Can you get rid of excess skin without surgery?

Professor Ash Mosahebi

Yes, you can reduce the appearance of excess skin without surgery using lifestyle changes and non-surgical treatments.

Options like exercise, a healthy diet, hydration, and skin-tightening procedures can all contribute to firmer, more elastic skin. While these methods are effective for mild to moderate cases, significant excess skin may require surgical removal for noticeable results.

How to get rid of excess skin

Getting rid of excess skin without surgery requires a combination of lifestyle changes and targeted treatments. These methods aim to improve skin elasticity and muscle tone, helping the skin "snap back" after weight loss. For those with large amounts of loose skin, clinical options like non-surgical excess skin removal treatments can provide noticeable results.

Exercise

Building muscle through strength training can fill in areas of sagging skin, making it appear tighter and firmer. Exercise increases blood flow, which supports collagen production — a key protein that keeps skin elastic.

Best practice:

  • Focus on resistance training (weightlifting, bodyweight exercises) 2-3 times a week.
  • Target areas where loose skin is common, such as arms, thighs, and the abdomen.
  • Combine cardio with strength training to maintain an overall healthy body composition.

While exercise can’t “tighten” loose skin directly, it helps build muscle, which gives a firmer, more toned appearance.

Diet

Your skin needs specific nutrients to stay firm and elastic. A nutrient-rich diet can improve collagen production and keep skin healthy as it adapts to weight loss.

Best practice:

  • Eat foods rich in collagen-boosting nutrients like vitamin C (found in berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens).
  • Prioritise lean protein (chicken, fish, beans) to support muscle growth, which fills in loose skin.
  • Avoid processed foods and sugar, as they can degrade collagen and affect skin health.

A balanced diet not only supports your overall health but also provides the nutrients your skin needs to recover and stay firm.

Hydration

Hydrated skin is more elastic and less prone to sagging. Proper hydration helps maintain the plumpness and firmness of your skin.

Best practice:

  • Drink 2-3 litres of water per day to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Include water-rich foods in your diet (like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges).
  • Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate the skin.

When the skin is properly hydrated, it remains more flexible, making it better able to shrink along with your body as you lose weight.

Non-surgical treatments

For those looking for faster, more targeted results, non-surgical treatments can significantly improve the appearance of excess skin. These treatments stimulate collagen production, tighten loose skin, and create a firmer, more youthful look.

  • IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

How it works: IPL uses light energy to penetrate the skin’s deeper layers, stimulating collagen production. This helps firm the skin over time, especially in areas like the face, neck, and hands.

Best for: Mild to moderate skin laxity on the face, neck, arms, and abdomen.

  • Chemical peel

How it works: A chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing the top layer to peel away. This reveals fresher, firmer skin beneath and triggers collagen production.

Best for: Loose skin on the face, neck, and hands, but it can also be used on other areas of the body.

  • Ultrasound skin tightening

How it works: Ultrasound energy penetrates deep into the skin’s layers, boosting collagen production and tightening the skin. Results develop gradually over the following weeks.

Best for: Firming up mild to moderate loose skin on areas like the neck, abdomen, and thighs.

Your aesthetic journey with Adoreal

Achieving firmer, more youthful skin doesn’t have to be complicated. With Adoreal, you gain access to expert guidance, trusted treatment options, and support for your excess skin removal journey. Whether you’re exploring non-surgical options or seeking advice, Adoreal puts you in control.

Take the first step toward your aesthetic goals. Create an account or sign in to explore treatment options and get personalised guidance on how to achieve firmer, more confident skin.