How to Tackle Loose Skin After Significant Weight Loss: Insights from Dr. Askari, Voted Best Plastic Surgeon

Anyone who has lost a large amount of weight knows that it is an incredible achievement. But, in reality, it can lead to another problem that is often unexpected - loose skin.

Even if you’ve taken the healthiest route possible, your journey doesn’t end with just shedding pounds. Sometimes, excess skin decides it wants to stick around.

We sat down with Dr. Morad Askari, founder of Revive Surgical Institute and America’s Best Plastic Surgeon 2025 by Newsweek, to get answers to some common questions surrounding loose skin after weight loss.

Below, he offers up experience-based advice on how best to manage that newfound excess skin with safety and precision.

After weight loss, why does loose skin happen even when people do everything “right”?

Dr. Askari: It's not true that loose skin reflects someone's character or how hard they try. It's just how our bodies work. It's biology, in simple terms.

While skin can stretch amazingly well, its ability to snap back depends on things like age, genes, and how long it's been stretched out.

When people lose weight quickly or a lot of weight, their skin often can't bounce back to fit their new body shape.

Now, everyone agrees that exercise is good for you and great for muscle tone. But sadly, it won't get rid of surplus skin. Sometimes this is when patients acknowledge they've maxed out on personal efforts.

Many people assume loose skin is just cosmetic. Is that true?

Dr. Askari: No. Not at all...Appearance is important, but it isn’t everything for our patients. They have other concerns: skin folds get in the way of everyday life, just like the rashes they cause.

Hygiene is one issue. Another is feeling self-conscious because the skin makes exercising or even moving around quite limiting.

For these people, dealing with excess skin goes beyond appearances. It’s about feeling comfortable, being able to function well, and fully enjoying the benefits of having lost weight.

How do patients know when it’s time to consider skin removal surgery?

Dr. Askari: Timing is incredibly important! My advice? Wait until your weight has been steady for a few months. If the scales are still moving, the outcomes from surgery can be a bit of a lottery.

So if that loose skin is getting in your way day to day, once your weight is stable, why not come and talk to us about it? For some people, surgery is the next logical step. It is not a mad whim but something they've thought about for ages.

What areas of the body are most commonly affected?

Dr. Askari: While everyone's skin sags in different patterns, there are a couple of really common areas. And the tummy area is a big one.

Lots of us also notice changes in our upper arms and thighs as these areas are prone to sagging and the skin becoming thinner with age.

The chest and back sometimes get the same treatment, but aren't part of everyday conversations nearly as much. Because every pattern is different, you understand why taking a look at the whole picture is so important, right?

Can non-surgical treatments tighten loose skin after weight loss?

Dr. Askari: While there's a range of non-surgical treatments that can address mild skin laxity, understanding their limitations is important. If you have a lot of extra tissue, surgery to remove it is really the only answer.

I always make this clear during consultations. When people try to use non-surgical options for bigger changes, it can be frustrating and an inefficient use of time.

What should patients realistically expect from skin removal surgery?

Dr. Askari: Skin removal surgery reshapes your body. It does not alter your weight. It cannot stop your skin from changing again.

The point is to get rid of excess skin and improve your contour so you feel comfortable, wherever that loose tissue happens to be.

People should understand that this operation is designed to improve their shape rather than perfect it. And those who understand it tend to be most satisfied afterwards. It is all about getting your body to reflect all the efforts you have already put in.

Recovery can sound intimidating. What does it actually look like?

Dr. Askari: I would say that the situation is different for everyone. Some patients recover faster; some need some additional time. In fact, everything depends on the areas treated. And, of course, we take into account the scope and the invasiveness of the procedures.

Still, everyone needs a few weeks of taking it easy afterwards. During this time, we provide detailed post-op instructions that they should pay close attention to.

So, it's important to plan ahead. Arranging support at home, taking time off work, and having patience with the healing process all help with recovery.

Who is a good candidate for skin removal surgery?

Dr. Askari: For me, the best candidates are those who have realistic outcomes and see their skin removal as the completion of their weight loss journey.

But, in general, patients should be at a stable weight, so they won’t come back to me to fix the same issue. Besides, they shouldn’t smoke and be in good health.

What advice do you give patients who feel discouraged by loose skin after weight loss?

Dr. Askari: I would advise them not to lose hope when they’ve completed that weight loss transformation and see that sagging skin. It’s not your fault. Its biology is playing a cruel game.

You have already made the greatest accomplishment. You have significantly improved the quality of your life and health with that weight loss.

But now is the last and the easiest step. With us, you can make your dream come true without any doubts or frustration. And finally, you will get your reward – a dream body.