Loose/bumpy skin after lipo. What options do I have?

Question

I had body tite done to my knees/inner thighs in 2017 which actually seemed to help loose skin from weight loss. So in 2022, after consulting with several surgeons who recommended more lipo to my legs, I ended up getting lipo and renuvion of both inner and outer thighs. Now my skin looks looser to me and there are actual creases around my knees. I've already done 4 sessions of Morpheus which has helped a bit but not drastically and it hurt a lot. What other options do I have?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An exam would be needed for a specific recommendation but there are a couple of potential options.  Depending on the degree of skin laxity you may be able to have BodyTite for further improvement.  If there is too much laxity then a surgical thigh lift would give you improvement.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Looseskinbgone,

First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that while liposuction and its associated technologies (like BodyTite and Renuvion) can effectively address fat and provide some skin tightening, they can't significantly address extensive skin laxity. Following significant weight loss or subsequent liposuction, the skin's elasticity might be compromised, leading to the loose or saggy appearance you're describing.

It's challenging to provide a definitive recommendation without seeing photos and having a direct consultation. However, based on your description of looser skin and creases around your knees post-lipo, it sounds like you may be dealing with an excess skin issue.

Given your concerns and your history with non-invasive treatments, one option to consider would be a thigh lift and reduction. A thigh lift is designed specifically to address and remove excess skin, which can offer a smoother, tighter appearance to the thighs. This procedure can be tailored to address the inner thighs, outer thighs, or both, depending on the individual's needs. A thigh lift can effectively reduce the sagging skin that sometimes results from liposuction or significant weight loss.

It's also worth noting that individual healing and skin's response to treatments can vary. Some individuals might see improvement in skin texture and elasticity months or even a year post-procedure.

I would recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in body contouring procedures. They can evaluate your thighs directly, consider your past treatments and surgeries, and provide personalized recommendations to address your concerns.

Best wishes in your journey to achieving smoother and more contoured thighs.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Looseskinbgone,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Individuals who have skin laxity a good candidate for Liposuction. Removing subcutaneous fat, is not in the best interest when it comes to the quality of the skin which depends on having subcutaneous fat for its integrity. Actual skin tightening from bodytite, or Renuvion can be better explained from contractile scar tissue from the Liposuction than the actual skin tightening treatment. I have a little faith in these treatments, delivering quality results. I speak from first-hand experience, especially with the use of Renuvion. Individuals with skin laxity have to balance, skin resection surgery, which will inevitably leave scars with the potential improvement. Advancing age and weight loss combined will create both skin, laxity and loss of skin elasticities.
To make an assessment we always need quality pictures. For patients of that previous procedures, we need quality before and after pictures. If you’ve had more than one procedure that we need before and after pictures for each procedure, you’ve had to get an accurate assessment. If you don’t have before, and after pictures and ask you providers to forward the pictures they took.
Treatment options for middle, aged women with flabby thighs are inherently limited. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Loose/bumpy skin after lipo. What options do I have?

Answers (4)

Answer: Assessment and treatment options

Answer: Assessment and treatment options

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Loose/bumpy skin after lipo. What options do I have?

Answers (4)

Answer: Assessment and treatment options

Answer: Assessment and treatment options

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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