How to Keep From Looking Old After Bariatric Surgery
For many people, one of the biggest downsides to finally achieving their weight loss goals after bariatric surgery is the loose, sagging skin that remains. After carrying excess weight for years, the overstretched skin lacks elasticity and gets stuck in its stretched-out state. This can leave you with folds and pockets of wrinkly, hanging skin that make you look much older than your actual age – almost like a deflated balloon.
While some loose skin is inevitable, there are science-backed strategies to help minimize sagging and tighten your body’s appearance during and after major weight loss. In this blog, we will be discussing ways on how to keep from looking old after bariatric surgery procedures including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, revision bariatric surgery.
Stay Hydrated Inside and Out
Proper hydration cannot be overstated when it comes to maintaining skin elasticity and youthful appearance. Rapid weight loss can dehydrate and shrink skin cells, contributing to wrinkling and excessive sagging. Drinking at least 64 oz of water daily (and more if you exercise frequently or live in a dry climate) ensures skin cells can function optimally. Using a high-quality moisturizer and avoiding harsh soaps also helps lock in moisture.
Load Up on Protein
Your skin is made primarily of collagen protein fibers that allow it to stretch and bounce back. As you lose weight, your body needs adequate protein to rebuild and repair these collagen fibers and keep skin elastic and firm. Aim for at least 60-120 grams of protein per day from lean sources like eggs, poultry, fish, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, and lean meats. Consider a collagen peptide powder supplement as well.
Pack in the Antioxidants
Antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and A are crucial for neutralizing free radicals that accelerate skin aging and damage collagen. Fill your plate with vibrant, antioxidant-rich produce like berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and peppers. Supplements like vitamin C or a high-quality antioxidant blend can provide extra protection.
Get Your Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are essential for keeping skin supple, moisturized, and preventing excessive wrinkling and sagging. Make sure to include moderate amounts of plant-based oils like olive, avocado or nut oils, oily fish like salmon, avocados, nuts, and seeds in your post-op diet.
Build Muscle Tone
While loose skin can never fully shrink back to your new smaller body size, building and maintaining lean muscle tone gives skin a firmer foundation to re-drape over. Focus on strength training all major muscle groups at least 2-3 times per week to prevent muscle loss. As you build muscle, existing loose skin will appear tighter and smoother over your more toned contours.
Avoid Extreme Weight Loss
As tempting as it may be to try dropping pounds as rapidly as possible after surgery, losing more than 1-2 pounds per week can lead to excessive sagging of deflated skin. Slower, steady weight loss of 1-2 lbs weekly gives your skin’s elasticity time to adapt and “shrink” to your new sizing during the process. Patience is key!
Consider Plastic Surgery Procedures
For some people, even diligent diet, exercise, and skincare still leaves them with large amounts of loose, hanging skin after massive weight loss. In these cases, cosmetic body contouring treatments can help remove and tighten excess skin. Popular plastic surgery procedures include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), arm lifts, thigh lifts, mommy makeover, and even facelift surgeries to restore a smooth, toned silhouette.
Be Consistent and Patient
Rebounding from excessive skin stretching is a process that can take 1-2 years or more with significant weight loss. The more you can stick to a nutrient-rich high protein diet, incorporate regular strength training, stay hydrated, and protect your skin from further damage, the more it will gradually tighten over time. With consistency and patience, your skin will continue adjusting to allow your hard-earned, slimmer physique to shine through.
While loose skin is difficult to avoid after bariatric surgery, proactive habits like hydration, antioxidants, strength training, and patient weight loss can go a long way in minimizing excessive sagging and keeping you looking youthful and radiant for years to come. With time and diligence, you can proudly bare your tighter, firmer body and say goodbye to the “deflated balloon” look.
Get a Quote for Excess Skin Removal Surgery in Mexico
Don’t let hanging rolls of excess skin hold you back from fully showcasing your hard-earned weight loss transformation. Jet Medical Tourism specializes in affordable excess skin removal surgeries like tummy tucks, mommy makeover, arm lifts, thigh lifts and body lifts that can seamlessly remove excess skin and give you back a firm, youthful physique. Our acclaimed plastic surgeons use the latest, minimally-invasive techniques for natural results and quick recovery times.
If you are still thinking how to keep from looking old after bariatric surgery, then take the first step towards your final body contouring goals by scheduling a free consultation with Jet Medical Tourism today.
