Skin Health Post Bariatric Surgery - Aastha Bariatrics

Weight loss surgery or fat removal surgery collectively known as bariatric surgery works by altering the digestive system. It is the most effective on-going treatment for obesity and its associated metabolic complications. It is performed when diet and exercise have not worked for long duration and the risk of having serious health complications are high due to obesity or being overweight.

Why skin care is important:

If you have undergone bariatric surgery, you have taken the first step of your weight loss journey and are starting to build a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes when we are busy making healthy choices in regard to eating and exercise, we forget about our body’s largest organ i.e, skin.

Well, during weight loss, our skin is more susceptible to hormonal and environmental changes. You may also be prone to dryness, sagging and early aging. Looking after your skin will help control and prevent these issues

There are a number of ways to take care of your skin including:

Drink plenty of water:

We know that drinking plenty of water can help almost everything. And it is true, especially for our skin.

Drinking water keeps your skin hydrated, which is important for preventing dry, tight, and flaky skin. It also promotes increased oxygenation in skin cells, which encourages healthier, more vibrant skin.

Avoid hot showers:

Having hot showers every day might feel great, but they can leave your skin extremely dry.

Dry skin is more prone to suffer from wrinkles and sagging, which, as we know, bariatric surgery patients are already more susceptible to. Switch your steaming shower for a warm one, and make sure you moisturize afterwards.

Keep skin moisturized:

Hydrated skin seems to be a common factor in this whole ‘good skin’ thing, but as we mentioned, it’s super important to ensure our body’s largest organ stays healthy.

A good moisturizer that features ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and other nourishing oils will add and seal in moisture. These moisturizers keep our skin healthy and make us feel good and refreshed.

Eat good foods:

The health of your skin depends heavily on what you eat. As your skin is constantly shedding old, dead skin cells, it’s also producing new skin cells from the nutrients you put into your body.

Vitamin C can do amazing things to your skin. It is a super antioxidant which will help your skin to repair and correct damage. Antioxidants also limit the production of free radicals, which can damage your skin in the first place.

Vitamin C is important for collagen production which improves your skin elasticity, strength and plumpness (great for aiding and supporting sagging skin). Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, blueberries, broccoli, strawberries and sweet potatoes.

Healthy fats are great for naturally moisturizing your skin. Healthy fats can be found in foods such as avocados, fish, nuts and seeds but it should be taken in moderate amounts. A good selection of foods can also boost your body’s ability to heal wounds and preserve the integrity of your skin.

Keep your skin clean:

Using a gentle body and face wash is vital in removing impurities that could lead to skin damage or imperfections. For a postoperative patient with sagging skin/ skin folds, this is especially important, as there can be an increased risk of skin injury within these folds, such as friction (which can lead to irritation and a form of dermatitis called Intertrigo), skin tears and pressure ulcer development. Keeping skin clean and dry will aid in preventing these tissues.

FAQ's

How can I prevent my skin from sagging after bariatric surgery?

You need to stay well hydrated. Hydrated skin is more elastic and will be better able to manage the changes in your body weight. Then, eat plenty of healthy fatty foods like avocado and salmon, which contain skin-elasticity-promoting properties that can help your skin heal naturally.

Will loose skin tighten over time?

As skin is a living organ, it can tighten up some over time. Age, the length of time excess weight was present, and genetics all play a role in how much your skin can tighten. Eating well, staying hydrated, and looking after your skin health can help.