Getting Rid of Loose Skin

Dear Ask The Doctor: I used to be very overweight when growing up...I was 150 pounds when I was like 10....As I grew older I started working out a lot and lost all the weight but it seems i still have excess skin left. Is there anything that will help me get rid of this skin?

Dear Don: Congratulations on loosing the weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  The problem you describe is a common one in individuals who loose large amounts of weight, loose weight rapidly or "yo-yo" back and forth with their weight.

The underlying fat has gone and you will receive all the health benefits of reduced fat, however the redundant skin will remain.  While this may not be a medical problem, it can be a cosmetic issue.

If the redundant skin has not resolved after all these years and it is still a concern, surgery is your only option.  A qualified plastic surgeon will be able to "cut out" the extra skin and join the remaining ends for a cosmetically appealing look.