Loose Skin During Weight Loss: What to Know

As fat beneath the skin reduces, areas that once looked full may look softer, creased, or folded. The change may be more obvious around the abdomen, arms, thighs, neck, or face. Skin texture and recoil differ between people, so one area may settle while another remains lax. It is also possible to have both loose skin and remaining fat in the same region.

Continue a balanced eating pattern and avoid extreme cycles of loss and regain. Gentle cleansing, moisturising, sun protection, and clothing that reduces rubbing can improve comfort. Strength training may support the shape underneath the skin. If laxity remains after your health plan is established, a clinician can discuss Thread Lift, HIFU Skin Lifting, or Radiofrequency Skin Tightening, matched to the area and amount of laxity.

Contact a clinician if a fold becomes persistently red, cracked, wet, foul-smelling, or painful, because irritation or infection may need treatment. New hardness, rapid enlargement, or one-sided swelling also deserves assessment. Breathing difficulty, trouble swallowing, or rapidly worsening swelling requires urgent attention.

Ask whether the area contains loose skin, fat, or both; whether further weight change could alter the plan; and which option fits your skin thickness. Ask how to care for folds during recovery and what signs would require a review.