What is the best procedure for tightening the skin on my thighs? (Photo)

Question

I would really like a less invasive procedure. I think my skin is moderately loose. I'm 57. Exercise no longer works well- it's not enough :(

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best. Nonsurgical options give only mild improvement as compared to surgical lifting. If there is a lot of skin laxity, a Thigh Lift procedure performed at the same time as a VASER Hi-Definition Liposuction procedure (with ThermiRF, Renuvion, and InMode BodyTite) would give the most improvement. Other options for skin tightening would be a combination approach with Vanquish, truSculpt iD, Venus Legacy, Exilis, and Cellutone / ZWave. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a high-definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, the one photo does not permit an adequate assessment of the problem. Ideally, an up-close, in-person examination that allows for palpation and manipulation of the skin would allow for better evaluation. Although surgery may be used for significant laxity, it would be less desirable in milder cases, as scarring from the surgery itself can be at least as disfiguring. Radiofrequency, fraxel laser and ultrasound devices remain, to date, far more backed by device manufacturer backed marketing hype than hard science. The injection of hyaluronic acid based bioremodeling agents, such as Profhilo alone or in combination with injectable hyaluronic acid based "skin boosters," such as Viscoderm Hydroboosters has proven quite helpful for treating laxity of the upper arms, as well as for the thighs. Although these two products are not yet available in the U.S., a skin booster agent, Restylane Silk is. Typically two to three treatment sessions are required at monthly intervals to achieve maximal response. You might wish to discuss this option with a board certified aesthetic physician before embarking upon device treatments, which are likely to be costly and disappointing. Best of luck.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In  my opinion, the new Profound long pulse micro needle radio frequency device produces excellent skin tightening on the lower extremities. Studies have shown increased collagen, Hyaluronic acid and elastin. We combine the Profound with PRP.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD
Realself Verified All-star

Timothy Jochen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing a photo. I would recommend VelaShape for you and the result you wish to see as it helps tighten skin and is great for post weight loss.  It is a non-invasive procedure that combines four different technologies of infrared, bi-polar radio frequency, pulsed vacuum, and massage rollers to improve skin texture and reduce overall volume.