How can I fix the loose skin in my calves? (Photo)

Loose skin in the calves after liposuction for lipedema is a common concern, especially when the skin’s elasticity has been reduced. Improvement can be achieved through skin-tightening treatments such as radiofrequency microneedling, laser-based tightening, or ultrasound-based devices like Ultherapy. For more significant laxity, surgical options such as a calf lift or excisional skin tightening may be necessary. Maintaining healthy skin with consistent hydration, topical retinoids, and muscle-toning exercises can also provide some improvement, though non-surgical and surgical tightening procedures generally yield the most noticeable results.

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Based on your concerns, I recommend treatment with Morpheus8. Morpheus8 offers a promising solution for addressing loose skin under the calf muscle, especially following liposuction for lipedema. This advanced treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy, which can help firm and tighten the skin.

Morpheus8 works by using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms and promotes the production of collagen and elastin, essential proteins that contribute to skin firmness and elasticity. The RF energy delivered through these needles targets the deeper dermal layers, enhancing the skin's structural support and improving its overall texture. For loose skin under the calf muscle, this means that the treatment can help tighten and lift the area, addressing the sagging that often follows liposuction.

The procedure is minimally invasive and involves applying a topical numbing cream to ensure comfort during the treatment. Once the skin is numbed, the Morpheus8 device is used to target the loose skin with controlled RF energy. Post-treatment, you might experience some redness and swelling, but these effects are typically short-lived, and most people can resume their normal activities fairly quickly.

To achieve optimal results, multiple sessions may be required, as the skin's tightening response continues to improve over time. Results generally become more noticeable a few months after the series of treatments, as collagen and elastin production continues.

Overall, Morpheus8 can be an effective non-surgical option for addressing loose skin under the calves, offering a way to enhance skin tightness and improve the area’s appearance without the need for invasive surgery. I hope this helps and best of luck!