DEAR READER: Muscle tone is what allows us to keep and maintain our bodies in certain positions. When you choose to make a particular movement, the brain sends a message to the specific muscle group involved to modify the resistance by, for example, shortening biceps muscles on the front of an arm while lengthening the triceps muscles on the back of the arm. In order to complete smooth, coordinated movement, all muscles being used must be balanced evenly. Everyone has muscles, but some people do specific exercises to improve their muscle tone. The results can be seen easily on bodybuilders and people who are physically active.

Tone can be defined as the minute muscular contraction that exists in all skeletal muscles during relaxation. It is normal for people to lose about 1 percent of their lean muscle mass per year after the age of 40. Losing excess body fat, modifying the diet, and incorporating exercise into each day’s activities can improve sagging skin.

DEAR READER:
First, I would like to congratulate your granddaughter on her astonishing weight loss.

Skin is very stretchy and often reshapes as weight is lost. This, however, doesn’t always happen. The longer the skin remains stretched out, the less likely it will return to normal. Your granddaughter has discovered this the hard way.

To the best of my knowledge there is no way to tighten the skin other than surgical removal of the excess. This can be expensive and is a major operation. If not done correctly, too much can be removed. This can cause the wounds to break open, become infected and lead to massive scarring.

If your granddaughter is truly bothered by the skin or if it is causing problems, she should consult a plastic surgeon to discuss her case thoroughly. She needs to find someone whom she trusts and feels confident with. He or she needs to explain how the procedure is done, the potential risks involved and can decide whether or not your granddaughter is a good candidate for the surgery.

This is decision is not to be taken lightly and must be completely thought out beforehand.

DEAR READER: As we age, our skins often become dry and wrinkled due to a loss of elasticity and collagen.

I recommend that you apply moisturizing lotion that contains collagen enhancers every day. This may help to slow the dehydration of the skin and return some suppleness.

To my knowledge there is no permanent, safe option to fix sagging skin. Some individuals choose to have excess skin removed, but I don’t recommend this due to the risk of tearing (if the skin is pulled too much during the healing process), scarring and infection. It is a major surgery and shouldn’t be considered for cosmetic purposes only.