Saggy & Loose Skin

As we age, our skin can naturally lose some of its elasticity, resulting in areas of skin that appear looser or saggy. This appearance can be exaggerated if there has been rapid weight loss, loss of muscle mass or following pregnancy. There are a number of areas of the body that are more prone to developing looser skin including:

Face, in particular around the jawline and neck (resulting in ‘jowls’ or a ‘double chin’)
Upper arm (sometimes referred to as ‘bingo wings’)
Breasts
Lower abdomen
Lower back and buttocks
Thighs

Different people will find that they are prone to saggy skin forming in different areas, depending on their body type. Unfortunately, looser skin can form unsightly ‘flaps’ of excess tissue. This can cause problems with mobility and put restrictions on someone’s activities. Many individuals feel self-conscious about areas of excessive or saggy skin and this can lead to problems with self-esteem and self-confidence and restrict their choice of clothing or activities.

Mr Ioannis Goutos is an experienced plastic surgeon with a special interest in looking after individuals with burns and scars, and performing a wide variety of procedures including body contouring surgery. Mr Goutos places a particular emphasis on creating tailored treatment plans for each individual, addressing their cosmetic goals and both the physical and psychological factors affecting their treatment.

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About this condition

The skin contains special connective tissues, such as collagen and elastin, which help to give the skin its strength and elasticity. This allows it to stretch as we move and then snap back to its original shape. As we age, the production of elastin and collagen within the skin reduces. Exposure to UV light from the sun and environmental pollutants, including smoking, can also reduce the production of these connective tissues in the skin. This means that the overall structure of the skin is not as elastic and with time can appear more loose and saggy.

In individuals who have had dramatic weight loss, or where there has been temporary stretching of the skin such as during pregnancy, the sudden reduction in fat or tissues underneath the skin, means that the skin is not able to come back into its original position. This can result in portions of excess skin and superficial fatty tissues that appear like flaps of saggy skin.

There are a number of treatment options and procedures that can help to reduce the appearance of looser skin. The most appropriate treatment will depend on the individual’s cosmetic goals and the amount and location of excess or saggy skin. In minor symptoms, toning exercises, good hydration and skin moisturisation can help. In more significant cases, laser therapies and/or surgery can be a good option. There are a number of surgical procedures, collectively known as ‘body contouring’, that can be used to remove the excess skin and tissue. The remaining skin is then redraped around the target area to create a smoother and more toned contour. These procedures can also be used in conjunction with liposuction techniques to remove pockets of fat to give a smoother overall result.

Testimonials

Mr Goutos is delighted to share some of his patient and peer feedback on their experiences of his services.

Louise Steel

2023-08-16

Mr Goutos performed keloidectomy surgery on both my earlobes, and I am so grateful to have been referred to him. From the first consultation, through surgery, and now my 3-month follow-up, I have nothing but good words to say.

Luke Ward

2023-07-10

This man is an extremely intelligent, professional gentleman. He will set realistic expectations from the beginning and will not ‘beat around the bush’ so-to speak. From the initial consultation to post-surgery, it has been a rollercoaster ride. However the high level of expertise & professionalism Mr Goutos maintained has been impeccable. All I can say to any other individual considering treatment with Mr Goutos, is that you are in incredibly safe hands. And on top of this, he has a great sense of humour. I wish nothing but the best for this man, and the best results for his future patients.

Mauricio Lucas

2023-07-06

Outstanding Doctor - Exceptional Expertise I recently had the pleasure of consulting and also going through surgery. Dr. Goutos removed a large class of keloids from my back and chest, and without a doubt, I can confidently say that he is the best doctor I have ever had the privilege of seeing. From the moment I entered his practice, I was immediately struck by his professionalism, knowledge, and exceptional bedside manner. Dr. Goutos possesses an extraordinary level of expertise in his field, and his technical skills are truly remarkable. His ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions is unparalleled, and I have personally witnessed his remarkable success in improving the health and well-being of countless patients. What sets Dr. Goutos apart is his genuine care and concern for his patients. He takes the time to listen attentively, ensuring that he understands every aspect of the medical issue at hand. He communicates clearly and effectively, explaining complex medical concepts in a way that is easy to comprehend, which greatly helps in alleviating any concerns or fears. One aspect that impressed me greatly was Dr. Goutos' commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in his field. He incorporates cutting-edge techniques and treatments into his practice, ensuring that his patients receive the highest standard of care available. This dedication to continuous learning and improvement is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his profession. Additionally, the support staff at Dr.Goutos' practice deserves recognition for their exceptional service. They are friendly, compassionate, and highly efficient, ensuring that appointments run smoothly and patients feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Overall, I cannot emphasize enough how fortunate I feel to have found Dr.Goutos' exceptional skills, genuine care, and unwavering commitment to his patients make him a truly outstanding specialist. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch medical care.

Kashmala Khan

2023-01-26

Mr. Goutos and his team did an amazing job reversing a scar I had on my forehead. This was a very old scar and had bothered for many years. The laser treatment and fat transfer procedure has changed my life and given me so much confidence. I would definitely recommend him, he is a fantastic and very skilled surgeon. Thank you so much!

Javier

2023-01-14

Mr Goutos and his team removed some lipomas from my arms. The initial consultation right through to the aftercare was professional, sensitive and genuine. Mr Goutos put me at ease right from the start, discussing my history and background and then discussing the various options for the incisions and sutures. The incisions were quick, efficient and professional. I felt completely at ease knowing I was in expert hands. The incisions were extremely neat and have closed and scared really well. I had a number of questions after the operation and one of the sutures became infected. Mr Goutos was quick to make an appointment for me, see me and deal with the infection and offered for me to see him again if the infection didn’t calm down. He was genuinely empathetic to my needs and took time to check each scare, explain things and assure me along the way. He didn’t at any point, make me feel I was asking silly questions or too many. I highly recommend Mr Goutos for his exceptional incisions and suturing as well as his professional conduct, caring approach and after care. The whole experience was smooth and easy and I am very grateful for what he has done for me.

Ieva Lihovida-Yarlett

2022-12-07

We came to see Dr Goutos a few month ago to remove invasive spider nevus on my 9 year old sons nose . After a lovely consultation with Dr Goutos , he suggested to do several laser treatment sessions. After a few sessions we already noticed a massive improvement. On the final laser treatment session the spider nevus was completely gone. Thank you to the Dr Goutos for tackling the problem so rapidly and with great results!

Amy Munson

2022-10-27

We took our 4yr old daughter to Mr Goutos following an accident which resulted in a small burn scar on her cheek. Mr Goutos gave us various options and we went for laser treatment. After 4 appointments the scar has gone! The care that Mr Goutos gave us was exceptional and so good with children. He made us feel very comfortable and confident in his ability. I would recommend him to anyone if they were looking for a doctor in that particular field. Can't thank him enough.