There are a number of different circumstances that can lead to sagging skin, but in most cases it is caused by the loss of elasticity in your skin. This happens due to the reduction of elastin and collagen, which are the primary proteins that give your skin its elasticity – the ability to snap back after being stretched or pulled. These proteins decrease in production naturally as you age, but they also diminish due to other factors such as sun exposure, pollution and poor diet.
Carrying extra weight for extended periods of time causes damage to the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin. This makes it harder for your body to bounce back when you lose weight. This problem is particularly pronounced when it occurs after significant or rapid weight loss, such as after bariatric surgery or massive weight loss.
While you can’t get rid of sagging skin entirely, there are things you can do to help your body tighten up the area. You can try some simple home treatments that produce modest results, or you can opt for more invasive procedures such as radio frequency (RF) or microfocused ultrasound (MFU), which use a wand to send heat deep into the layers of your skin, supporting the growth of collagen and lifting sagging tissue.
Another option is to use a topical cream that contains retinol, which can increase the amount of collagen in your skin. Some researchers are even trying to develop a cream that creates electrical charges in the skin, causing it to tighten.