Can Removing Excess Body Fat Tighten Loose Skin?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between body fat removal and the potential for tightening loose skin. Participants explore whether losing excess body fat can lead to skin tightening, particularly in the context of weight loss and age-related factors.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant cites a source claiming that removing all excess body fat will tighten loose skin, questioning its validity.
  • Another participant argues against this claim, stating that significant weight loss often results in the need for surgical removal of excess skin, suggesting that skin does not tighten on its own after fat loss.
  • A different participant inquires about the effects of age on skin elasticity, specifically asking if younger individuals (around 20) can expect their skin to bounce back after losing a small amount of fat, and how long this process might take.
  • Another comment suggests that the ability of skin to shrink may depend on internal compression, referencing pregnancy as an example of skin stretching and potential recovery.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether removing body fat can lead to skin tightening, with no consensus reached on the effectiveness of fat removal in improving skin elasticity.

Contextual Notes

Unresolved questions include the specific conditions under which skin may or may not tighten after fat loss, as well as the time frame for potential recovery of skin elasticity, particularly in younger individuals.

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That site is complete nonsense. No, removing body fat will not tighten loose skin. In fact, people who lose extraordinary amounts of weight (such as with gastric bands) often need to have the excess loose skin surgically removed because there is just too much to bounce back on its own. That site sounds like a recipe for anorexia!
 
If you're around 20, will loose skin bounce back on it's own? How long would that normally take? I have a little bit, and I'd like it gone, I think it's only a little bit, but I'm not sure how much loose skin there would need to be for it to be unable to bounce back on it's own
 
Perhaps the confusion comes with the ability of skin (if stretched) to enlarge or shrink but only if internally compressed. (see pregnancy)
 

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