Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Tighten Loose Skin After Liposuction

When you have liposuction, excess fat is removed via a vacuum-like device. Liposuction solely removes fat; it does not tighten your skin. Whereas certain cosmetic surgeries such as tummy tucks remove excess skin, liposuction does not. Directly following liposuction, your skin will appear loose. There are, however, things you can do to tighten it. Be patient, as it does take time.


Instructions


1. Consider the area where you had liposuction performed. The skin on most body areas will tighten over time, however, certain areas are more prone to loose skin. If you had liposuction on your upper arms, stomach or neck, you are more likely to experience stubborn baggy skin after the procedure.








2. Have surgery. If you have loose skin on your stomach, neck or upper arms, you may need surgery to effectively tighten it. The removal of loose skin involves major surgery, so fully discuss the risks with your doctor before moving forward with plans for it.


3. Get cardiovascular exercise. Regular exercise increases circulation, allowing nutrients to more readily reach your skin. Aim for at least 20 minutes of brisk cardiovascular exercise daily to tighten your skin.


4. Lift weights. If you build and tone your muscles, your loose skin will be less noticeable. Lifting weights will also help to restore elasticity into the skin. Aim to lift weights two to three times weekly for best results. Choose weight-lifting exercises which target the specific body area where you'd like to tighten your skin. For example, squats and lunges work well to improve loose skin on the buttocks, hips and thighs. Bicep curls and tricep dips work well for loose skin on the upper arms.


5. Drink water. If you aren't properly hydrated, your skin is more likely to sag. Keep skin hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily.








6. Use a skin-firming lotion. You can find such lotions in most cosmetic and beauty supply stores (see Resources). They often contain ingredients such as caffeine which help to tighten and lift skin. With regular application, you may notice your skin looking firmer. You must continue using such lotions to maintain their results.


7. Massage the skin daily. Massage encourages circulation, helping to restore skin's elasticity. Use firm pressure to massage the area daily for two to three minutes.

Tags: your skin, loose skin, tighten your, tighten your skin, upper arms, area where