7 Things No One Tells You About Weight Loss and Excess Skin
"Gaining and carrying extra weight for an extended period can stretch your skin, weakening it and reducing its elasticity. In turn, the skin may not be able to return to its original shape, and you may have excess skin after weight loss.[2]
The amount of extra skin that remains after weight loss varies from person to person, depending on several factors, including the amount of weight lost, how quickly it was lost, and body composition factors such as muscle mass.[3][4]
Even your skin’s elasticity is unique, depending on factors such as genetics, age, skin quality, and lifestyle habits, including smoking, diet, and sun exposure, says Bob Basu, MD, MPH, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and founder and owner of Basu Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery in Houston. These elements all play a role in how well your skin bounces back after losing weight.[3]"
