Loose skin is one of the topics that gets either glossed over or used as a scare story in conversations about bariatric surgery. Neither is particularly useful. So here’s our honest experience – what it actually looks like two years on, what genuinely helps, what doesn’t, and how to think about it realistically before surgery.
Why loose skin happens
Skin has elasticity, but it has limits. When significant weight has been carried for many years, the skin stretches to accommodate it and the underlying collagen and elastin fibres are affected. When that weight is then lost – particularly rapidly – the skin doesn’t always shrink back at the same pace.
The factors that most influence how much loose skin you experience are the amount of weight lost, the speed at which it was lost, how long the weight had been carried, age (skin elasticity reduces naturally over time), and genetics. Bariatric patients tick most of the higher-risk boxes: significant weight loss, rapid timeline, and typically middle age or older at time of surgery.
James started surgery at around 30 stone. Losing over 12 stone in the first year – that’s a lot of weight lost very quickly from a body that had carried it for a long time. Some loose skin was never not going to happen. Being realistic about that before surgery is more useful than being surprised afterwards.
Our experience
The main areas for us are the abdomen, inner arms, and inner thighs – the places where the most significant fat was held. For James, given the amount he lost, the abdominal skin is the most noticeable. It’s not something that bothers him in day-to-day life – clothing covers it – but it’s there and he’s not going to pretend otherwise.
Kirsten’s experience has been less pronounced, partly because she started from a lower weight and partly because the distribution of her weight loss was different. Individual variation is significant – two people losing the same amount of weight can end up with quite different amounts of loose skin.
What actually helps
Strength training. Building muscle underneath the skin improves overall appearance and tone, and fills some of the space that fat previously occupied. This has been the most effective active intervention for James. He started lifting seriously post-op and the difference in how the loose skin sits is noticeable compared to when he was purely doing cardio. It doesn’t remove loose skin – but it changes the picture meaningfully.
Protein intake and hydration. Good protein intake supports skin health. Collagen synthesis – the process that maintains skin structure – depends on adequate protein, vitamin C, and zinc. Staying well hydrated also helps skin texture and elasticity, though it won’t reverse structural changes.
Moisturising. Regular moisturising improves texture and feel. It doesn’t structurally change loose skin, but it makes it more comfortable and less irritating, particularly in skin folds where chafing can occur.
Compression garments. For day-to-day comfort, compression shorts or an abdominal binder can help manage the practical reality of loose skin – particularly under clothing. They don’t change anything permanently, but they make certain activities more comfortable.
Surgical options
Skin removal surgery – abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), arm lifts, thigh lifts, or full body contouring – is the only permanent solution for significant loose skin. This is a separate, significant surgical procedure with its own recovery, risks, and cost.
On the NHS, skin removal surgery after bariatric-related weight loss is available but very difficult to access. It typically requires evidence that the loose skin is causing clinically significant problems – recurrent skin infections, severe intertrigo, or functional impairment – rather than cosmetic concern alone. It’s worth asking your GP about your local pathway if this is relevant to you, but don’t plan your recovery around NHS funding being available.
Privately, skin removal procedures in the UK typically cost £4,000-£10,000 per area depending on the procedure and surgeon. It’s not something to rush into – most surgeons recommend waiting until weight has been stable for at least 12-18 months before considering surgical revision.
The honest perspective
Loose skin is a trade-off. We chose surgery knowing it was a possibility, and we’d make the same choice again. The quality-of-life improvement from losing the weight is substantial and ongoing – the loose skin is a manageable cosmetic reality by comparison. That’s not to minimise it if it’s affecting you significantly. It’s to give you an honest proportionate view of where it sits in the overall picture.
The most useful preparation is to expect some loose skin if you’re losing a significant amount of weight, particularly rapidly, particularly from middle age. Being prepared for it means it’s something you manage rather than something that surprises you.
Sources cited in this post: NHS – Loose skin after weight loss: what to expect
British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) – Body contouring surgery after massive weight loss
BOMSS – Guidelines on body contouring surgery following bariatric surgery
NHS – Skin removal surgery: what you should know
- NHS, “Weight loss surgery”: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/weight-loss-surgery/
- British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS): https://bomss.org/
About this content
This blog is written by James and Kirsten, a couple from the UK who had gastric sleeve surgery together in March 2024.
We started this blog because we couldn't find any sources of content that details before surgery, the surgery and then life post surgery - so we decided to write one ourselves.
Everything on this site is based on our own experience and the research we have done along the way. It is not medical advice. Gastric sleeve surgery is a serious procedure and every patient's journey is different. Please always consult your own bariatric team or GP before making any decisions about your health or treatment.
Some posts on this site may contain featured or sponsored content, or affiliate links. Where this is the case, it will always be clearly stated at the top of the article. Our opinions are always our own.
Publish Date: 11 January 2026 | Last Reviewed: 27 June 2026 | Next Planned Review: 27 December 2027