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Surgeon-Led Specialist Clinic
Led by plastic surgeon Dr. Ayad Harb, we pride ourselves on the standard of care, quality and safety of our treatments.
Central Clinic Locations
SRGN has three state of the art clinic locations in Central London, Bicester & Ascot.
Care Quality Commission
We're regulated by the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
GMC Registered Surgeons
All of our surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.
Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Dr. Ayad Harb, one of the world's leading plastic surgeons
Loose skin is a common dermatological concern that many individuals grapple with, frequently acting as a silent testament to significant life changes or the inexorable progression of time. Often perceived as a cosmetic inconvenience, the reality of loose skin penetrates much deeper, affecting both physiological and psychological well-being.
Our skin, a remarkable organ, is designed with a flexibility that allows it to stretch and adapt to the changes our bodies undergo. It's like the elastic fabric of a well-tailored outfit, expanding and retracting to fit our form. Factors such as rapid weight gain or pregnancy prompt our skin to expand. It does this in response to the underlying increase in fat or muscle mass. However, the challenge arises when the body contracts, especially after rapid weight loss. The skin, which had been stretched for an extended period, doesn't always return to its former tautness with the same speed or efficiency. The result? A sagging or draped appearance that many find distressing.
Another formidable factor contributing to skin laxity is the natural aging process. Youthful skin is abundant in collagen and elastin. These two proteins play a pivotal role in maintaining our skin's firmness and elasticity. But as we age, the production of these essential proteins starts to wane. By the time we hit our thirties and beyond, the decline becomes more pronounced, leading to skin that is less resilient and less able to revert to its original state after being stretched. It's akin to an elastic band that, over time and with repeated use, loses its snap.
Moreover, environmental factors can be both silent and potent aggressors in the battle against loose skin. Chronic sun exposure, for instance, is not just about sunburns or tans. The ultraviolet rays from the sun accelerate the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres. Over the years, this compounded damage manifests as prematurely aged, lax skin. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, can further exacerbate this decline, hastening the appearance of sagging skin.
While the aesthetic dimension of loose skin is undeniable, it's crucial to understand that it's not just about looks. For individuals, especially those who've undergone significant weight loss, the presence of extensive loose skin can lead to a host of physical challenges. It can chafe, leading to discomfort or even painful sores. It can limit mobility, making certain movements or exercises cumbersome. In severe cases, large folds of skin can become breeding grounds for infections, necessitating medical intervention.
Beyond the physical realm, the psychological and emotional implications of living with loose skin are profound. In a world that often places a premium on appearance, those with significant skin laxity can grapple with self-esteem issues. They might feel the need to hide behind layers of clothing, avoid social situations, or shy away from activities they once loved, like swimming or sports. It's a silent emotional burden, one that weighs just as heavily as the physical one.
In conclusion, understanding loose skin requires a holistic approach. It's not just about stretched skin; it's about the stories that skin tells, the journeys it's witnessed, and the silent battles it signifies. The good news is that, with advancements in aesthetic medicine and a deeper understanding of skin health, there are now more ways than ever to address and alleviate the concerns associated with skin laxity. Whether through treatments or emotional support, the path to embracing and enhancing one's skin has never been clearer.
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One of the most palpable manifestations of loose skin is found in individuals who have undergone a significant weight reduction journey. The human body, in its inherent design, can expand or contract to accommodate weight fluctuations. When weight is gained, especially at a rapid pace, the skin expands. This adaptation is a testament to its inherent resilience. But when this weight is shed rapidly, such as after bariatric surgery or intensive weight loss programs, the skin doesn't always manage to shrink back at the same velocity.
The areas most affected include the arms, where 'bat wings' might form; the abdomen, which might present with an apron-like fold; and the thighs, which could showcase sagging. Additionally, even the face might reveal excess skin, leading to jowls or a drooping appearance. This type of loose skin, especially when extreme, is not just an aesthetic concern. It can hinder physical activity, cause discomfort due to chafing, and even lead to infections in severe instances. Addressing post-weight loss skin laxity is not just about cosmetic enhancement but about enhancing the quality of life after achieving a momentous weight loss milestone.
Pregnancy is a transformative journey, not just emotionally but physically. A woman's body undergoes monumental changes, and one of the most evident transformations is the abdomen's expansion to accommodate the growing baby. As the baby grows, the skin and underlying muscles stretch, displaying the skin's incredible ability to adapt. However, post-childbirth, many women find that their abdominal skin doesn't revert to its pre-pregnancy tautness.
While some degree of retraction occurs in the weeks following childbirth, factors like age, genetics, the number of pregnancies, and the weight of the baby can influence how much the skin tightens. For many women, the presence of loose skin post-pregnancy becomes a silent reminder of their journey. While many embrace it as a testament to the life they bore, others seek avenues to regain their pre-pregnancy skin texture and firmness, especially if the loose skin impacts their self-esteem or physical comfort.
Ageing is an inevitable and natural progression of life. With it comes wisdom, experience, and, unfortunately, some degree of skin laxity. As we age, our body's production of vital skin-firming proteins - collagen and elastin - diminishes. This decline is gradual, beginning as early as our late twenties, and becomes more pronounced as we navigate our thirties, forties, and beyond.
The repercussions of this reduced production aren't limited to just wrinkles or fine lines. The skin's overall elasticity wanes, leading to sagging and drooping. This type of loose skin is most evident on the face, neck, and hands. However, areas like the arms, chest, and abdomen aren't immune. Chronic sun exposure, environmental pollutants, and certain lifestyle choices can amplify this natural ageing process, leading to prematurely sagging skin. Addressing age-induced skin laxity often involves a multifaceted approach, combining lifestyle changes, skincare, and aesthetic treatments.
In the dynamic field of aesthetic medicine, the evolution of treatments addressing skin concerns has been monumental. Today, those grappling with loose skin have a diverse array of procedures at their disposal. Each of these treatments is rooted in science, designed to either enhance the skin's natural regeneration processes or to restore its youthful firmness and elasticity.
Microneedling has risen in popularity as a minimally invasive procedure that harnesses the skin's inherent healing abilities. By creating micro-injuries using tiny needles, the treatment prompts the skin to produce more collagen and elastin. This surge in these vital proteins aids in not only tightening the skin but also rejuvenating it, giving it a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Incorporating the principles of microneedling, the Morpheus-8 treatment elevates its efficacy by introducing radiofrequency energy. This combined approach targets the skin's subdermal layer, ensuring that the treatment reaches the deeper layers of the skin. With its ability to stimulate collagen production, Morpheus-8 excels in enhancing skin tone, texture, and tightness, making it a sought-after remedy for skin laxity.
Profhilo, on the other hand, stands apart in the realm of injectable treatments. It's not just a filler; it's a bio-remodeler. By hydrating the skin and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, Profhilo offers a two-fold benefit. It provides a subtle lift, improving the skin's suppleness, and at the same time, it revitalises the skin, improving its overall texture and appearance. This treatment is especially noteworthy for those who want to address skin laxity without dramatically altering their facial contours.
Chemical peels might sound intense, but they're rooted in a simple principle: exfoliation. By applying a specialised chemical solution, the topmost layer of the skin, often marred by damage, dead cells, and impurities, is gently removed. This process reveals the fresher, tighter layer beneath and stimulates the skin to produce more collagen. The result? Skin that not only looks revitalised but feels firmer.
Dermal fillers have long been associated with plumping lips or smoothing out wrinkles. However, their potential in addressing loose skin is noteworthy. These injectables can replenish lost volume, especially in areas of the face. By doing so, they don't just fill; they lift.
Located in the heart of Ascot, Bicester, and London, the SRGN Clinic exemplifies afusion of cutting-edge science, unparalleled skill, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. The clinic stands as a beacon of excellence in thefield of aesthetic and plastic surgery.
Leading the team at SRGN is Dr. Ayad Harb, a renowned plastic surgeon and aesthetic trainer. His expertise, honed by years of experience and a genuine passion for improving lives, defines the very core of the clinic's ethos. Dr. Harb's innovative techniques, combined with an artistic eye for detail, enable him to deliver consistently exceptional results that are tailored to each patient's individual needs and desires.
At SRGN, we believe in the transformative power of aesthetic and plastic surgery. Our treatments, ranging from non-invasive procedures to complex surgical interventions, are designed to enhance and accentuate your natural beauty. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment where you can discuss your aesthetic goals openly, and together we create a treatment plan that brings these goals to life.
Every member of the SRGN team shares a deep commitment to patient care. We prioritise your comfort, safety, and satisfaction from the moment you step into our clinic. Each of our facilities mirrors the luxury and tranquility of their surroundings, offering a serene space where you can embark on your journey to self-improvement.
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