Expert: Shawn D. McQuilkin, MD - 9/2/2004

Question
Hello Dr:

Thank you for taking the time to read my question.  I'm struggling to find help with a question I have, and I saw that you have a good deal of experience in the subject of Nutrition and Dieting so I was hoping you could help me.

I am young and I used to weigh 320 pounds @ 6'1".  I lost quite a bit of weight through dieting (moderate caloric reduction) and exercise, and now I'm at around 175-180 pounds.  I did this in just a little over a year, and now I'm facing a problem that I suppose most people who lose a lot of weight run into: loose skin.

I am 20y/o now, and I have the typical good amount of stretchmarks and loose skin.  A majority of my loose skin is concentrated around my stomach/abs region, with a little on the upper parts of my legs.  Do you know of any way to get rid of loose skin without surgery ?  I was told by some that loose skin is actually just fat no longer supported by muscle.  If this is true, can I continue my weight-loss program and lose the skin through more fat-loss ?

I am unsure where to go from here.  Thank you for your time!

Much obleiged,

Tim

Answer
Hi Tim,

Thanks for writing and congrats on your tremendous achievement!!

Unfortunately, I am unaware of anything that will tighten up your skin short of surgery.

I would suggest you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Keep in mind, just because you visit a surgeon doesn't mean you have to have surgery.
Just check out your options.
 
Best of luck!!

Dr. Shawn