The waiting period for tattoos is crucial for individuals still recovering from cancer treatment or the disease itself. It is recommended to wait at least six months to a year after completing cancer treatment and when scars have fully healed, which may take even longer than a year. This waiting period allows the immune system to fully recover. Radiation tattoos are essential in breast cancer treatment, contributing to the accuracy and effectiveness of radiation therapy.
The age and weight of the patient can influence tattoo marking for radiation, and tattoo placement can be more difficult and may not be as accurate when patients have loose or aging skin. Doctors recommend waiting between 3 and 5 months after breast surgery before getting a tattoo. Consultation with a doctor is recommended to ensure accurate placement and avoid side effects.
Radiation therapy takes time to work, and it can be done before, during, or after treatment. It is generally safe to wear makeup during treatment but should always consult with a care team first. Recent studies suggest waiting until scars have completely healed and chemotherapy/radiation treatments are complete, which takes around one year.
There are new techniques that eliminate the need for radiation tattoos and may decrease other long-term effects of radiation therapy, such as heart damage. Getting a tattoo is a huge NO until the body recovers, as the skin is sensitive during and after chemotherapy. In summary, waiting for a tattoo is essential for individuals still recovering from cancer treatment or the disease itself.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| How Long After Chemo Can You Get A Tattoo? | The safest practice may be to wait to get a tattoo until you’re over a year out from your most recent breast cancer surgery. | mybcteam.com |
| Can You Get a Tattoo if You Have Cancer? | In general, anyone still recovering from the effects of cancer treatment or the disease itself should consider waiting before getting a tattoo. | cancercenter.com |
| Is it okay to get a tattoo while on chemo? I have reached an … | The only restriction would be after you get your tattoo, because you may have to wait three months after getting your tattoo or piercing to … | quora.com |
📹 What to Expect Before Starting Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Learn about what you can expect before and during your marker procedure and simulation visit for prostate cancer treatment with …
How Long Does It Take For Radiation To Leave Your Body?
Most side effects from radiation therapy typically resolve within 1–2 months following the completion of treatment. External radiation therapy utilizes a machine to direct high-energy rays toward a tumor, impacting cells for only a few seconds as the beams pass through the body, being absorbed by special shields. Although many side effects improve within weeks after treatment, some may persist due to the time required for healthy cells to recover. Consequently, the cancer journey often extends beyond the final day of radiation, with effects potentially taking days to months to manifest.
The duration radiation remains active in the body varies significantly based on specific factors, including age and overall health. This therapy employs focused doses of radiation to eliminate cancerous cells and decrease tumor size. Different cancer types may require one of two radiation therapy forms: external beam radiation therapy, delivered via a large machine targeting the affected area, or internal radiation, where implants emit radiation for a prolonged period. While most side effects are temporary and subside in a few weeks, some patients may experience long-term effects months or years later.
Following radiation therapy, residual radiation may linger in the body for several days until naturally expelled. Hospital stays of 1-2 days may be necessary, along with certain precautions at home. Side effects typically peak within two weeks post-treatment, with ongoing effects potentially emerging over time. Notably, radiation can inflict serious harm by damaging DNA in cells. While the body can repair some damage, the extent of remaining harm is unpredictable.
In instances where only a single radiation session, known as radiosurgery, is required, recovery may be swift, allowing the patient to resume daily activities. For those with permanent implants, minimal radiation is emitted for several weeks or months, though levels decrease substantially thereafter.
Common early side effects include fatigue and skin reactions, with developments taking weeks to months for normalization. It may take several months to a year before a patient fully recovers from radiation therapy effects, depending on individual circumstances and the treated area. Overall, the body just needs time to recuperate from the effects of radiation therapy.
How Soon After Radiation Can You Get A Tattoo?
Breast cancer survivors who have undergone radiation treatments face a slightly higher risk of infection due to fragile skin. Therefore, doctors recommend waiting between 3 to 5 months after breast surgery before getting a tattoo. It is crucial to consider a waiting period after completing cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, to allow the body to fully recover. Post-treatment, the skin in radiated areas may be sensitive or thinner, affecting tattooing.
Typically, survivors can expect to receive about 1 to 4 tattoos, though additional tattoos may be needed based on the number of treatment areas. A second set of tattoos might be necessary if treating multiple areas or if further radiation is planned. To minimize the risk of infection or adverse reactions, it’s advisable to wait a few months to a year after finishing chemotherapy or surgery before proceeding with a tattoo, depending on its intended location.
Consulting a doctor prior to getting a tattoo is essential to ensure that incisions have healed and that it's safe to proceed. Members of support groups may share their experiences and advice about tattoos after cancer treatment, aiding in decision-making. Radiated areas generally should not undergo further radiation, making it critical to assess each tattoo's placement.
Radiation tattoos, which are small markings for treatment accuracy, can be removed after treatment if desired, but medical consultation is necessary to clarify their importance for future monitoring. Recommendations suggest waiting until scars have completely healed and all treatments are finished, which can take several months to over a year. Individuals still recuperating from cancer or its treatments should likely delay tattooing.
For those contemplating tattoos post-cancer treatment, the safest practice may be to wait at least a year after the most recent surgery. Breast Cancer Care provides further information on artistic tattoo options following surgery. Ultimately, while tattoos can be an expression of individuality, patience and health considerations should be prioritized during the recovery journey.
How Many Weeks Before Surgery Can You Get A Tattoo?
Avoid getting any form of tattoo, including eyebrow microblading, within two weeks before surgery to minimize the risk of pre-operative infection. It is essential to retain at least one natural finger or toenail for heart monitoring during the procedure. Patients should also consult their hospital regarding the removal of any false nails or polish prior to surgery. Tattoos before surgery are generally not recommended due to potential skin trauma and infection that could negatively impact surgical results. If bacteria enter the skin, it may lead to significant complications post-surgery.
Some surgeons may permit a tattoo as long as it is not near the surgical site and has healed completely, while others may recommend postponing the procedure for a few weeks after surgery. Indeed, patients often prefer to wait until they are fully healed before considering a tattoo, as healing typically takes two to four weeks but varies based on the tattoo’s size, placement, and the individual's health.
Although it might seem irrelevant, healthcare professionals ask about tattoos for valid clinical reasons—primarily to assess risks. Generally, complete healing of a tattoo can take up to six months, with the most significant immune response occurring in the initial three to four weeks. The timing of a tattoo in relation to surgery depends on the type and extent of the surgical procedure. For safety, it’s recommended to consult with your surgeon regarding tattooing before surgery.
Getting a tattoo just one week prior to surgery can lead to complications such as infection, scarring, and potential rejection. A frequent mistake is not ensuring sterile conditions when obtaining a tattoo shortly before a surgical procedure. The advisable waiting period for a tattoo before surgery is generally at least six weeks; this allows for complete healing while minimizing any additional stress on the circulatory system, which is vital for recovery.
Following surgery, patients are advised to wait until they are entirely healed before getting a tattoo. A tattoo could pose a risk of infection during the healing process. If considering tattooing one to two weeks before surgery, be mindful of the associated risks. The significant healing period for tattoos means that adding new wounds from tattooing can inhibit recovery.
In summary, to achieve optimal surgical outcomes, it's critical to adhere to recommended guidelines, which include refraining from all forms of tattooing six weeks before and after surgery. This precaution will help ensure a smooth healing process and minimize complications. Waiting for adequate healing from both the surgery and tattooing is essential for safe recovery.
What Are Radiation Tattoos?
Radiation tattoos are permanent skin markings used during breast cancer treatment to guide radiation therapy precisely. They aid radiation therapists in aligning patients accurately by marking the specific area requiring treatment. Typically applied during the simulation phase, these tattoos serve as reference points to ensure the correct targeting of radiation, which is crucial for effective therapy.
The tattoos are small, pinpoint-sized dots made from India ink—often blue or black—or sometimes from black light responsive ink, which appears pink under normal lighting but is more visible with ultraviolet light. Usually, the marks are placed in areas that will not be exposed, ensuring they remain discreet over time. Once applied, these tattoos cannot be washed off or removed easily. While radiation tattoos are an essential aspect of the treatment process—since about 60% of cancer patients undergo radiation therapy and typically receive three to four tattoos—they can elicit mixed feelings among patients.
Some patients view the tattoos as a negative reminder of their cancer journey and treatment, as they are permanent marks on their skin. This aspect can lead to distress related to body image and contribute to anxiety and depression post-treatment. The emotional impact of having these tattoos can be particularly poignant when considering the societal perceptions of breast cancer, which can amplify patients’ feelings about their bodies and self-image.
Despite these challenges, the tattoos play a vital function in the treatment process. They allow healthcare professionals to consistently align patients for each radiation session, ensuring the therapy's accuracy. The use of tattoos in radiation therapy has been standardized for many years, highlighting their role in enhancing treatment precision. However, patients differ in their experiences, with some reporting no pain during tattoo application, while others may find it uncomfortable.
In summary, radiation tattoos serve a critical purpose in ensuring precise cancer treatment but can also pose emotional challenges for patients. They are a permanent reminder of the treatment journey, and while they assist medical professionals in delivering effective care, the psychological repercussions can affect patients' overall well-being. Understanding both the practical necessity and the emotional implications of radiation tattoos is essential for providing comprehensive patient support during and after cancer treatment.
How Many Weeks Does Radiation Last?
Most patients undergoing radiation treatments receive therapy daily for 5 to 8 weeks, Monday through Friday, with weekends off to allow normal cells to recover. After the removal of implants, the patients are radiation-free. Those with permanent implants release small amounts of radiation while the source is still active, typically for weeks or months. Although most side effects from radiation are temporary and typically resolve within weeks post-treatment, there can be long-term effects that manifest months or years later.
The experience of cancer continues beyond the conclusion of radiation therapy, as the effects of treatment are not immediate; changes in the cancer might take days, weeks, or even months to appear. One prevalent type of radiation therapy is Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), which is often delivered over 5 to 9 weeks. For total breast radiation, sessions generally last 6-8 weeks, administered once daily, with weekends free. New treatment protocols may reduce the duration in some cases.
Early side effects, which include fatigue and skin changes, usually emerge by the second or third week of therapy and may persist for several weeks after treatment ends. Serious side effects are rare, and it's essential for patients to communicate with their doctors regarding potential specific side effects. Treatment plans can vary based on tumor type and individual patient factors, typically spanning from 3 to 6. 5 weeks.
The necessity of longer treatment durations stems from the need to avoid severe side effects that would accompany larger radiation doses given all at once. As such, radiation treatments are ordinarily scheduled for Monday through Friday, with variations possible for certain cases, including palliative care which might last from one day to three weeks.
Radiation therapy might also involve internal implants, which can remain in place from a few minutes to several days or longer. Patients often inquire about discomfort during radiation; while the process itself does not hurt, side effects may develop over time, starting generally around the second or third week. The specific treatment course for breast radiotherapy often necessitates daily sessions across 3 to 6 weeks to effectively target and treat cancer.
How Long Does It Take For Radiation To Completely Dissipate?
Radiation levels following a nuclear explosion, such as that at Chernobyl, will decrease significantly in the first few days; however, longer-lasting fission products with substantial half-lives (like 90Sr, 106Ru, 137Cs, 147Pm, and 155Eu) will dominate exposure after approximately ten years. The decay rate of radiation is influenced by the type and quantity of radioactive material, the explosion's altitude, and the prevailing weather. Generally, residual radioactivity will drop to 10 percent of its initial level within seven hours and to one percent within 49 hours.
Consequently, most regions can become relatively safe for travel and decontamination after three to five weeks. Interestingly, some areas within Chernobyl may emit less radiation than a cross-country flight that occurred three decades after the disaster.
The immediate deaths associated with radiation exposure largely ceased within seven to eight weeks post-incident, but latent health issues—such as increased miscarriage and stillbirth rates in irradiated fetuses—persisted long thereafter. While it is believed that radiation decays to survivable levels within weeks to months, the aftermath of nuclear fallout can endure for decades. The temporal nature of radioactive decay varies widely depending upon the isotopes; some decay in seconds while others may take millions of years.
A useful guideline, the Seven/Ten rule, states that for every seven hours post-explosion, the radioactivity reduces by about tenfold, further declining to one percent after 48 hours. Most radioactive isotopes created by nuclear detonations have half-lives around 30 years, adding complexity to predicting safe timeframes for exposure. Although immediate radiation levels may subside quickly, areas contaminated by fallout might still not allow safe habitation for 10 to 14 days.
Moreover, while certain radioactive implants might seem permanent, they often lose their potency after several months. The decay of radioactive materials typically follows a standard pattern; it's generally accepted that a sample falls to negligible levels after seven half-lives. However, residual traces may linger—like plutonium-239, which has a half-life of 24, 110 years. Thus, while radiation dissipates over time, the complete absence of radiation can take an extremely long time, depending on the material involved. Overall, understanding the decay timelines of various isotopes is crucial for assessing safety following nuclear events.
How Long Does Radiation Stay In Your Body After Radiotherapy?
External radiotherapy does not render individuals radioactive, as the radiation is designed to pass through the body. In contrast, radioactive material from implants or injections may remain in the body for days, necessitating a hospital stay and reduced contact with others for safety. The duration that radioactive material lingers in the body relies on the specific type employed, with eventual decay allowing for natural elimination through urine, sweat, and biological processes.
Low levels of radiation may persist for months post-treatment, but many patients can resume normal activities within 5–7 days. In certain cases, residual radiation could trigger monitors, like those at airports, up to three months after treatment concludes.
Oral or systemic radiation involves using unsealed radioactive substances that circulate throughout the body, with some radiation staying for a few days until it is expelled. Internal radiation therapy may involve high doses being delivered briefly with powerful sources or lower doses via longer-lasting implants.
After treatment, side effects often peak within a few weeks due to the time required for healthy cells to recover. It is common for side effects to resolve over a few months, although some may linger, including conditions that arise later. Radiation therapy aims to eliminate cancer cells and diminish tumor size, typically employing external beam radiation that directs concentrated doses to specific areas.
Those undergoing treatment might experience various side effects which can become pronounced as treatment nears completion or shortly afterward. The recovery trajectory varies, with some patients faring better than others; not everyone encounters long-term consequences from radiotherapy. Two categories of side effects exist: early (like nausea and fatigue), which arise during or post-treatment and usually dissipate relatively quickly, and late effects that may emerge months or years later.
The side effects typically correlate with the treatment area. Patients with permanent implants do emit minor radiation doses for a few weeks or months, but its intensity significantly diminishes over time. Some radioactive materials, such as brachytherapy seeds, may remain indefinitely, although their potency lessens over time.
In summary, while radiation from certain therapies does necessitate precautions due to residual radioactivity, external radiotherapy does not create a lasting radioactive condition. Patients are advised to communicate openly with their cancer care teams regarding potential side effects and recovery expectations. Most individuals recover within weeks, although some may experience ongoing issues that necessitate additional attention and time. Overall, patient experiences with radiotherapy vary, underscoring the importance of personalized care and monitoring.
Why Do Radiation Patients Get Tattoos?
Radiation tattoos are utilized by therapists to ensure precise alignment during breast cancer treatment. These tattoos mark the treatment field to accurately target areas needing radiation, typically positioned at each corner of the field. This guide delves into the necessity of radiation tattoos in the context of breast cancer therapy, clarifying their role in enhancing the accuracy and efficacy of the treatment process.
A common misconception suggests that these tattoos are essential for marking treated areas for potential future re-treatment. However, advances in 3D treatment planning and imaging technologies negate this need, allowing radiation teams to deliver further treatment without reliance on traditional tattoos. Research from 2018 highlights concerns regarding tattoo ink, which contains nanoparticles that could permeate the skin and enter blood vessels, raising questions about their implications.
During radiation therapy, high-energy beams are directed at breast tissue to eradicate cancer cells. To facilitate this, radiation tattoos, or skin markings, must be placed beforehand. Precision is critical in radiation therapy, and tattoos play a vital role in ensuring accurate treatment delivery. Approximately 60% of cancer patients undergo radiation therapy, and the majority leave with three tiny tattoos marking their treatment area.
Barbara Wisotzkey, a breast cancer survivor, illustrates the emotional burden associated with these markings, which serve as constant reminders of their battle against the disease. The practice of using tattoos and permanent skin marks has been longstanding in radiation therapy, representing a vital step in the treatment procedure. Typically, patients receive three to four permanent markings.
Although tattoos have been effective in ensuring that radiation is delivered accurately to target areas, they can also carry psychological weight for patients, serving as reminders of their cancer journey. However, advancements like AlignRT technology are emerging as alternatives that may eliminate the reliance on permanent tattoos for positioning accuracy.
In summary, while radiation tattoos have traditionally been crucial for aligning patients for accurate treatment, evolving technologies are beginning to offer less intrusive alternatives, potentially reducing the psychological impact of these permanent reminders.
Do You Ever Fully Recover From Radiation?
During radiation treatment, healthy cells can experience damage but typically recover within a few months post-treatment. However, some individuals may face persistent side effects, while others may develop new complications months or years later, termed late effects. Radiation therapy employs concentrated radiation doses to target and eradicate cancer cells and reduce tumor size. There are primarily two types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy, which directs radiation using a machine at the tumor site, and radiosurgery, a single session of high-dose radiation.
The effects of radiation therapy are not immediate; notable changes may take days to months to manifest. Cancer cells can continue to die even after treatment has concluded. As patients transition post-treatment, they often grapple with understanding the residual effects on their bodies and what symptoms may indicate ongoing cancer issues. Recovery timelines can vary widely based on factors like cancer type, treatment duration, and individual health.
Fatigue is a common experience after radiation, prompting questions regarding the duration of chemotherapy effects and the safety of shorter radiation courses. Many patients relate their personal recovery stories, mentioning that it took significant time and effort, including physical therapy, to regain mobility after surgery and radiation.
As radiation therapy typically spans several weeks, patients are encouraged to learn what to expect following treatment, including how to maintain necessary self-care routines. While some may experience rapid recovery after a single treatment session, others find that a return to normalcy may involve a prolonged healing period.
After treatment, it’s common for individuals to yearn for a return to their pre-cancer lives, but recovery can be a gradual process. Most side effects generally diminish in weeks or months. Nevertheless, some may experience longer-lasting effects or complications that require additional management.
Patients must note that while many side effects subside over time, not everyone faces long-term challenges post-radiation therapy. Significant recovery, especially from effects on sensitive areas like the mouth and throat, can take years rather than just months. Recognizing that radiation can impose various side effects, most of which can be managed or mitigated, is crucial for individuals navigating their post-treatment journey.
Do Tattoos Interfere With Medical Procedures?
Getting a tattoo poses minimal risk regarding medical procedures, as long as the tattoo is fully healed before any shots or scans occur. Fresh tattoos may complicate matters; for instance, receiving an injection in a new tattoo could lead to further complications or infections. It’s important to note that certain tattoos can interfere with MRI scans, particularly if the inks used contain heavy metals, jeopardizing image quality or causing discomfort during the procedure.
Medical professionals inquire about tattoos mainly to locate areas of tattooed skin, facilitating surgical planning. Health risks can arise from unsterilized equipment used by tattoo artists, increasing the potential for infections, including hepatitis.
Acquiring a tattoo right before surgery is not advisable due to heightened risks of infection and complications. Fresh tattoos can hamper the healing processes vital for both the tattoo and surgical sites. Medical studies indicate that approximately 5% of individuals could develop infections post-tattoo and 10% may experience short-term complications. Tattoos located near surgical areas may obstruct medical procedures further, amplifying infection risks and potentially complicating recovery.
In discussing MRI interactions with tattoos, a few individuals with tattooed skin have shown discomfort, namely burning sensations due to the pigments in the inks reacting with MRI machinery’s magnetic fields. The FDA cautions that these reactions, while rare, can occur. The quality of the MRI image may diminish when tattoos are present, especially in large areas, making it imperative to discuss any existing tattoos with medical staff prior to scans.
Allergic reactions to inks or other health complications related to tattoos can necessitate medical intervention, including potential tattoo removal. However, general medical procedures typically face no impediments from tattoos. Donating blood may present some restrictions depending on the timing of the tattoo. If you anticipate needing surgery in a tattooed area, be aware that tattoo designs could complicate surgical access or intervention. Overall, it is prudent for individuals considering tattoos to understand the implications for future medical treatments and to weigh the risks involved.
📹 How do you shrink loose skin after weight loss?
In this video I answer the common question I get asked a lot about how to get rid of loose skin after weight loss. I discuss the 3 …
Try extended fasting (3 days). You get autophagy, which takes care of damaged and excess proteins, including loose skin. It still can take some time, often months and years. There are several examples I can think of on YouTube. Check out the Steak and Butter Gal interviewing Emily Harveaux on loose skin (she lost over 100 pounds and is in her 50s) The changes in her stomach are amazing. Then there’s Graeme Currie. He has a podcast where he talks about losing over 100 pounds. He incorporated fasting in the process, and the only loose skin he has was in his neck. He said now it’s great; it took months for it to tighten. (He’s definitely older, maybe 60s). And Dr. Boz has a great article explaining how autophagy works to tighten loose skin.
I lost my weight, 47 lbs, down to what I weighed as a teenager. I was 69 and am 73 now. I decided that I don’t mind the flab because I feel so much better. The only flab that shows is in my upper arms so I wear 3/4 length sleeves. I don’t have much flab elsewhere, and, who really cares at my age. I am naturally thin and my friends are afraid I am too thin. I am also still a bit tall for my age and they are shocked when I tell them the size clothes I wear. Much larger than they think. I keep a sense of humour about the fact that I now have the same problem I had when I was a teen! Thank you for this article. I can keep my sense of humor about it. I now look my age in the face, but, I like it.
Agreed. Being younger is better, but don’t be mistaken. Older people have tremendous regenerative potential. We just did a study with subjects aged 25 to 68. The people in the 60s did great at regeneration. Here are 2 tips. Lots and lots of protein to support skin remodeling and derma rolling to increase blood flow.
He makes a lot of sense. I’m 59 and in 11 months I lost 112 pounds and have excess skin around my stomach. I’m not doing surgery. I just don’t care enough. The skin doesn’t bother me and I’m a lot healthier. I mainly just walk. 8 to 10 miles per day. No gym for me. My cervical and spinal stenosis don’t allow me to lift. Weight loss and walking help me manage the pain which makes me a much happier person.
I’ve found that dermarolling and using vitamin C serum as well as frequent high quality lotions after does in fact help tighten loose skin(obviously not extremely loose skin). At least it has helped me and I have been over weight for many years of my life and have had two children and was left with loose skin. Yes it is a little painful but it works 🙂
DermaBLADING DOES help the loose skin, and it makes sense to me, wearing a waste trainer to keep it from hanging, not saying to wear it tightly, but just hold it in place, eat things that make the body make collagen, and skin peels do that as well, there’s an array of skin products.. i’m not saying an excess amount will be cured by this.. and there’s a lot of studying that goes into everything you can do to produce collagen, but look up articles on what it does for people after pregnancy, and after a year of dermablading, there’s an intense difference, even on skin that was pregnant years ago.
For those who don’t want to be very musclular but want to have a athletic physique with very good cardio and lifting average to not be bulky the way to really shrink, tighten loose skin is with lifting a specific weight you can get around 50-70 or even more if you can reps with a weight so lets say for bench press you would lift like 35-40kg and push yourself to get 100 reps and if you are on the edge and you still havent gotten these reps you can only rest while holding the bar. So this way your muscles stay really tight together and helping you burn and numb the muscles making you not gain muscle but tighten and shrink the skin this isn’t very very known but here you go try it, and I am saying this from expirience because I lost 30 something kg and I could never get rid of my loose skin and I was thinking about surgery but trying methods like this plus cold showers really helped.
I got big around 10 years old I got bigger and bigger each year until I was 16 and weighed 215 lbs. I’m now 18 and weigh 145 lbs and have lose skin. It’s not excessive or anything but I’d like to tighten up my belly and my love handles. Honestly I’m hoping that a healthy diet,fasting occasionally and time will fix my problem 🙂
I’ve been relatively overweight for years. It started when I was still a kid, I was a little bit bigger than everyone else, obviously though, I couldn’t really be considered obese, because it wasn’t that big of a deal. Then when I reached my teens it was a similar case, although of course I was a little bigger. I can’t give an exact weight, because I never had a scale back then. There was a point where I started losing some weight so I looked a bit slimmer, although I still had a gut and was considered overweight. In later years, or otherwise now, in my 20’s ive reached borderline obesity, in other words its gotten to a point where my size is too noticeable. So I’m not sure if I’d ever be able to lose weight without being guaranteed loose skin, especially with all the stretch marks I have
When ur body has gotten used to pulling proteins from meats and u lose weight u will hv more lose skin. I saw this myself. I switched to whole eggs and fish and when I did intermittent fasting and overhydrated myself the skin left. I am not lying I lost 120lbs and I hv no lose skin. Don’t eat meats and do periods of fasting while over hydrated state. Sleep plenty.
What I did to lessen the loose skin I did it slowly. I made sure to maintain weight loss 5lbs at a time in two weeks . I also ate collagen rich foods and supplements. With some lotions. It did wonders for my skin. I Also feel healthier. If you guys are gonna get serious you gotta really be sure to make a commitment
I’ve been maintaining/losing weight for 8 years now. Big kid all my life and the first year from 2014 to 2015 I lost 115 pounds. Now currently maintaining a somewhat lean 200 tryna get back to at least 175/180 then build more lean mass. I stand at 5’8 and my heaviest was 300lbs and my lowest I got down to in 2015 was 182. I have yet to experience lose skin even after my first year. Not sure if it’s because I started heavy weight training after the first year, maybe it’s cuz I was 22 when I started? Idk. I’m very grateful I do not have loose skin tho. Looks like a pain in the ass.
Thank you for telling the TRUTH..I started my journey March 2023.. 1 1/2 80lbs lighter.253-173lbbs. but 15 years before that time I was 295lbs.. total 123lbs lost.. so YES SOME LOOSE SKIN..But i started that last journey with a lot of weight conditioning which has given me great results.. I’m going to continue building muscles in the inner thigh and glutes..Not looking for Perfection at 54 years young but GREAT HEALTH AND A DECENT BODY 👍. Surgery is not a good option for me due to poor healing properties.
I’ve come to terms with the loose skin I’m going to have and it’s just fine. I started my weight loss journey at 286lbs two and a half months ago. I’m already down to about 240lbs. The goal is 186lbs. Yeah I’ll have loose skin, but I will have added years to my lifespan so the tradeoff is well worth it. #Burpees-Daily #Fiber-powder #Intermittent-Fasting #Love-Yourself
I have about 70-80lbs to lose and I’m not young. I’ve been overweight for about 10 years. I’m wondering if there is any way to lose the weight and care for the skin that will minimize loose skin? I know losing too quickly is bad, for many reasons, but are there any other tips that can help? My mother lost 80lbs.in her mid 30’s, and her skin snapped back nicely. I’m hoping for the best. Either way, the body fat has to go. My health comes first.
I have it around my hips/love handles after losing 85 lbs at around 5′ 6″. There is no way to get rid of it once you have it without surgery. You can build muscle and try and fill it in but that’s the best you can do. I hate it. Drives me absolutely nuts and surgery is very expensive. Especially for the relatively minimal amount I have. The worst part is that the loose skin I have is sin spots where building muscle won’t to much. Unless I hopped on the juicy juice and gained 30+ lbs of lean mass in my back, lats glutes and quads. That would likely be enough to kinda stretch it back out in many directions and reduce it. But that isn’t going to happen..
You do not need surgery to eliminate loose skin! If you can be patient and are willing to do routine extended fasting (2 or 3 days, twice per month), you can eliminate loose skin via the body’s natural process of autophagy. Read up on it. This method takes time, up to several years if you have a lot of extra skin, but it works.
I just lost 110 lbs in 3 months and this loose skin is killing my six pack. If you wanna know how I did it….CLEAN KETO, 22/2 intermittent fasting (22 hours of fasting and two hour window of allowed eating and I was able to hold that for 2.5 months where I lost the vast majority of my weight), two jobs, and one 25 lbs dumbbell. I kept my TOTAL carbs (NOT NET CARBS BUT ALL CARBS) under 20 grams the entire time and I have only cheated 1 time and I and my wife have committed the rest of our lives to a carb-free lifestyle.
F. 46. Skinny my whole life. Gained in the last 8yrs. No stretch marks. No “folding over” skin when standing (but yes when bending/sitting). Skin still looks supple (olive tone). Hopefully it can shrink back some. Crossing fingers. If I remember, I’ll come back to comment in a year after I get back into shape (gotta do it before I hit the wall and it be too hard forever). Lol Ps. Even as a skinny kid I still had a small paunch. At the height of my physical fitness in the army (and boy was I slim, tone and strong) I still couldn’t sit without that laaaaast bit of below navel paunch. So I have no expectations of being completely flat. I just want to be able to wear a fitted top and reduce cancer associated with bellies . Lol)
I’m 15 and I’ve been fat for as long as I can remember, I just can’t seem to loose enough, I worked out for a long time and I lost 7 pounds in a week or so. I’m 200+ pounds and I’m super self conscious and I just want to know, is it even worth it if I can’t even look my self in the mirror knowing I’m hiding so much under my clothes that I can’t change?
Reducing Carbohydrate Intake is the most important tips. Fat intake actually needs to be higher than protein intake. When you eat sugar and carbs, your body converts anything not used to replenish muscle, turns to fat. Your body burns in the following order Carbs/Sugars, Fats, Protein. When you eat only food that contains fats and protein, your body goes into a state of ONLY burning fat. You don’t take on the fat that you eat UNLESS you are eating alot of carbs so your body will store the fat because the carbs are always used by the body first. Complex Carbs are good for you once you lower the weight.
I have all the strikes against me…yikes! However I’m getting rid of it. I’m eating strict keto, I’m swallowing collagen. I’m also working out, and I’m micro needling once a month. I put hyaluronic acid and moisturizer on my body. I use different massagers and a wood roller. I’m doing ALL of this religiously and also taking pictures. It’s gotten to be my hobby! 😄
I’m 37 now when I was 26 I went from 350 lbs to 220 lbs and didn’t have any loose skin and I was fat through out my high and college years I’m 37 now I gained weight back after getting out the military I’m 385 lbs now at the heaviest a month ago I was 398 lbs so I’m hoping with me drinking lot to water and cardio and chasing my way of eating and weighligting
Please advise what I can do: I’m disabled + I lost a lot of weight through abuse, neglect, + starvation. I am bones + skin. It’s scary to see in the mirror. The skin is on my arms, stomach, upper rear legs by my buttocks, + the front plus bottom of my stick legs. It makes me look 40 yrs older. I can’t exercise + can only shuffle a few feet w/ a walker w/ seat. Kind, helpful suggestions welcome. Thanks!
I lost 50 lbs. in roughly an 18-month time period. I still need to make DRASTIC changes in my diet, but I’m still a bit overweight and have loose skin around my abdomen/stomach area (roughly 2.5 to 3 inches) and the nasty “bat wings”. Last Summer, I was roughly 193-197. Now, in late June of 2022, I’m between 202-207. I’m trying to get back into the exercise realm, but at my age, I’m finding it difficult to get into the swing of things. Any suggestions comments or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing. I think you are quite accurate when it comes to age. I was never fat, but, almost three years now I have lost muscle mass since I’ve stopped working out in the gym due to having an inguinal hernia which has grown in size. Its being monitored medically. I’m over 60, I weigh around 129lbs, 5′ 9″. I consider myself naturally thin with loose skin. Is there a remedy?
I lost 14kg (30 pounds). I am now 59kg and I have alot of loose skin in my arms and I have a decent muscle mass in my arm as well. I do weight lifting and cycling (now I do calisthenics) and the loose skin can’t go away. I am really insecure but I am proud of what I had achieved even tho I am really insecure about my loose skin.
My name’s Ethan I’m 17 turning 18 next month I starting being overweight about since I was 8 or 9 200ish to 250 at my highest. I started to lose weight around 2017 but summer came around then I stopped recently got back to it I’m at 190lbs but I’m Shorter so there’s still a large amount of fat wondering what are my chances of my skin stretching back to normal after losing my weight by maybe next year
i’m 5’4″ and about 90kg or idk maybe around mid to upper 80s since i’ve been doing 20-4 IF for a month and doing HIIT almost everyday. I’ve seen my body shrink a bit and some parts of my body got fit or you know not that flabby. But what I’m trying to ask is that will I have loose skin whenever I get to my ideal weight? ie 62-65kg.
I want to lose 25kg/55lbs in 3 months and then lose the rest of the 16kg/35lb slowly over the course of a year or 6 months. I’ll try to avoid loose skin by drinking water, lifting weights and keeping my body moisturised. That could at least help me reduce the amount of loose skin I’ll get. The idea of loose skin is horrible to me but being fat is worse. I do extended fasts and intermittent fasting and of course that creates rapid weight loss and loose skin.
Okay, so what about my situation? I am turning 54, I’ve never been overweight, never had babies, I do cross fit 4 times a week along with other physical activities, I eat clean mostly plant based, No alcohol, dessert only one time a week. My stomach is flat and toned, but I still have loose skin on my stomach!!!!??? How do I get rid of it? It is my age? Do I need surgery? I’m truly shocked and at a loss here!
I am actually 17, and i do have loose saggy skin which i cant get rid of, the first time i became overweight was when i was 7 years actually, i was 15 kilograms above my weight limit, and i was stuck with the belly for like 10 years until i became 17 were i went from 105 kg to 67 kg(my current weight) and i still have this saggy skin even though i exercise powerlifting and bodybuilding
F**! I have loose skin. It’s not noticeable to most other people but it’s annoying. I wrestle & train in bjj, my training partners will go to do some move and accidentally pinch my loose skin. That s** hurts man!!! They have no idea that I have loose skin. I was 180 for a couple years and I cut down to 117 for 7 months and then went back up to 140 due to pandemic, got down to 125. Now I’m at 135ish. My loose skin from being 180 is never going to go away I just don’t like getting my skin pinched 😕
This is the worst possible thing I could hear today. I’m 50 and trying to lose weight but I’m noticing the more I lose the worse my stomach looks. It looks globby when, although larger, at least it use to look smooth like a pregnant woman. It’s not going to deter me from sticking with the weight loss because I like being able to comfortably tie shoes again but I was hoping for a foolproof way to rid my body of the extra skin. 😭
I greatly disagree with the time factor. I bounced back perfectly after pregnancy with zero saggy skin or stretch marks and all I did was make sure to lotion my stomach every morning and night. But one specifically Stressful year, I was working 16 plus hours per day sitting at a desk and blew up in just a month and lost the weight in about 2 months and THAT very quick and short term and drastic weight change is what gave me Stretch marks on my lower stomach
So im screwed essentially. I am 48 and carried an excessive weight for a decade, probably more. What sucks is it wasn’t till i reached my goal bf percentage of 10% . We’re talking around 150 pounds of weight loss over 4 years At 15% i looked good, 12.5% still good but then when i got to10 i was like wtf is this?
i am 38 years old. i lost 80 lbs in 6 months. i now have some extra skin around my midsection. i would like to have it shrink down, though i do not believe it will happen. though maybe if i start exercising it might reduce. as i dropped all of the weight by just changing what i ate. i did no extra activity.
I’m a 6’3″ male•••37 yrs ago I lost 105 lbs (topped at 295) in 8-9 months on extreme cardio and vegetarian diet. I’ve center front belly area loose skin which never went away, in addition to bit of double neck/jawline loose skin. I worked really Really REALLY HARD to loose the weight and would have loved to 🎁GIFT myself the surgery or cool sculpting to remove•••At 21 yrs of age then, WHY OH WHY wasn’t I able for the loose skin to retract?? Isn’t that young enough to have had loose skin naturally diminish?? 😐🫤😔
I gained like 25 lbs in 14 days from being abit underweight. And lost all the 25 lbs just as fast. After this I get see scars or stretch masrks in my just above and in my eyebrows as if the skin coulnt handel this fast fat increase. This is making my eyebrows sagg a little. can the skin recover from 25 lbs fast up and down?
Oh yes,You can ! Dry fast . I say this because I’m a real proof of that. Now I don’t know if its possible to eliminate all your loose skin, especially if you lose a ton of weight to begin with. At my highest post Pandemic, I was weighing 103.7 Kilograms at Today I was at 59.5 Kg on an empty stomach. To be honest its hard to lose the loose skin, especially when you are skinny and don’t have much fat deposits to dry fast long. I have plenty of scars left despite my loose skin being close to little. The answer is to dry fast twice a week(would be better on two consecutive days but you must listen to your body) and on other days build muscle and do some HIT. When you fuel up on food try to remove carbs and go for protein + healthy fat based diet. Oh, I almost forgot. Sleep on low temperature room and as soon as the darkness sets, you should wake up early and take some walk or ride a bike to get your heart pumping . As for Fasting, I’m a Muslim and we are obligated due to our beliefs to fast one out of 12 months, the month of Ramadan from dusk to dawn dry. That did helped me quite a lot on my loose skin . Also the early morning prayer before Crack of Dawn, got me in track for life. It’s the best thing you can do to wake up early and try to catch sunrises and birds chirping. However I found out that sleeping early and waking early is key, you can literally feel having less loose skin. I would highly recommend aswell exposing your skin on sunlight if you can for 20+ minutes/day beside rich foods that help boos testosterone.
Sir I live in India.. I am 26 years old and I’ve lost 45 kg of fat in 2 years.. I was a fat kid since birth.. I’m left with a lot of lose skin in my abdominal area.. doctor has suggested me to go for either a thermo laser or a plastic surgery.. what would you recommend out of the two ? And also I am in my prime of my bodybuilding career right now, would going under the knife hinder my growth, because doctor has said 2 months I cannot lift weights at all and after that I cannot do heavy squats and compound movements for a few more months.. kindly reply sir, your help would be deeply appreciated
Im 13 and 385 pounds and ive been fat for almost my whole life im scared to lose weight because all the loose skin that i could have and only being in the 7th grade kids can get pretty mean also im 6 foot 3 and have tons of facial hair almost a full beard ive been wondering if that plays a part in my weight i have spoken to my mom about gyms but im scared that i wont commit to the gym.
Alright mate any info on shrink ointment I saw big Ron saying it works but it’s £40 so I dunno if it’s legit or a straight up con.. I’m abit over weight but I’ve been working out since i was a teen and I’m looking to make some changes now I’ve changed my diet and I don’t think it will take much but I’m currently using bio oil for stretch marks, would be brilliant if you could let me know if that will work ✌️
my skin shrinked back around a month after i wasn’t that big in the first place was chubby not obese i was intermittent fasting i went a bit too far with it lost it very quickly i would eat nothing for 2 days then 1500 calories for the 5 days i was eating. i didnt actually realize it until it was done it was a very unhealthy way for me to do it just be careful if your doing intermittent fasting the weight will drop quickly you wont even realize it until you look in a mirror one day and think god i look like crap. i have managed to keep the weight off i go to the gym 3 days a week and just listen to my body if im hungry will eat a bit of fruit or a protein bar and will let myself eat what ever i want for 1 day every 2 weeks have a cheat day but normally when that day comes you will think you will eat loads but you dont intermittent fasting resets your brain and tastes that doughnut or chocolate bar or bit of cake becomes a bit too rich and sweet you dont lend up binging as much as you used too.
Uh ngl I got locked up 1 out of 4 times in 2018 for 6 months and the last time I went in at 13 years old at 6,0 180 came out 6,3 240 but then 3 months later I’m back down to 165 at 6,6 and I just have a tad bit of loose skin but don’t really workout besides a weight vest and elevation mask on while playing basketball 3 hours daily So I have like barley in loose skin but I know nothing about working out and don’t know how to lose it still
It doesn’t matter if you lose your weight slowly or fast. You CANNOT get rid of loose skin no matter what you do other than surgery. No creams or salves will get rid of it either. — The more the skin was stretched out during weight gain, the more likely you will have loose, saggy skin after weight loss – period.
Thank you so much for the article, it was very well done. While I was a professional firefighter sergeant (aged 29 to 44), I was about 100lbs over weight, I retired a year ago and the weight shed super fast without the stress from work. Now, I have a bunch of loose skin that appears to be shrinking back, is there anything at all that I can put on the skin to help with its elasticity? I’ve heard mineral oil helps, is there any truth to this?
OMG DO NOT listen to this guy. He’s absolutely wrong. No surgery IS NOT required if you are middle aged, too overweight, or have been overweight for longer. That is such bullsh**. It just means he is not a good trainer or fitness “expert”. I have seen older overweight people lose weight & tone up naturally. They just have to do a more extreme program to reverse the hands of time. They just had to work harder. Anytime someone tells you, you cannot do it yourself, DO NOT listen to them! Yes you can. They just don’t know or aren’t up for the challenge. Yes you can!
This is false. the LITERAL cure to loose skin is autophagy or prolonged fasting. The longer the better. I’ve seen people do 40 day water fasts after loosing a couple hundred pounds with loose belly skin, and it tighten up completely after 1-2 years of prolonged fasting intervals. The key is to consume really nutrient dense animal foods when you DO eat and do OMAD. Carnivore is best, but just make sure you get all the fat soluble nutrients your body needs to handle those long fasts. Dry fasting is even more powerful.
I lost over 60 pounds in 6 months, I was 240 pounds and now I’m 175 pounds(height 5’11). But now I’m concerned about the extra skin that I have from my weight loss. I’m 17 years old right now and I was overweight since I was 10 or 11 most probably. Can someone tell me if I can get rid of the skin that I have left? And how much time it can take…