Will liposuction cause loose skin?

May 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My wife recently wants to undergo liposuction, but she is very concerned that her skin may become loose afterward, which could affect her appearance. Her skin elasticity is fairly good under normal circumstances, but considering her age, she still has some concerns. I would like to ask the doctor, is it true that the skin becomes loose after liposuction?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

Under normal circumstances, if liposuction is performed at a reputable hospital and a relatively small amount of fat is removed, skin laxity may not occur. However, if a large amount of fat is extracted, skin laxity may develop. It is recommended to communicate with your doctor before the procedure. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If a moderate or small amount of fat is removed and the skin has good elasticity, postoperative skin laxity may not be significant and may gradually return to normal through the skin's natural regenerative capacity.

When a large volume of fat is removed, the skin may become loose due to the loss of underlying fat support. This is especially true when the skin's natural elasticity is poor, in which case laxity may be more noticeable. The area and volume of liposuction can also influence the skin's response. For example, performing extensive fat removal on areas such as the abdomen or thighs may carry a relatively higher risk of skin laxity.

It is recommended to choose a qualified medical facility for the procedure and to have thorough communication and evaluation with your doctor beforehand to ensure surgical safety and effectiveness. After surgery, it is important to wear professional compression garments or bandages to help the skin adhere better to the underlying tissues and reduce laxity. Wearing such garments is generally recommended for 2–3 months. During the postoperative recovery period, strenuous activities should be avoided to prevent excessive pressure on the treated areas and to facilitate proper skin healing. Additionally, it is important to keep the incision sites clean and disinfected to prevent infection.