Thick lose skin

[TeresaHip]

Is anyone else's loose skin thick? It's really ugly. My research said either lost weight to fast (not my case), visceral fat deposits, not enough protein (could be me), not enough resistance training (big issue for me because I have had many surgeries throughout my weight loss stopping from exercising. In recovery mode from surgery now) and not enough hydration (definitely not me).
I hate to keep adding stuff for my many issues. Hopefully I can get back to exercise and training soon.
If you have/had this issue what was your solution?

 

[docka]

i'm sorry to break it to you, but if you're loose skin is still thick that means in 99% of the cases that your fat cells are still filled with triglycerides, obviously that doesn't imply that you don't have loose skin.
i'm guessing you probably just gained a bit of weight back really fast after having lost a lot of weight and those excess calories got stored as stubborn subcutaneous fat stored in the excess skin because our bodies fkn hate us, it's frustrating, i've been there too bro.
a quick test to see really how much fat got rebuilt in there would be to track macros and avoid at all cost to overstep your lipids, as long as you're at least in maintenance, your belly skin should soften up and feel waaay more watery-like, after a week you'll be able to see exactly how much fat is in those stubborn areas, hence you'll be able to make choices from a solid base.
also too much salt can really give an extra-fat look to loose skin so consider your sodium and electrolyte balance as a pillar of aesthetics

 

[TeresaHip]

i'm sorry to break it to you, but if you're loose skin is still thick that means in 99% of the cases that your fat cells are still filled with triglycerides, obviously that doesn't imply that you don't have loose skin.
i'm guessing you probably just gained a bit of weight back really fast after having lost a lot of weight and those excess calories got stored as stubborn subcutaneous fat stored in the excess skin because our bodies fkn hate us, it's frustrating, i've been there too bro.
a quick test to see really how much fat got rebuilt in there would be to track macros and avoid at all cost to overstep your lipids, as long as you're at least in maintenance, your belly skin should soften up and feel waaay more watery-like, after a week you'll be able to see exactly how much fat is in those stubborn areas, hence you'll be able to make choices from a solid base.
also too much salt can really give an extra-fat look to loose skin so consider your sodium and electrolyte balance as a pillar of aesthetics

I've not lost and put back on quickly. I've always been heavy. But I had a car accident about 17 years ago. Was laid up for a year. I packed in the weight. I lost the weight I have slowly. As of today I am down 164 pounds.

 

[TeresaHip]

i'm sorry to break it to you, but if you're loose skin is still thick that means in 99% of the cases that your fat cells are still filled with triglycerides, obviously that doesn't imply that you don't have loose skin.
i'm guessing you probably just gained a bit of weight back really fast after having lost a lot of weight and those excess calories got stored as stubborn subcutaneous fat stored in the excess skin because our bodies fkn hate us, it's frustrating, i've been there too bro.
a quick test to see really how much fat got rebuilt in there would be to track macros and avoid at all cost to overstep your lipids, as long as you're at least in maintenance, your belly skin should soften up and feel waaay more watery-like, after a week you'll be able to see exactly how much fat is in those stubborn areas, hence you'll be able to make choices from a solid base.
also too much salt can really give an extra-fat look to loose skin so consider your sodium and electrolyte balance as a pillar of aesthetics

Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[longex2021]

I've not lost and put back on quickly. I've always been heavy. But I had a car accident about 17 years ago. Was laid up for a year. I packed in the weight. I lost the weight I have slowly. As of today I am down 164 pounds.

Don't really think you will be able to do much about that without surgery. Too much weight loss and skin doesn't bounce back so easily when we are older

 

[dancs]

Can I ask a few questions?

How old are you?
What's your weight?
What's your height?
Do you do any current training/exercise?
Where are the fat deposits located?

I know some of these questions are sensitive, but my intention and I'm certain the others intentions are genuine in wanting to help you.

I've been through yoyo diets and gained/lost dramatic weight throughout the years. Fortunately, my genetics blessed me with no sagging/loose skin, BUT I have quite a few vertical stretch marks all across my abdomen.
I've been through many trial and error, experimention with keto, carnivore, animal based diet, counting macros, dirty bulking, extreme fasting/diet(s), I did a lot. 🤣

I want to see if there's anything I or others here can do to help you. It's always good news to hear success stories and motivational testimonies!

 

[RubbaDubba1]

Is anyone else's loose skin thick? It's really ugly. My research said either lost weight to fast (not my case), visceral fat deposits, not enough protein (could be me), not enough resistance training (big issue for me because I have had many surgeries throughout my weight loss stopping from exercising. In recovery mode from surgery now) and not enough hydration (definitely not me).
I hate to keep adding stuff for my many issues. Hopefully I can get back to exercise and training soon.
If you have/had this issue what was your solution?

Good job on the weight loss #1, #2 I wish you luck on getting into the shape you want or need to be in for plastics. I lost 400lbs, I've had 13 operations (not done yet) always in physical therapy and have had plastics before.

My experience, I had a Panniculectomy (stomach) which just gets rid of the excess skin and cut from hip to hip. Alot cheaper than a tummy tuck, but not a finished look like I wanted after the fact. The Gynecomastia (chest) was decent, but still just addressed the worst of it on my part. They did remove 15lbs total, which is great. But I wasn't in good shape physically, no muscle tone and the thick loose skin like you mentioned. I gained 140lbs back, then lost alot with the Tirz/Reta and got me to where I am now. I could have plastics again, but I would want to have much better muscle tone and be able to address all the problem areas and spend my money once, not twice.

A couple ways to approach this on your part, from what you're asking. If you just want better quality of life plastics, see what insurance can kick in. Document, document, document and get several letters of recommendations on your side for medical necessity and plan to appeal. If no luck there and you're paying out of pocket, the Panniculectomy isn't a bad option, just don't set your expectations real high for the final finish. Generally if a plastic surgeon will do a Panniculectomy, they will have a cheaper option for a $%^*& reduction as well.

If money isn't an issue, you're a little vain (nothing wrong there) then take the long road on this. Do your best to get some good muscle tone built up. Recovery is a long road, with some muscle atrophy till you can get back in the gym and work out. See multiple surgeons and get different prices and different ideas on how they would tackle it. A surgeon who specializes in patients having lost 100+ lbs is an absolute must! Like maybe travel if you have to kinda thing in my opinion. Go see the ones with the big scrap books, in the peak of they're careers not the beginning of it. Don't take the free consult, most likely they're not the best in the business. Some people save a little money and time and get multiple areas done all at once, other people piece meal areas out one at a time and have a quicker recovery, but seem to get better/happier results that way imo.

I'd go for #2, personally if I was younger and had the money again I would. Now that we have the GLP-1's to help us stay compliant.

 

[lessthanhalf]

I do not believe there is much chance it can be improved without plastic surgery. As in peptide therapies are very unlikely to help. Once the skin has grown larger in area and not just stretched tight, and the subcutaneous fibrous tissue bands holding the skin to underlying structures have grown longer rather than being under tension, it is going to be loose. The parts that are stretched tight will go back towards normal.
I have a lot of loose skin after losing 80kg, and as I do not have the funds or interest in surgery , generally look at it as a massive improvement compared to the same loose skin stretched out and full of fat, at least with a tshirt on it looks a lot better. So how much it bothers you can be a matter of perspective.

 

[TeresaHip]

Can I ask a few questions?

How old are you?
What's your weight?
What's your height?
Do you do any current training/exercise?
Where are the fat deposits located?

I know some of these questions are sensitive, but my intention and I'm certain the others intentions are genuine in wanting to help you.

I've been through yoyo diets and gained/lost dramatic weight throughout the years. Fortunately, my genetics blessed me with no sagging/loose skin, BUT I have quite a few vertical stretch marks all across my abdomen.
I've been through many trial and error, experimention with keto, carnivore, animal based diet, counting macros, dirty bulking, extreme fasting/diet(s), I did a lot. 🤣

I want to see if there's anything I or others here can do to help you. It's always good news to hear success stories and motivational testimonies!

I'm 56
5'5
241
I've had a few knee surgeries so I can't work out but I do walk as pain permits. I'm now recovering from a tib fib fracture hardware removal. I also have lupus, RA and Raynaud's. I truly do my best. I walk with my dogs about a mile most days when I'm not in recovery. I ride my exercise bike daily for therapy. Mainly on my legs and stomach. Someone told me today they think I have lipodema I hope not!

 

[TeresaHip]

Good job on the weight loss #1, #2 I wish you luck on getting into the shape you want or need to be in for plastics. I lost 400lbs, I've had 13 operations (not done yet) always in physical therapy and have had plastics before.

My experience, I had a Panniculectomy (stomach) which just gets rid of the excess skin and cut from hip to hip. Alot cheaper than a tummy tuck, but not a finished look like I wanted after the fact. The Gynecomastia (chest) was decent, but still just addressed the worst of it on my part. They did remove 15lbs total, which is great. But I wasn't in good shape physically, no muscle tone and the thick loose skin like you mentioned. I gained 140lbs back, then lost alot with the Tirz/Reta and got me to where I am now. I could have plastics again, but I would want to have much better muscle tone and be able to address all the problem areas and spend my money once, not twice.

A couple ways to approach this on your part, from what you're asking. If you just want better quality of life plastics, see what insurance can kick in. Document, document, document and get several letters of recommendations on your side for medical necessity and plan to appeal. If no luck there and you're paying out of pocket, the Panniculectomy isn't a bad option, just don't set your expectations real high for the final finish. Generally if a plastic surgeon will do a Panniculectomy, they will have a cheaper option for a $%^*& reduction as well.

If money isn't an issue, you're a little vain (nothing wrong there) then take the long road on this. Do your best to get some good muscle tone built up. Recovery is a long road, with some muscle atrophy till you can get back in the gym and work out. See multiple surgeons and get different prices and different ideas on how they would tackle it. A surgeon who specializes in patients having lost 100+ lbs is an absolute must! Like maybe travel if you have to kinda thing in my opinion. Go see the ones with the big scrap books, in the peak of they're careers not the beginning of it. Don't take the free consult, most likely they're not the best in the business. Some people save a little money and time and get multiple areas done all at once, other people piece meal areas out one at a time and have a quicker recovery, but seem to get better/happier results that way imo.

I'd go for #2, personally if I was younger and had the money again I would. Now that we have the GLP-1's to help us stay compliant.

I have Medicare and they won't pay for anything but maybe a Panniculectomy. That's if the skin is causing issues.

 

[Grogu]

i'm sorry to break it to you, but if you're loose skin is still thick that means in 99% of the cases that your fat cells are still filled with triglycerides, obviously that doesn't imply that you don't have loose skin.

I would have to agree with this, all my loose skin is just that, loose.

OP, dont beat yourself up too hard about the exercise bit. First, we all do the best we can do and it sounds like you have had surgeries that have limited your capacity. Second, no amount of walking or biking is going to reduce excess skin. The elasticity of skin is largely a function of age, genetics, and how long the skin has been stretched out and to what degree. Again, all largely out of your control at this point.

I am still weighing my options as far as skin removal. My awful insurance company will never help out, and although I could swing the costs, I am not sure if it is worth the risk of surgery. I also have a specialist who has to clear every medical procedure no matter how small and he pretty much says no to most stuff. In this case, I think I would have to agree with him. This is clearly an aesthetics issue nothing causing me physical issues, at this point.

 

[BNLFL]

I have Medicare and they won't pay for anything but maybe a Panniculectomy. That's if the skin is causing issues.

Medicare or Medicaid?

 

[RubbaDubba1]

I have Medicare and they won't pay for anything but maybe a Panniculectomy. That's if the skin is causing issues.

If that's available to you, look into it in my opinion. I have family that had it done, she was similar to your situation and they got 25lbs off.

 

[dancs]

My apologies for asking you the sensitive information. I was going to say by lifting heavy weights, you can help the stubborn areas, but that's only to a degree...

I'm not sure if this is allowed, but I have some Cag on the way --- if it's permitted on here and with your permission, maybe I can send you some when it arrives?

I would recommend you do some research regarding Cagrilintide, AOD-9604 and MOTS-c. I have all 3 coming soon and would like to help you any way I can. BUT you must do research on the pros/cons and see if they would help you or make things worse considering the condition(s) you have (I'm not familiar with them).

 

[TeresaHip]

I've not lost and put back on quickly. I've always been heavy. But I had a car accident about 17 years ago. Was laid up for a year. I packed in the weight. I lost the weight I have slowly. As of today I am down 164 pounds.

If that's available to you, look into it in my opinion. I have family that had it done, she was similar to your situation and they got 25lbs off.

I am. I just have a few more other surgeries to get through.

 

[TeresaHip]

My apologies for asking you the sensitive information. I was going to say by lifting heavy weights, you can help the stubborn areas, but that's only to a degree...

I'm not sure if this is allowed, but I have some Cag on the way --- if it's permitted on here and with your permission, maybe I can send you some when it arrives?

I would recommend you do some research regarding Cagrilintide, AOD-9604 and MOTS-c. I have all 3 coming soon and would like to help you any way I can. BUT you must do research on the pros/cons and see if they would help you or make things worse considering the condition(s) you have (I'm not familiar with them).

You are to kind! I've been wanting to try cag and motts. Aod not so sure.

 

[RubbaDubba1]

I am. I just have a few more other surgeries to get through.

I know the feeling, good luck with everything.

 

[FarmgirlRebel]

Well I'm 160 down from my highest weight and I'm 61. There is nothing other than a scalpel and a surgeon that is going to fix this lower abdominal loose skin.
Because spanx and the like can keep everything contained and manageable, I don't think I'll be going in for surgery. If I was younger, probably a different story, I'd more than likely opt to have it removed.