastric sleeve can make your weight loss journey less stressful.
Does Everyone Get Excess Skin After Gastric Sleeve?
No. Not everyone ends up with a significant amount of loose skin, but many people notice some degree of laxity.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that age, genetics, and how much weight you lose can all influence how much loose skin you may be left with after gastric sleeve surgery.
What May Help With Loose Skin After Gastric Sleeve
There is no guaranteed way to prevent or fully tighten loose skin without some type of medical or cosmetic treatment. There are some things you can do to help your skin and body adjust during your weight loss journey.
- Strength training may help build muscle under the skin, which can decrease mild skin laxity.
- Eating enough protein helps your body repair tissue and promotes muscle growth.
- Staying well hydrated helps improve elasticity and keeps your skin healthy.
It is important to understand that loose skin is very common after a major weight loss, and you need to keep your expectations realistic.
You can only do so much and may need to undergo cosmetic skin removal surgery or have a series of cosmetic treatments to deal with your loose skin when you reach your weight loss goals.
When Should You Ask About Treatment For Excess Skin After Gastric Sleeve?
It is a good idea to explore your treatment options for loose skin at the same time you are learning more about the weight loss surgery you will undergo. Understanding that loose skin may be a normal part of your weight loss journey and having a plan in place to deal with it can help everything go more smoothly.
If you have already lost a significant amount of weight, you may wish to speak with a specialist about treatment if you are experiencing the following:
- Skin irritation, rashes, or redness in folds.
- Difficulty keeping certain areas clean and dry.
- Discomfort during movement or exercise.
- Concerns about how your body looks and feels after losing weight.
Where Can I Find Out More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery And Dealing With Loose Skin?
The Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery Institute (LESI) near Atlanta, Georgia, offers gastric sleeve surgery and the T-Shape 2 procedure that is used to tighten mild to moderate loose skin.
The board-certified bariatric surgeons, Dr. Michael Williams and Dr. Brendon Curtis, perform many different weight loss surgeries with expertise and precision, keeping your safety as their top priority.
Set up a personal consultation to learn more.
FAQs
Is Loose Skin After Gastric Sleeve Normal?
Yes. Having loose skin after gastric sleeve surgery and a significant loss of weight is common. The amount of loose skin you are left with can vary based on your age, genetics, how long your skin was stretched, and the amount of weight you have lost.
Can You Prevent Excess Skin After Gastric Sleeve?
No. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to prevent excess skin. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits during your weight loss journey, like strength training, proper nutrition, and staying hydrated, may help your body adjust along the way and may reduce how noticeable loose skin becomes.
Will Loose Skin Go Away on Its Own After Weight Loss Surgery?
Probably not. Loose skin may get slightly better over time as your weight stabilizes, but it normally does not fully tighten up on its own. Everyone is different, but usually, eliminating all of the loose skin that is left behind after weight loss requires cosmetic body contouring treatments or skin removal surgery.
