Saggy skin, also known as loose or lax skin, occurs when the skin loses its firmness and elasticity. It can affect various areas of the body, including the face, neck, arms, and abdomen. Lifestyle choices, genetics, and environmental factors also play a role in determining the severity of saggy skin.
Saggy skin can be challenging to treat at home, but there are skin-tightening options from products to surgical solutions. To address this skin issue, people can explore nonsurgical options like topical treatments, laser therapy, or radiofrequency procedures. Surgical interventions for saggy skin include facelifts or body contouring.
As we age, our skin undergoes changes. Two essential proteins, elastin and collagen, are naturally produced in the body. Elastin provides skin with elasticity, allowing it to bounce back when stretched. Collagen maintains skin structure and firmness. Unfortunately, both elastin and collagen production decline with age. External factors such as UV exposure, pollutants, and lifestyle choices (ex: poor nutrition or excessive alcohol consumption) can also deteriorate these proteins over time.
When you carry excess weight for an extended period of time, it damages the elastin and collagen fibers in the skin. When you suddenly lose weight, specifically over a short amount of time, the skin may struggle to snap back. Significant weight loss can result in noticeable sagging skin.
After pregnancy, many women experience some degree of loose, saggy skin. Women who carried multiples like twins or triplets may also notice noticeable sagging skin on their abdomen.
Rare conditions like cutis laxa (tissue condition) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hereditary tissue disorder) can cause loose skin. These conditions affect the skin’s connective tissues and lead to sagging skin.
