Sagging Abdomen

The skin contains collagen that provides considerable elasticity. It provides expansion and constricting properties to the skin. However, due to age or other reasons, such as pregnancy, the elasticity of the collagen deteriorates, and the ability of the skin to adjust reduces. As a result, people may develop a sagging abdomen even after living a healthy lifestyle. Also, such people do not realise that the sagging abdomen is not due to the extra fat but the lax muscles and skin. Losing a considerable weight may result in loose, sagging skin.

Some of the causes of the sagging abdomen are:

1. Ageing: Ageing is one of the most common causes of a sagging abdomen. As the person age, skin loses elasticity and firmness due to a reduction in elastin fibres and collagen. 
2. Obesity: An increase in abdominal fat in an obese person results in extensive stretching of the abdominal muscles. Significant weight loss in an obese person may result in a sagging abdomen. 
3. Pregnancy: Women with multiple pregnancies are at increased risk for a sagging abdomen. It is because of the extensive stretching of abdominal muscles and skin during multiple pregnancies. 
4. Other causes: Hereditary, smoking, UV rays, excessive alcohol intake, and reduced levels of estrogen in females may also play a role in the sagging abdomen.

Along with sagging skin, you may also have these symptoms:

1. Increased skin sensitivity
2. Loss of skin colour
3. In case of pregnancy, the abdominal muscles get separated 
4. Irritation, rashes and damage to the skin

1. A sagging abdomen, in most cases, is a cosmetic concern and can be diagnosed through physical examination and seeking certain information from the patient.
2. However, the doctor may ask the person to undergo further examination to determine the cause of the sagging abdomen. Certain medical conditions, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, may also result in sagging skin.

There are the following treatment options for a sagging abdomen:

1. Lifestyle modifications: Effective lifestyle choices may help reduce the skin around the abdomen in case of minor sagging. It includes routine exercise, reducing exposure to the sun, quitting smoking, and adequate hydration. People should include resistance training, yoga, and strength training in their exercise schedules.
2. Topical formulations: Topical creams and lotions may also help reduce the appearance of a sagging abdomen. These formulations contain substances that improve elasticity and boost the production of collagen. 
3. Laser therapy: Laser therapy is an excellent non-invasive option for people with moderately loose skin. It enhances the overall skin tone and boosts collagen production. Laser therapy requires several sittings to obtain the desired results. However, the results are clearer and long-lasting compared to home remedies. It helps in tightening the sagging abdominal skin. 
4. Laser resurfacing: Laser resurfacing is more extensive than laser therapy. Although the laser resurfacing also uses a laser, the laser is guided deep into the skin. It removes the damaged and old cells of the skin apart from stimulating the synthesis of collagen. It also uses the natural healing process of the skin to develop new healthy, fresh skin. It is effective in people with moderate and severe sagging.
5. Radiofrequency treatment: It is also a non-invasive treatment option for sagging abdomen. In the procedure, the doctor heats the water in the abdominal tissue through radiofrequency. The response of the collagen molecule results in tightening of the abdominal skin. The tighter and contracted collagen then initiates the rebuilding process. It results in thicker, shorter, and more elastic collagen. 
6. Tummy tuck surgery: It is also called abdominoplasty. 
   1. Complete abdominoplasty:  The surgeon makes an incision from the hipbone to the hipbone. The muscles, skin, and tissues are then contoured as required. The belly button may be moved, and the patient may require a drainage tube for a few days.
   2. Mini or particle abdominoplasty: This procedure is performed on the people with fat deposits under the naval. The procedure duration is around 2 hours, and the belly button is not moved in this procedure.

If left untreated, the sagging skin may have the following complications:

1. Sagging skin results in skin folds. It entraps a significant amount of dirt and sweat. Uncleanliness, moisture, and heat may result in fungal infections.
2. The skin folds in the sagging abdominal skin rub with each other and may damage the epidermis. Further, it may also cause irritation, rashes, and skin tears. The tears in the skin may result in infection.
3. People with untreated sagging skin are more concerned about their physical appearance and lack confidence.

Most of the time, the cause of sagging skin is evident, such as sudden weight loss or after pregnancy. However, sometimes, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition in some cases. The person should consult the doctor if:

1. There is a separation of abdominal muscles due to pregnancy-induced sagging
2. The excess skin is at increased risk of chafing, which may result in damage and skin irritation.
3. The person has significant emotional stress due to body image.