What procedure is best for loose skin on the stomach, inner thighs, and upper arms?

Question

I am 5’4” and 125 lbs. I am at my ideal weight however my skin is not tight. What kind of procedures should I consider to have a tight skin? Thank you.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have found Profhilo, a very special hyaluronic acid skin booster (unfortunately not yet available in the U.S.) to be an excellent, simple, and relatively inexpensive method for treating skin laxity in the face, neck, chest, abdomen, arms and thighs. The flow characteristics of this particular, highly concentrated hyaluronic acid agent allow for it to disperse itself throughout the lax tissues and promote neocollagenesis, neoelastogenesis and matrix formation that firm up the treated tissues. Usually two treatments spaced at a one month intervals, followed by a third two months later are required to achieve optimal results for arms, legs, although many patients in my personal experience are quite satisfied following two treatments, particularly for the face, neck, chest following the first two initial treatments. In my NY practice, I have also achieved gratifying results using skinbooster-like injectable agents, such as Restylane Silk. in a similar protocol to that used for Profhilo. You may encounter a heavy amount of marketing for the benefits of radiofrequency machines and fraxel lasers, but these relatively expensive bells and whistles are generally far more supported by device manufacturer backed marketing hype than hard science. Make sure that you consult with a board certified aesthetic physician. Best of luck.

Timothy Jochen, MD · Answer

RF therapy is versatile and can be used on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, stomach, inner thighs, and upper arms. It is particularly effective for areas that have experienced skin laxity due to aging, weight loss, or other factors. The treatment is safe for all skin types and tones, making it accessible to a broad range of patients.

One of the significant advantages of RF therapy is that it involves no downtime. Patients can resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure. The results of RF treatment develop gradually as the body produces new collagen and elastin over the following weeks and months. While some improvement can be seen shortly after the treatment, optimal results typically become visible after multiple sessions.

In addition to skin tightening, RF therapy can also improve the texture and tone of the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. The non-invasive nature of the procedure, combined with its ability to produce long-lasting results, makes RF treatment a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their skin's appearance without surgery.

Overall, RF treatment offers a safe, effective, and convenient solution for individuals looking to tighten loose skin and improve their skin's overall quality, making it a valuable tool in the realm of cosmetic dermatology.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

While it is difficult to make a recommendation without seeing the extent of your skin laxity, it is very likely a nonsurgical skin tightening treatment could be a good choice for you. I offer ThermiTight, which is a device that delivers radiofrequency energy into the underlying dermal structure via small probes. The RF energy heats the tissue to constrict it and tighten skin from the inside out. At the same time, the treatment boosts collagen production to provide support to the dermal structure while firming and smoothing the outer dermis. 
ThermiTight is a nonsurgical procedure with minimal downtime afterward. It can be safely used on nearly any area of the body and results can be long lasting. I recommend working with a board-certified dermatologist who has the expertise and qualifications to ensure your procedure is both safe and successful.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Bodytite is very effective at tightening tissue and making the skin envelope appear tighter, but there are limitations to any of these less invasive procedures with regard to skin improvement.  BodyTite is a non-excisional device that utilizes radio-frequency assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to address the shortcomings often associated with traditional liposuction or surgical body and face lifts, including sagging or wrinkly skin and scarring, by inserting a wand under the skin to coagulate inside while tightening the skin on top.  BodyTite can be combined with liposuction to improve contours dramatically. Results can be seen immediately after one treatment and are more evident over three to six months post-treatment. Wait until six months to full evaluate the aesthetic results.  Sedentary activities can be resumed in two to three days and full activity with exercise within two to three weeks.

Gregory C. Gaines, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. At my office, we have seen great success with BodyTite and Morpheus8 when they are used together to tighten skin around the body. BodyTite uses a bipolar to transmit radio-frequency energy to your tissues. It is inserted through small incisions that give your surgeon access points to the areas of skin laxity that you want to treat. Morpheus8 is a microneedling treatment that uses radio-frequency energy as well. It works on resurfacing your skin, remodeling fat, and stimulating collagen and elastin production. Be sure to visit a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to ask about your options.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Morpheus8 provides both skin tightening and skin resurfacing improvements. The technology uses radiofrequency deep subdermal heating to effectively tighten skin and remodel the superficial texture, such as scarring and enlarged pores. Combining Morpheus8 with lasers can give both complexion and laxity improvements in one treatment, so it's an ideal add-on treatment for those who care about preventative sagging or scarring improvements. You can also add this on to liposuction or internal heating to get more improvement in the areas treated.  I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer

What procedure is best for loose skin on the stomach, inner thighs, and upper arms?

Answers (7)

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