After a patient has had fat removed with liposuction, he or she may notice that the skin is loose in the treatment area. This loose skin may sag rather than appearing firm against the rest of your frame. The reason this happens is because of poor skin elasticity and laxity. Usually the skin bounces back after losing fat, conforming to a patient’s slimmer frame. With poor skin elasticity, the skin simply hangs there.
The team at our Dallas, TX plastic surgery center has helped a number of liposuction patients with poor skin elasticity. Let’s consider how this problem can be prevented prior to surgery, and how it can be dealt with should it occur after liposuction.
Skin Problems after Liposuction
Issues with skin elasticity can result in a number of aesthetic flaws. This may include:
- Drooping of the skin
- Excessive wrinkling
- Stretch marks
- Ripples
- Discoloration
- Poor skin texture
These problems can all detract from the final results of liposuction.
Factors That Affect Skin Elasticity
While skin elasticity is genetic to some degree, there are a few common factors that impact everyone's skin elasticity:
- Age - Younger people typically have better skin elasticity than people who are middle-aged or older. This is part of the natural aging process since collagen production slows down later in life.
- Pregnancy - Having a child results in lots of skin stretching. Skin elasticity is generally worse after childbirth.
- Weight Fluctuations - If you have undergone major weight gain and/or weight loss, this tends to exhaust the elasticity of your skin.
Evaluating Skin Laxity Before Liposuction
Before performing liposuction, we will take time to evaluate your skin elasticity. This includes checking your skin in its current state and noting the factors mentioned above. By making these evaluations, plastic surgeons can determine the right amount of fat to remove during liposuction and how to modify the surgery to ensure optimal cosmetic results.
Will I Need More Cosmetic Treatments for These Problems?
For some patients, additional skin care treatments may be necessary to help firm up the skin and improve the results of liposuction. These treatments promote collagen production in the sagging portion of the body, which helps improve skin elasticity.
In-office care may not be necessary for all patients, however. There are a few things patients can do on their own before and after their liposuction to improve the elasticity of their skin.
Stay Hydrated to Keep Your Skin Healthy
Hydration is always a key to good health. Drinking several glasses of water each day can help replenish elastin, a protein that is essential for good skin elasticity. Stick with water to hydrate rather than fruit juices, sports drinks, or soft drinks.
Exercise Can Help with Skin Elasticity
Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and good general health, which are crucial for long-term liposuction results. Regular exercise has also been shown to help with your body’s elastin and collagen production, which improve the health of your skin.
Maintain a Good Diet for Healthier Skin
A well-balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins and nutrients helps your body run properly. Meeting your daily nutritional needs helps your skin appear clear and smooth, and can improve overall skin elasticity. Remember to avoid processed foods and focus on fresh produce, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Moisturize and Use the Right Products
Cleansing and moisturizing your skin regularly helps keep it healthy and more elastic. Take care of your face as well as the areas where liposuction was performed. Proper at-home skin care can help improve blood flow and promote elastin growth.
Learn More about Body Sculpting and Skin Tightening
For more information about liposuction and how it can help you look your best, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.