Addressing Loose Skin After Weight Loss with Advanced Treatments at Face Factor Aesthetics

Losing weight is a transformative experience, but for many, it can lead to unexpected changes such as loose or sagging skin, particularly when using popular weight loss medications like GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and GLP-2 receptor agonists. These medications are incredibly effective at promoting rapid fat loss, but they often don’t address the impact on the skin, which may not contract at the same rate as the fat reduction.

In this blog, we explore how weight loss affects skin structure, and the advanced in-house treatments available at Face Factor Aesthetics to prevent or treat loose skin, helping you maintain a firm, youthful look.

How Weight Loss Affects Skin Elasticity

Our skin is composed of several layers, including the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutaneous fat beneath the skin. As the skin stretches over a growing body, the collagen and elastin fibers that give it structure and elasticity can become damaged, especially if the weight is carried for a long period. When rapid weight loss occurs, the skin often struggles to retract and conform to the body's new, smaller shape.

• Collagen provides skin structure, keeping it firm and resilient.

• Elastin allows the skin to stretch and contract, like a rubber band.

• Subcutaneous fat gives skin its plump, youthful appearance, acting as a cushion between the skin and underlying muscles.

As we age, collagen and elastin production naturally decline, making it even harder for the skin to snap back into place after weight loss. The result? Loose, sagging skin, particularly in areas like the abdomen, arms, thighs, and neck.

How GLP-1 and GLP-2 Medications Impact Skin

GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro etc) are highly effective at reducing body fat by controlling appetite and promoting satiety. However, because these medications promote rapid weight loss, they can exacerbate issues like:

• Loss of volume: Fat loss reduces skin fullness, especially in the face, neck, and arms.

• Collagen and elastin decline: As fat cells shrink, the support they provide diminishes, contributing to sagging.

• Loose skin: The skin often remains stretched after significant fat loss, particularly in areas with higher concentrations of fat.

Treatments for Loose Skin After Weight Loss

At Face Factor Aesthetics, we offer several advanced treatments to address loose skin and improve skin elasticity after weight loss:

1. Skin Biostimulators: Radiesse and Sculptra

Biostimulators like Radiesse and Sculptra are injectable treatments that stimulate collagen production, helping to restore skin firmness and elasticity.

• Radiesse provides immediate volume correction while encouraging long-term collagen production, making it ideal for areas like the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

• Sculptra gradually stimulates collagen over time, offering natural-looking improvement in skin firmness, especially in larger areas like the abdomen and arms.

2. Polynucleotide Injections

Polynucleotide injections enhance skin regeneration at the cellular level, improving elasticity, hydration, and structure. These injections are particularly beneficial for areas like the face, neck, and hands, where loose skin and texture changes are most noticeable.

3. Microneedling

Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It is a minimally invasive way to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of loose skin. For enhanced results, microneedling can be combined with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or hyaluronic acid to further boost collagen production and hydration.

4. Medical-Grade Skincare

Incorporating medical-grade skincare into your daily routine can help maintain skin elasticity. Products containing retinol, vitamin C, and peptides can boost collagen production and protect your skin from environmental damage.

5. Dermal Fillers

When weight loss affects the face, dermal fillers like Juvederm or Restylane can restore lost volume, providing immediate plumping and contouring in areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and under the eyes.

Conclusion

Losing weight with the help of GLP-1 and GLP-2 medications can be life-changing, but it often leaves behind loose or sagging skin. With a combination of treatments such as skin biostimulators, polynucleotide injections, and microneedling, you can restore your skin's elasticity, firmness, and youthful appearance.

At Face Factor Aesthetics, we offer personalised treatment plans to address the unique needs of your skin post-weight loss. Book a consultation today to explore your options for firming and revitalising your skin.