How to Tighten or Smoothen Crepey Skin After Lipo?

Question

I would like to tighten and smoothen the skin on my knees and thighs. I am 40 years old, weighing 120 lbs. 6 years ago, I had a Liposuction, and it ruined my thighs and knees. The skin around my knee cap is old-looking and unattractive.  It looks crepey. I have tried Accent Laser, Endermologie and Velashape. If nothing can tighten my skin, what can I do to smoothen it (I had 2 bad sunburns on my thighs in my 20's)?

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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns about the appearance of your skin on your knees and thighs following liposuction. After examining your photos, it appears that your kneecaps don't look bad or abnormal, but I understand your concerns about the crepey skin.

Given that you have already tried several non-surgical treatments such as Accent Laser, Endermologie, and Velashape without satisfactory results, here are a couple of options you might consider:

Fat Transfer: Since the crepey appearance may be due to a combination of skin laxity and volume loss, fat transfer (or fat grafting) could be an option. This procedure involves harvesting fat from another area of your body and injecting it into the skin around the knees and thighs to add volume and potentially improve skin texture. This can sometimes help to stretch the skin slightly and reduce the crepey appearance.

Surgical Removal of Excess Skin: If non-surgical methods and fat transfer do not achieve the desired smoothing effect, surgical removal of the excess skin might be considered. This procedure, while more invasive, can remove the loose, crepey skin and tighten the area around the knees and thighs. However, this approach would leave scars, and the decision to proceed would depend on how much you prioritize skin texture improvement over the presence of scars.

Consultation with a Dermatologist: For the skin damage related to sunburns, consulting a dermatologist might provide additional options. Treatments could include more advanced laser therapies, chemical peels, or other topical treatments that can improve the quality and appearance of the skin.

Continued Skin Care Regimen: Incorporating a robust skin care regimen that includes hydration, moisturization, and protection against further sun damage is essential. Products containing hyaluronic acid, retinoids, or peptides may help improve skin texture and elasticity.

I recommend discussing these options with a board-certified plastic surgeon and possibly a dermatologist to consider all possible treatments and decide on the best course of action based on your aesthetic goals and medical history.

I hope this gives you a pathway forward to addressing the crepey skin around your knees and thighs, and I wish you the best in achieving a smoother appearance.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The only way to dramatically tighten the skin on your thighs is with a thigh lift. However you should consider the benefits of the procedure and if they outweigh the cons, which is scarring.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Your problem is one of the main problems that we face in plastic surgery:
If we knew how to tighten skin, we wouldn't have to perform face lifts, breast lifts, tummy tucks, etc.
Your liposuction didn't cause the problem, it just possibly made it more noticeable. Your problem is loose skin which has been made worse by extensive sun exposure, aging, (?possible smoking, weight gain and loss). We can't have taut smooth skin when we are 70 and you are simply mid-way from 10 t0 70. 
It sounds as if you have tried every conventional technology that claims to tighten the skin. On a scale of 1-10 these devices generally produce a 1-2 result. If that is the severity of your problem, then these are excellent options. If your laxity is more advanced then these interventions will fail to delever any significant effect. 
At this point in time your best option for correction is a thigh lift. However, the vast majority of patients are put off by the scars and it remains an unpopular procedure except for those poaitents with markedy severe skin laxity..
If this is sufficiently disturbing to you, you may want to consider a consultation for a thigh lift. You should be prepared for the scars.

Lisa Cassileth, MD, FACS · Answer

I wouldn't call that ruined at all. You have great legs for a 30 year old, much less a 40 year old! I use the Accent, which I know you tried, for slightly loose legs, usually about 6 sessions, for the loose skin in this area. I have heard some of my patients report that Thermage "made it worse", so maybe not that. If you think you are a little wrinkly from the old sun damage, then do something for your skin, like a fractionated laser.

How to Tighten or Smoothen Crepey Skin After Lipo?

Answers (5)

Answer: Not alot of options to tighten loose thigh skin

Answer: Not alot of options to tighten loose thigh skin

Answer: I wouldn't call that ruined at all

Answer: I wouldn't call that ruined at all

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How to Tighten or Smoothen Crepey Skin After Lipo?

Answers (5)

Answer: Not alot of options to tighten loose thigh skin

Answer: Not alot of options to tighten loose thigh skin

Answer: I wouldn't call that ruined at all

Answer: I wouldn't call that ruined at all

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.