There are several treatment routes to reduce loose skin: they include natural remedies, non-invasive home remedies and surgery.
Treatments at home
While non-invasive treatments may work for some, they may fail to produce permanent or noticeable results, according to Ari Hoschander, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York. This is especially true for larger amounts of weight loss that result in more excess skin. “Their efficacy remains a matter of debate, as these treatments exhibit limited efficacy, variable patient responses, unrealistic expectations, and often a lack of regulatory standards,” says Dr. Hoschander.
Medical treatments
If you’re considering surgery or in-office treatment, there are several options, according to Dr. Hoschander.
Body contouring (thickening or lifting)
Body contouring surgically removes excess skin to improve overall appearance after dramatic weight loss. Body contouring surgeries include upper body lifts (such as breast and brachioplasty, arm lifts) and lower body lifts (such as tummy tucks, tummy tucks, as well as thighs and buttocks), says Dr. “Depending on the degree of excess skin and weight loss, the number of body contouring procedures varies by patient and can last anywhere from one to several years,” he says. These procedures can involve hospital stays of one to several days and recovery times at home of up to a month.
The cost of each procedure can vary drastically, depending on the area involved and the doctor performing the procedure. For example, while an arm lift costs around $5,000, a tummy tuck can start at $6,000 and go higher.
Thread lift
Polydioxanone (PDO) threads can be used internally to lift the skin of the face, chest, knees and buttocks due to excessive weight loss in people who prefer to avoid surgery, says Dr. Emer. These threads go in like stitches, painlessly and without downtime, he explains. “This provides some improvement by building collagen in the area and slowing the sagging process if the patient continues to lose weight.” The price can range from $1,200 to $2,000 and sometimes more.
Radio Frequency Therapy
Radiofrequency is an in-office technique that uses infrared light and radio frequencies to tighten the skin. The procedure delivers energy in the form of an electromagnetic current through different tissues. This treatment helps reduce fat in small areas (like the face), which can improve the appearance of loose skin, says Dr. Lin.
A small study evaluating the effectiveness of a particular radiofrequency handpiece involved 25 people who underwent at least five skin tightening and body girth reduction treatments. After completing the sessions, 96% of participants reported high satisfaction with their improved body shape.
Depending on the treatment area, expect a variation in price, often starting around $500 and reaching into the low thousands.
Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy is an in-office technique that delivers deep waves to areas of excess skin to encourage collagen rebuilding (usually in the facial area). It’s often sought after weight loss following bariatric surgery (such as gastric banding), according to Dr. Lin.
A small clinical trial looking at 32 people followed 12 weeks of treatment with ultrasound therapy (high intensity focused ultrasound). The results found it effective in improving skin elasticity and clinical contour in all areas of the face, abdomen and thighs.
A full face treatment, including the neck, can cost upwards of $3000.
