Cellulite/loose skin? (Photo)

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the cellulite and excess skin on your inner thighs, and for providing your history and photos.
Recommended Procedure: For addressing your inner thigh concerns, VASER liposuction appears to be the most appropriate treatment. This method not only targets the excess fat but also aids in skin tightening, making it effective for your specific needs.
Procedure Setting and Duration: VASER liposuction for the inner thighs can be performed either in-office under local anesthesia or in an operating room setting with twilight or general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes about an hour to complete.
Recovery and Postoperative Care:
Recovery Time: You should anticipate a recovery period of 7 to 10 days.
Compression Garments: Wearing compression garments for at least six weeks post-surgery is essential for optimal healing and contouring.
Benefits of VASER Over Laser Liposuction: VASER is generally preferred over laser liposuction for the inner thighs due to its effectiveness in fat melting and skin tightening.
Importance of Conservative Approach: It's crucial to approach inner thigh liposuction conservatively. Over-aggressive liposuction in this area can lead to loose skin, potentially necessitating an inner thigh lift. To avoid this, a cautious approach may mean multiple sessions to achieve your desired outcome.
I hope this information provides clarity and helps guide your decision-making process. Remember, a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon is essential to tailor the treatment to your specific needs and expectations.
Wishing you the best on your journey towards achieving your aesthetic goals.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

This is a good question. Sometimes, it can be difficult to differentiate skin laxity from cellulite. Other times there is a combination of both going on at the same time. It seems as though you may have both, but it is hard to say just by looking at the pictures. A physical exam can help differentiate or confirm what is going on. For the areas that have cellulite alone, an Aveli procedure can be done where cellulite is reduced by releasing the fibrous septa that is responsible for the dimpling seen on the skin.

Unfortunately, cellulite is extremely difficult to treat. Mainly genetic, treatment risks need to be considered.

As such, Laser liposuction can reduce cellulite but will not make the skin 100% smooth and offer some tightening. It is minimally invasive unlike larger thigh lifts which also will not totally erase the areas.

Frustrating for both patients and plastic surgeons, options with their limitations and expectations should be discussed further.