Loose abdominal skin
Loose abdominal skin no longer closely follows the abdominal contour. It may range from fine laxity to an overhanging fold after pregnancy or major weight loss. It differs from fat, bloating and muscle separation, although these can coexist.
What you may notice
- Wrinkling or folding when bending
- Skin that lifts away from the abdomen
- An overhanging lower-abdominal fold
- Stretch marks within lax skin
- Irritation beneath a fold
Why it can happen
Skin stretches during pregnancy and weight gain. Recoil depends on age, genetics, amount and speed of change, smoking and tissue quality. Rectus diastasis and residual fat can change contour without being loose skin.
What may help
Stable weight, skin-fold care and exercise support comfort but cannot remove substantial excess skin. Energy devices may offer modest tightening for limited laxity. Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and may address selected muscle separation; liposuction treats fat rather than skin. Surgery creates a long scar and carries meaningful recovery and clot risk.
When to consult
Consult a clinician for recurrent rash, sores, infection, pain or suspected hernia. Surgical assessment is most useful after weight and pregnancy plans are considered.
Evidence and sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Body contouring [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-contouring (new tab)
- National Health Service. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/tummy-tuck/ (new tab)
- DermNet. Ageing skin [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/ageing-skin (new tab)