Significant weight loss represents an enormous personal achievement. But for many people, loose, sagging skin on the thighs follows that hard work, and no amount of exercise or healthy eating changes it.
The good news is that effective treatments exist, ranging from minimally invasive technology to surgical correction, and Dr. Tenley Lawton helps patients in Newport Beach find the right fit for their specific situation.
The Mechanics of Loose Skin After Weight Loss
Skin stretches to accommodate weight gain over time. During that process, the collagen and elastin fibers that give skin its structure sustain damage. When weight comes off, especially a significant amount or weight lost relatively quickly, the skin lacks the elasticity to contract back against the new, smaller contour underneath.
The inner thigh proves particularly vulnerable. The skin there tends to be thinner, and the tissue receives less structural support than areas closer to muscle or bone. Age compounds the problem, since collagen production slows naturally as we get older, leaving skin with even less capacity to bounce back after major body changes.
The result: skin that hangs, folds, and creates friction, discomfort, and self-consciousness that persists even after reaching a healthy weight.
