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Ways to Tighten Loose Skin After Weight Loss

When someone loses a large amount of weight in a short period of time, there is the possibility of remaining loose skin. Decreased elasticity can cause the skin to sag long after the weight has melted away. This can be frustrating to the individual who has lost the weight. Fortunately, there are several ways to tighten loose, sagging skin.

  1. Remain Hydrated

    • Water consumption is one of the most important factors that can affect the human skin and its elasticity. Water can tighten an area after weight loss, moisturize the skin and replenish skin tissues. The firmness of the skin largely depends on whether the body has enough water to prevent sagging and loose skin in areas. Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water daily, plus eating high water content foods, such as apples, lettuce, celery, oranges and watermelon, can help with achieving the level of hydration needed.

    Maintain a Low-Fat Diet

    • To minimize loose skin after losing pounds and inches, eat foods that are low in fat. A healthy low-fat menu will assist a dieter with maintaining and keeping the weight off. Low-fat diets force the body to burn the extra fat that is hanging in the loose skin areas for energy. Foods that are high in saturated fats such as fast foods, chips and sweets should be avoided. Fish, skinless chicken and turkey are foods that should be eaten and included as healthy alternatives.

    Build Muscle

    • To reduce and tone unsightly sagging skin areas, build muscle by working out on resistance training machines. Resistance training can assist with thickening the layers that are located underneath the skin. Incorporating the proper balance of muscle building exercises and cardiovascular workout routines will also help with toning up the loose skin. Some of the best cardio workouts include jumping jacks, squat-thrust jumps, lunge jumps and squat jumps. Cardio exercises combined with muscle building exercises are ideal for toning the muscles.

    Plastic Surgery

    • If low fat diets, hydration and muscle building exercises do not tighten the loose skin, plastic surgery may be an alternative. Plastic surgeons can perform the necessary procedures needed to tighten the loose and saggy skin areas. These specialists are able to contour the body in certain areas, specifically in places where there was a significant amount of weight loss. An extended abdominoplasty can tighten the extra skin folds around the back. Belt lipectomy and body lift surgery can help lift the entire lower section of the body.

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