What Is It And Why Does It Occur?

After substantial weight loss, the skin may not fully retract to match the body’s new shape. This occurs because the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers—responsible for stretch and support—become weakened or overstretched over time. The result is loose or hanging skin, most commonly around the abdomen, arms, thighs, or face.

Age, genetics, the amount of weight lost, and the speed of weight loss all influence how much the skin is able to recover. In some cases, this laxity can lead to irritation, difficulty with clothing, or a lingering sense that the body doesn’t reflect one’s hard-earned progress.

What Patients Typically Notice

Patients often describe feeling that their body shape doesn’t align with the effort they’ve invested in achieving weight loss. They may notice folds or sagging skin that obscure underlying muscle tone or cause discomfort during movement. Many express a desire to “complete the journey” — refining their shape so their outer appearance finally matches how they feel inside.

The AvenueMD Approach

Every AvenueMD journey begins with a detailed consultation to assess where skin laxity is most pronounced and how it impacts comfort and confidence. Our multidisciplinary team blends surgical expertise with advanced skin-tightening and rejuvenation techniques to achieve smoother, more defined contours.
The focus is on restoring balance and proportion, always with natural results that honor the transformation you’ve worked hard to achieve.