Bariatric surgery is considered an appropriate and effective therapeutic option for obesity as the world’s obesity epidemic continues to develop. Many changes occur as a result of massive weight loss after bariatric surgery, some for the better and some for the worse. For instance, bariatric surgery has been shown to help improve or resolve many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more. However, one challenging complication is the occurrence of sagging skin after bariatric surgery. Keep reading to learn what causes this complication as well as the most effective treatment options for eliminating sagging skin after bariatric surgery.
What causes sagging skin after bariatric surgery?
Sagging skin after bariatric surgery occurs as a result of lost elasticity of skin. When skin is stretched with major weight gain, the collagen and elastin fibers that give skin its firmness and elasticity break down. Gravity will also pull skin downwards over time. The loss of elasticity of your skin depends on the length of time you were obese. It doesn’t matter if you drop pounds quickly or slowly; the longer it was maximally stretched, the less likely your skin will return to its normal, tight appearance.
Treatments for sagging skin after bariatric surgery
Even though sagging skin after bariatric surgery can be difficult to deal with, there are currently several treatment options that can help restore a firm, smooth appearance to your skin. Below are two non-invasive skin tightening treatment options offered by Dr. Krant.
Thermage®
Thermage® is an FDA-approved and clinically-proven treatment that utilizes monopolar radiofrequency energy. It penetrates deep into the skin’s dermis and subcutaneous tissue, delivering an electrical current that creates heat through the inherent electrical resistance of the skin cells. The heat denatures collagen molecules by breaking hydrogen bonds in its chains, resulting in collagen thickening and remodeling. The result is smoother, tighter looking skin immediately, with little to no downtime afterwards. Thermage® is an effective treatment option for sagging skin after bariatric surgery.
Ultherapy®
Ultherapy® is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technology to stimulate your body’s own production of collagen below the skin’s surface. As collagen continues to increase over time, you will notice dramatic, long-lasting results that create a smoother, refreshed appearance. Ultherapy® is intended to lift sagging skin on the neck, under the chin, on the décolletage, and on the eyebrow.
To determine which treatment option for sagging skin after bariatric surgery is most appropriate for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jessica Krant to discuss your unique needs and goals.
Leave A Comment