Liposuction can shape your body amazingly, but getting great results isn’t just about removing fat. One important factor people often forget is skin elasticity. If your skin doesn’t bounce back after the fat is gone, you could end up with loose or uneven areas. So, how do you know if your skin is up to the task?
At McCue Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jonathan McCue, a board-certified plastic surgeon, takes a meticulous approach to body sculpting. He expertly evaluates skin elasticity ahead of all procedures to determine whether liposuction can provide the desired results.
If you’re considering this procedure, here’s why skin elasticity matters.
What is Skin Elasticity — and Why Does It Matter?
After liposuction, the skin must tighten over the newly contoured area, shrinking to fit your new shape. If it doesn’t, loose or wrinkled skin can be left behind.
Skin elasticity refers to your skin’s ability to stretch and snap back into shape. It mainly comes down to elastin, a natural protein in connective tissues. Elastin provides flexibility and resilience. It works alongside collagen, an important structural support protein, to maintain healthy, firm skin.
Certain factors can break down elastin fibers, leading to sagging skin and affecting your skin’s ability to contract after surgery:
- Age: Younger skin tends to be more elastic, while older skin loses its ability to retract. Elasticity loss usually starts in the mid-20s and accelerates in the 30s, 40s, and beyond. It happens alongside collagen loss, often resulting in skin sagging and wrinkling.
- Genetics: Some people naturally have firmer, more elastic skin.
- Sun exposure: UV damage can break down collagen and elastin, reducing elasticity. It’s just one of the reasons good sun protection is so crucial at every age.
- Weight fluctuations: Repeated weight gain and loss can compound the effects of normal time-related elastin loss, stretching the skin permanently.
- Smoking: This bad habit reduces circulation and weakens skin structure, speeding up skin sagging.
How to Determine if You Have Good Skin Elasticity
Does your skin have the resilience needed for great results after liposuction? Here are some signs of good elasticity:
- Your skin bounces back when lightly pinched.
- You don’t have significant stretch marks or sagging.
- Your skin feels firm, not loose.
A consultation with Dr. McCue can help assess your skin’s condition and whether liposuction will deliver the smooth, sculpted results you’re hoping for.
What if You Have Poor Skin Elasticity?
If your skin lacks elasticity, liposuction alone may not be the best option. However, combining liposuction with other body contouring procedures be a great solution. For example, if you’re concerned about extra fat and sagging belly skin, a tummy tuck can remove the extra skin. Dr. McCue can add liposuction to your surgery to address extra fat.
Liposuction Consultations: Minneapolis & St. Paul
If you’re considering liposuction and want expert guidance, Dr. Jonathan McCue at McCue Plastic Surgery provides personalized care in Plymouth, MN. Call 952-830-0089 to schedule a consultation.
