GLP-1 medications have changed the weight-loss journey for many people. For some, the weight can come off relatively quickly — which can be incredibly exciting after years of struggling to see a change.
But there’s another part of rapid weight loss that often doesn’t get much attention until later: your skin needs time to adjust too.
Why can loose skin happen with rapid weight loss?
Our skin has a certain amount of elasticity, supported by collagen and elastin. When the body becomes smaller quickly, the skin doesn’t always contract at the same rate.
How well it adapts is different for everyone. Age, genetics, how much weight you lose, how quickly you lose it, how long the skin has been stretched and your natural collagen levels can all play a role.
This can be particularly relevant in midlife, when collagen and elastin levels are already naturally declining.
You might notice changes around the:
- Tummy
- Upper arms
- Thighs
- Jawline and neck
- Bra line
Sometimes people are so focused on reaching their weight-loss goal that they don’t think about their skin until afterwards. They’ve worked incredibly hard and feel fantastic about the weight they’ve lost, but then find themselves disappointed by loose or crepey-looking skin.
You don’t necessarily have to wait until the end
This is where I like to take a slightly different approach.
If your body is changing significantly, we can also think about how we support your skin throughout that journey.
At Body Sculpt Perth, skin tightening treatments use radiofrequency, infrared and vacuum technology to gently heat the tissue and stimulate a collagen response.
It isn’t going to stop loose skin from occurring altogether, and no non-surgical treatment can guarantee that. However, supporting collagen production while your body is changing may help improve the appearance, firmness and quality of the skin.
For some clients, that means introducing skin tightening treatments during their weight-loss journey rather than waiting until they reach their final weight and then asking, “What can I do about my skin?”
It’s about working with your changing body
GLP-1 weight loss isn’t just about the number on the scales.
Your muscle mass, skin, body composition and overall appearance can all change along the way. That’s why I prefer looking at the whole picture rather than focusing on one area in isolation.
Depending on the person, supporting the journey may include strength training and adequate nutrition alongside treatments designed to support the appearance and quality of the skin.
And importantly, everyone’s skin responds differently. Someone losing 10kg may have a completely different experience to someone else losing the same amount.
Already experiencing loose skin?
You’re not too late.
Skin tightening treatments can also be introduced once loose or crepey skin has become noticeable. The important thing is having realistic expectations about what a non-invasive treatment can achieve and whether your skin is likely to respond.
At Body Sculpt Perth, I assess the area first and talk you through what I think is realistic before recommending a treatment plan.
Losing weight? Let’s talk about your skin too.
If you’re currently using a GLP-1 medication and noticing changes in your tummy, arms, thighs, jawline or other areas as you lose weight, you don’t have to wait until you’ve reached your goal to start thinking about your skin.
Your body is changing — and your skin is part of that journey too.
Body Sculpt Perth | Manning, Perth
Non-invasive body sculpting and skin tightening treatments.