Excess skin? What a nightmare

**julirama723** · January 31, 2007, 06:22 PM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

Hmmm, wish I could help you...I don't know much about the subject (but I'm seeking answers as well!) I DO know that it usually takes up to a year for skin to fully "shrink back" after losing weight. How long have you been close to your goal? That might be a predictor of how much it will tighten up. Also, the lower your body fat percentage, the better chance you have of it firming up.

**iantheace** · January 31, 2007, 06:27 PM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

Ive been close to goal for 3 or 4 months (ive stuck at between 150 -160 all that time). the stretch marks are the bane though, i rly cant see them going atall. Its kinda weird but they look like fairly wide red veins , and when you poke them they have practically no skin there where the rest is quite supple. Its like a 2 mm indentation for each one.

**Qjakal** · January 31, 2007, 06:34 PM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

You might want to consider a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. First one is usually a free evaluation and they'd be able to give you a professional opinion on whether or not your skin has sufficient elasticity to regain it's shape eventually. It seems to vary with individuals but is most prevalent when losing more than 100 pounds.

Just an idea, rather than driving yourself crazy.

Q

**julirama723** · January 31, 2007, 06:35 PM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

New stretch marks are usually red. As they "age" they usually turn white...or if you tan, they turn white. At least mine did, UGH. And they become iridescent. Sometimes I think I look like a fish with scales...

**iantheace** · January 31, 2007, 06:59 PM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

How much does that sort of surgery cost? seems excessive

. Ah well guess it has to be considered

**Qjakal** · January 31, 2007, 07:03 PM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

I'd get the evaluation first...never be in a rush to have surgery unless it's life threatening! Then get a 2nd and a 3rd opinion and THEN think about it some more. Research the heck out of the subject and weigh the risks vs. the reults. You're still very young...it'd be surprising if your skin didn't have some bounceback left in it! There may be noninvasive alternatives as well that an expert can clue you in towards.

Q

**Brook** · January 31, 2007, 07:14 PM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

If you are blessed genetically with skin with a lot of elasticity, it'll snap back. If you're like me- between bad genetics, 3 babies, and about 80lbs, - surgery is the only option to get rid of it.

<shrug> It is what it is.

Cost wise? It depends on where you're at and can vary greatly. Here in MN a tummy tuck can cost anywhere from $4500 to $9000.

**Jace** · January 31, 2007, 07:49 PM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

This is something I talked to my Doctor about not long ago as I have some loose skin on my sides and my stomach...he said that with young people like me (in their 20s) it's possible that the skin will have enough elasticity to go back on its own but it is NOT a fast process. It could take up to a year or more to happen naturally.

His opinion was to give it more time and then if it doesn't snap back to a suitable degree he would refer to me a cosmetic surgeon.

Hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but that's pretty much as good as it gets. Keep drinking tons of water as that's one of the few things that will improve the elasticity of your skin.

~Far la bella figura!

**ValidRouge** · January 31, 2007, 08:02 PM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

My mom and my sister suggested this idea to me (because I want a breast augmentation, and maybe a tummy tuck)....start saving money (these things are expensive) and then when you get to the point that you have enough money to afford the surgery, take an evaluation...if the skin has regained some of its elasticity and snapped back...maybe you won't need the surgery. THEN you would have the money for some other reward like a really good vacation or something.

**Elizellen** · February 1, 2007, 03:49 AM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

Lots of our board members recommend dry skin brushing to lessen saggy skin.
http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.c..._Technique.htm

**HeidiE** · February 1, 2007, 07:50 AM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

My suggestion is to wait a year at least after you hit goal ...even two years...you skin is a huge organ and needs time to recover what it can...with the risks involved in elective surgeries ...infection being the main one ...give your skin a chance to find its way back a bit first....it may still be saggy but it will be better in this amt of time and then you can make a choice based on how it looks then ....

I thought I would never have a flat tummy with out surgery and wish now I had taken a pic so people could see what time did for me ....eat well exercise and give youself some time to heal ...

but this is just my opinion do what ever is right for you ..good luck

**ovadiva** · February 1, 2007, 08:12 AM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

massages? i think there is this cure they do here. I'm in Belgium and they give you a couple of shots and massage and just smooth everything out. THat's what i'm going to do when I meet goal! Although I think my skin will snap back... I just need to lose it all!

**boonie stomper** · February 1, 2007, 08:52 AM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

I remember once reading Shelton that the skin won't shrink so long as there's still more fat under it needing to be lost. But I can't say if he's right or not. But you all described my belly and stretch marks perfectly.... UGH.

**iantheace** · February 1, 2007, 12:12 PM

Re: Excess skin? What a nightmare

I read the something simillar, Did you see it was written by a bodybuilder? I would rather have a slight belly than have a chest like he did..... he was totally out of proportion. It was sick. How can someone say that skin wont retract if there is any fat under it if people with more bodyfat have tighter skin... just doesnt rly make sense to me.

He also backed it up with no science atall, it was actually just a very arrogant rant from someone who loved himself.

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Excess skin? What a nightmare

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