Loose skin after lipo - are there any lower cost, less invasive procedure to tighten it up?

Question

I had a mommy makeover 6 months ago. I've noticed the lipo done to my thighs and hips have left the skin loose. I've maintained healthy diet and exercise and am taking collagen. Are there any lower cost less invasive procedures I may be able to have to tighten up? I just want to be comfortable in a swimsuit.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Yes, there are several lower-cost and less invasive procedures to tighten loose skin after liposuction. Here are some common options:

Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Procedures:
Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments:

How It Works: RF treatments use energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin.
Common Devices: Thermage, Exilis, and Venus Legacy.
Cost and Sessions: Typically requires multiple sessions, with costs ranging from $500 to $2,500 per session, depending on the treatment area and the clinic.
Laser Skin Tightening:

How It Works: Laser treatments use focused light energy to heat the skin and promote collagen production.
Common Devices: Fraxel, ClearLift, and Titan.
Cost and Sessions: Costs range from $500 to $3,000 per session, depending on the area treated and the device used. Multiple sessions are often needed.
Ultrasound Skin Tightening:

How It Works: Ultrasound energy penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production and tighten tissues.
Common Devices: Ultherapy and Ulthera.
Cost and Sessions: Each session can cost between $1,000 and $4,000. Usually, one to three sessions are needed for optimal results.
Microneedling:

How It Works: Microneedling uses fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, promoting collagen and elastin production.
Combined Treatments: Often combined with radiofrequency (RF microneedling) for enhanced results.
Cost and Sessions: Costs range from $100 to $700 per session, with several sessions needed.
Topical Treatments:

How It Works: Topical creams and serums containing ingredients like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help improve skin elasticity and firmness over time.
Cost and Usage: Costs vary widely but are generally lower than in-office procedures. These treatments require consistent, long-term use.
At-Home Treatments:
Body Firming Creams:

Ingredients: Look for products with caffeine, retinol, and peptides.
Cost: Generally ranges from $20 to $100.
At-Home RF Devices:

How It Works: These devices are less powerful than professional treatments but can still provide some benefit.
Cost: Typically between $100 and $500.
Considerations:
Consult a Professional: It’s important to consult with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to determine the best course of action based on your specific needs and skin condition.
Maintenance: Non-surgical treatments often require maintenance sessions to sustain results.
Realistic Expectations: While non-surgical treatments can improve skin tightness, the results may not be as dramatic as surgical options.
By exploring these options, you can find a less invasive and more affordable way to address loose skin after liposuction.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your question regarding loose skin after liposuction.

Loose skin after liposuction is not uncommon, particularly in the thighs, where over-suctioning can exacerbate skin laxity. Unfortunately, taking collagen alone will not necessarily resolve the loose skin in your thighs.

For non-surgical options, you might consider treatments such as J-Plasma or Renuvion, which use radiofrequency energy to tighten loose skin. Additionally, certain lasers can help improve skin tightness. However, keep in mind that these treatments may not offer the dramatic results you might be seeking.

Further liposuction is not advisable, as it would likely worsen the loose skin. The most effective way to address significant skin laxity is through surgical procedures such as a thigh lift or a hip lift, which remove the excess skin directly.

Good luck, and thank you for your interesting question regarding options for tightening loose skin on the thighs and hips after liposuction.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Morpheus8 is a laser that helps with skin tightening and is usually completed in a series of 3 sessions.

Igor Burko, MD · Answer

Hello, my name is Dr Burko, and I am a Plastic Surgeon at SY Aesthetics in NYC. Without seeing a photo,  it is difficult to say if you are a candidate for less invasive procedures to address the skin laxity. If the skin laxity is mild, then one treatment option is Renuvion (J Plasma). However, if the skin laxity is more severe, then surgical skin excision is the best option. It is best to consult with a plastic surgeon to go over your options as well as expectations.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An exam or photos is needed for the best recommendation as the degree of skin laxity will determine the correct procedure.  For mild to moderate laxity you may be a candidate for BodyTite.  This minimally invasive procedure uses RF technology to tighten skin and requires no general anesthesia.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Alfred R. Antonetti, MD · Answer

The question can not be answered without a physical exam, consultation and knowing exactly what procedures you had already. In general, if you have some loose skin, the only thing that is going to help is the removal of this skin. Other so called non invasive procedures to tighten skin are going to end up costing you a lot of money and they are not going to do the job. I am not sure of the reason to take any collagen. This is not helping either.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not post photos, so I cannot be specific. However, many of the minimally invasive radiofrequency or J plasma devices tighten nicely.  Go for a consultation.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment regarding the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure we generally always need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before, and after pictures, then ask your provider to forward the pictures they took.
Lower extremity liposuction is difficult and inner thighs, especially typically don’t respond well to the treatment and most individuals.
The exception is young individuals with tight skin.
Are usually turn people down for inner thigh liposuction because it doesn’t deliver good results.
It’s also a technically difficult procedure and requires positioning patient on their side in order to get results correct.
There is no skin tightening procedure that works other than skin excision like a thigh lift or tummy tuck.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Loose skin after lipo - are there any lower cost, less invasive procedure to tighten it up?

Answers (8)

More Liposuction Questions

Tummy tuck 9 years ago, never truly happy with the results. Would lipo help?

Does epinephrine in liposuction cause tachycardia?

Liposuction, tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck - which procedure is best for me? (photo)

Liposuction on saddlebags/outer thighs, are death ratios something to worry about? (Photo)

What would you suggest to help me achieve a less awkward shape? Would I qualify for liposuction in both areas? (Photo)

Am I a candidate for arm liposuction or do I need an arm lift? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS