“The results from microliposuction are fairly permanent,” said Dr. Robert Anolik, a Manhattan dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College. “And there is a bit less downtime for the patient than liposuction because the rods that are used are smaller. But you’re still cutting the skin and running all the risks associated with surgery.” He prefers Cryolipolysis, or CoolSculpting, a noninvasive fat-freezing procedure.

To those wary, perhaps, of both knives and machines, Reserveage Organics has found success marketing an over-the-counter supplement, Beautiful Legs. The capsules ($24.99 for 30) contain diosmin, a derivative of citrus rinds that originated in Europe and that the company claims promotes circulation and helps maintain smooth skin tone. They sell particularly well in the Northeast, said Naomi Whittel, the chief executive of Reserveage, adding, “Our primary customer base is the working woman who is sitting all day.”

And then there is the temporary balm of self-tanner. At Salon AKS on Fifth Avenue, the “perfect leg pedicure” ($95), introduced in July, has been so popular that the owners are extending the service into the winter. Along with toenail polish, the 75-minute treatment features exfoliation, a hot stone calf massage and a full-leg application of St. Tropez’s bronzing mousse.

“We’re getting a range of ages that come in for it,” said Susanna Romano, a partner in the salon. “Younger women like their legs darker than the rest of their body. They think it makes them look thinner. And older women, who are getting rid of their nude hosiery because it looks dated, find the mousse camouflages spider veins.”

St. Tropez also created a targeted spray, called Perfect Legs ($18), which comes in an aerosol can and began selling in Sephora in May. On celebrity clients, Sophie Evans, St. Tropez’s skin-finishing expert, will spray a dark stream along the inner thigh for a leaner, lengthened illusion. “It’s also good for slimming down cankles,” she said.