Loose skin on the legs
Loose leg skin may appear as creasing, folds or tissue hanging away from the thigh or knee contour. It often follows ageing or major weight loss and may coexist with residual fat and cellulite.
What you may notice
- Crepey skin above the knees or thighs
- Folds on the inner or outer thigh
- Skin moving independently of deeper tissue
- Laxity after substantial weight loss
Why it can happen
Age-related loss of elasticity, genetics, sun exposure and weight change influence skin recoil. Major weight loss can leave more skin than tissue can contract around. Swelling and muscle-volume loss may exaggerate laxity but are separate issues.
What may help
Stable weight, resistance exercise and skin care may improve general contour but do not remove excess skin. Energy devices may modestly improve mild laxity. A thigh lift removes skin when laxity is substantial; liposuction alone may worsen looseness if elasticity is poor.
When to consult
Consult a clinician for painful swelling, skin breakdown, recurrent infection or sudden asymmetry. Surgical assessment should cover scar pattern and whether skin, fat or both need treatment.
Evidence and sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Body contouring [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-contouring (new tab)
- National Health Service. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/tummy-tuck/ (new tab)
- DermNet. Ageing skin [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/ageing-skin (new tab)