How can I improve the skin texture on my legs? I have wrinkles, keratosis pilaris, icthyosis and hyperpigmentation. (photo)

Question

Hello, For my entire life the skin on my legs have had wrinkles. I also have keratosis pilaris, ichthyosis on my lower legs and some hyperpigmentation. My main concern at the moment is improving the wrinkles on my legs. Is there a procedure that can help? Bonus for me if it can address more that one issue. Photo attached of leg. Thank you for your help!

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

Topical  medications include tretinoin, urea, salicylic acid and growth factor products. A bleaching cream should be used with all. Non-ablative fractionated lasers, microneedle radio frequency (Profound)  and chemical peeling are effective.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD
Realself All-star

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

Georges Kaado, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for sharing! Of course, an in person consultation would be best to give a more clear answer, there are a number of options for you to explore. The best and fastest treatments that I have found for patients with your particular condition is a combination of skincare and procedures such as microneedling (as suggested by others). You may find that tackling your skin issue with only one “weapon” may take very long or may not bring you the change you are looking for. With the guidance of a professional, of course, I would recommend trying a combination treatment plan.

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While there is no “cure” for your skin conditions, there are effective ways to manage their symptoms. RF microneedling is a collagen induction therapy that stimulates the body to produce more collagen. This essential protein provides support to the dermal structure, to smooth skin and create a more even tone. Fractionated laser treatments are also good for this purpose. In addition, there are topical products you can use daily at home to improve both the health and appearance of your skin. I recommend scheduling an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who can assess you in person and create a customized treatment plan for your precise needs and goals.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, Wrinkles can be improved with a combination of Botox and/or fillers for the lines themselves and to build anatomical support with Sculptra for collagen building. Ultherapy is a great skin tightening device, but works best in combination with other treatments like RF treatments, lasers, microneedling/PRP or sculptra to get increased collagen, tightening and improve skin tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you to us with your question, there are quite a few options. You could use a non-ablative fractional laser, A series of Microneedling will definitely help with the skins texture, in combination with some bleaching creams. This could give a great result for you. Hope this helps.

Gregory Roche, DO · Answer

Thank you for the interesting question.
In my practice when a patient presents with your concerns I give several options from topical products to treatments to surgical procedures.
Before any treatment or procedure is performed I recommend that my patients use Retinol and a bleacher to stabilize the pigment in the skin and this will also help with your hyperpigmentation.
You can then have Sciton Skintyte treatments done to tighten the areas, Verju treatments that are FDA approved for tightening and smoothing and/or Inmode radiofrequency micro-needling.
The surgical options would be Inmode Bodytite- radio frequency that will tighten the area Morpheus8 micro-needling and/or CO2 laser resurfacing.
I would search for a board certified Cosmetic Surgeon in your area and ask for photos to see results.
Good luck!!

Shelin Tkatch, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I have found a combination of moisturizers that contain urea (Dermal Therapy Heel Care or Vite 20 ) along with topical retinol to be useful for KP and ichthyosis. Bleaching creams and permanent hair reduction with lasers also seem to help the hyperpigmentation present on your extremities when you have ichthyosis. All of these measures will diminish the problem but there is no cure for KP and ichthyosis. Best regards, Dr. Tkatch

How can I improve the skin texture on my legs? I have wrinkles, keratosis pilaris, icthyosis and hyperpigmentation. (photo)

Answers (8)

More Skin Tightening Questions

What can I do to help crepey skin on stomach? Ultherapy and Emsculpt haven't helped. (photo)

How can I fix a sagging belly button? (photo)

Will J-Plasma or HIFU work for the loose skin on my abdomen from major weight loss? (photos)

4 weeks post J-Plasma on my arms my left arm became increasingly swollen at 2 weeks. What could this be? (photos)

How long after lipo do I have to wait before I get skin tightening treatments on my abdomen?

How can I get rid of the wrinkles above my belly button? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS