Little can be done to prevent redundant skin, however a variety of surgical techniques, such as facelifts, eyelid lifts, and tummy tucks, have provided relief for many women and men.

When elasticity is lost and the skin no longer responds to pulling or stretching by snapping back, the skin becomes redundant. The collagen and elastins in the dermal layer have become damaged due to sun exposure or have deteriorated due to a hereditary predisposition. The problem is further aggravated by the pull of gravity.

Excess skin can occur in many areas of the body including the face, the neck, the breasts, and the abdomen. Excessive weight gain causes the skin to be stretched for extended periods of time, and subsequent weight loss will often leave older skin sagging. An example of this is the crumpled-looking abdominal skin many women are left with after several pregnancies.