What does everyone use for creams/oils etc to help tighten loose skin, or help with other weight loss related skin changes? (How exciting to have that issue!)
Recommendation request on skin care, specifically tightening loose skin.
- Thread starter DCanyelle
- Start date
eladams2015
Hall of Fame Contributor
- Surgery
- Revision to Gastric Bypass (Original Lap Band 2013, Revise to Sleeve 2015)
- Date
- 8/23/2019
- Start Weight
- 308 lbs
- Goal Weight
- 135 lbs
- Currently
- 190 lbs
- Progress
- 68%
While I did have surgery to remove mine, there are still areas that I struggle with that were not part of my surgery. I got an ultrasonic cavitation device for home. It has multiple functions - such as emulsifying fat to let your lymph dispose of it, and there are modes that use RF to tighten skin. It takes a little time (both in the way of each session and overall time due to time between sessions), but I am seeing results. You won't see surgery level improvements, so setting expectation is important
- Surgery
- tummy
- Date
- 21/02/2026
- Start Weight
- 72 lbs
- Goal Weight
- 55 lbs
- Currently
- 72 lbs
- Progress
- 0%
For loose skin after weight loss, creams and oils can help keep skin hydrated and improve texture, but they won’t dramatically tighten it on their own. Many people use retinol or peptide creams to support collagen, hyaluronic acid moisturizers for hydration, and natural oils like rosehip, almond, or jojoba to nourish the skin. Sunscreen is important too, as UV exposure can worsen laxity. Combining these with strength training, good nutrition, and adequate protein often gives the best overall results.
- Surgery
- Gastric_Sleeve
- Date
- Oct 03, 2025
- Start Weight
- 319 lbs
- Goal Weight
- 200 lbs
- Currently
- 238 lbs
- Progress
- 68%
Experiencing loose skin was my biggest fear, post-op gastric sleeve surgery. My arms; which have always been big, have lots of fat. My thighs are not looking as nice as they were, pre surgery and I'm beginning to experience loose skin on my belly. None of which I'm excited about. I'm only 8 months and 3 days post-op so, I've not looked at options for plastic surgery yet. But I'd sure like too!
dianeseattle
Veteran Contributor
- Date
- Aug 20, 2007
- Start Weight
- 247 lbs
- Goal Weight
- 140 lbs
- Currently
- 140 lbs
- Progress
- 100%
I had surgery 20 years ago and I had lots of loose skin, with my upper arms being especially flappy. After I lost more than 100 pounds I had a cosmetic surgery consultation about skin removal. The medical people at the clinic though I was insane because I looked so much better and was so much healthier than before. They brought in a bunch of medical interns and doctors to give their opinions at the same time. Same opinion. I was nuts. They wouldn't even consider doing a surgical procedure.
Whether they were right or wrong, I realized the only person with a problem was me. I didn't suddenly experience body acceptance, but I did realize my point of view was a part of my disorder: "Body Dysmorphia." I was unable to see my true figure. As a teen, I would go without eating for days because I was convinced I was looking at a blimp in the mirror. I was a size 5.
I would just urge you to relax, calm down, stop weighing yourself, stop buying "future" clothes in smaller sizes, just enjoy your food start hiking or swimming or join a gym. You have been given a gift--several gifts--by having surgery. The vanities that torture you are all part of your eating disorder, and that's how you got here in the first place.
You are awesome and strong and what a great job you've done. Give yourself a big pat on the back and believe in yourself.
- Surgery
- Gastric_Sleeve
- Date
- Oct 03, 2025
- Start Weight
- 319 lbs
- Goal Weight
- 200 lbs
- Currently
- 238 lbs
- Progress
- 68%
I'm 13 pounds away from the 100 pound mark! But I'm 32 pounds larger than I'm supposed to be. I honestly do, have a terrible habit of getting on my digital scale! I do it once, sometimes twice a week! Its definitely a bad habit.
I had to purchase new clothing the other day as all my clothes are too big now. So, that's exciting! I can see the main difference (of weight loss) in my face! And my shoe size dropped by 2! That part puzzled my Bariatric Surgeon! LOL
Can I ask? Did it take you close to the one year mark to lose your belly? That's my problem area. You could never tell I had a belly pre-breast reduction 8 years ago! I'm almost flat there now (Needless to say).
I had to purchase new clothing the other day as all my clothes are too big now. So, that's exciting! I can see the main difference (of weight loss) in my face! And my shoe size dropped by 2! That part puzzled my Bariatric Surgeon! LOL
Can I ask? Did it take you close to the one year mark to lose your belly? That's my problem area. You could never tell I had a belly pre-breast reduction 8 years ago! I'm almost flat there now (Needless to say).
dianeseattle
Veteran Contributor
- Date
- Aug 20, 2007
- Start Weight
- 247 lbs
- Goal Weight
- 140 lbs
- Currently
- 140 lbs
- Progress
- 100%
I had surgery in August and lost 75 pounds by February of the next year. Then I stalled. STALLED. For months. I don't remember the exact dates of each loss and stall, but it was up and down. I believe my goal-weight date was in September, but I'd joined the YMCA and started hiking in June, and the 35 pounds really came off easily, but there were still ups and downs. But the fat deposits, which were in my thighs and back around my shoulders, just seemed to move to other parts of my body. I honestly can't say I lost my belly, per se. But I'm an unreliable witness, as they say, because I've had body dysmorphia since I was a teenager, as I mentioned before. No matter how little I ate or how much weight I lost or what size clothes I wore, I just saw a fat person in the mirror. That's why I keep the old photos.
