Body Liposuction

Outer Thigh Liposuction

Liposuction of the outer thighs is a very popular liposuction procedure with very high patient satisfaction. Outer thigh liposuction can reshape the outer thigh bulge, commonly referred to as a “saddlebag”.

Many women, regardless of age, accumulate fat deposits on their outer thighs. The amount of thigh fat is determined primarily by genetics, and can occur even in thin women. This can be a great source of frustration because regardless of how much a woman exercises and adheres to good eating habits, these genetically predisposed saddle bags can stubbornly persist.

Fatty deposits on the outer thighs are often “problem areas” that do not respond to good eating habits and exercise. Liposuction of the outer thighs can result in a much better fit in clothing. Pants no longer have an embarrassing bulge, and wearing a bathing suit may be more appealing after reshaping. Many women have a hard time finding two-piece suits that fit due to the mismatch in their size between their “top” and “bottom”.

This mismatch between the upper body and lower body is so common that it is sometimes referred to as a “two-body” syndrome. Women who are unfortunate to be two difference sizes may look like they are one size while they are sitting at a desk, but appear to be a completely different size when they stand and reveal their lower bodies. This mismatch won’t change with even the best of efforts without help from liposuction. Most women are grateful to find out that help is available for this distressing problem.

An area that is closely associated with the outer thighs is the prominent bulge located below the buttock crease and adjacent to the outer thighs, as if the outer thigh bulge is continuing below the buttock crease. This area of fat is also genetically determined. Some women have it and others don’t. Even thin women have this bulge. Because of its shape it is often called a “banana roll”. When present, it is usually an undesirable feature. It’s tempting to try to completely remove this fat bulge, but treatment of this bulge should be approached cautiously. Over-suctioning of the banana roll can lead to an unappealing droop of the buttock above it. An experienced liposuction surgeon like Dr. Finder understands the limitations of suctioning this area and can balance the aesthetic results with the anatomic realities.

Cellulite and skin dimpling is a common concern with outer thighs. Liposuction isn’t a treatment for cellulite, but is the treatment of choice for the excess fat volume of the outer thighs. When both problems are present, liposuction can still be a very rewarding procedure, but some women are concerned that liposuction may worsen the appearance of  their cellulite. For most women with adequate skin tone, the benefits of reduction in fat volume will make liposuction a highly rewarding procedure even though cellulite won’t be better. It usually isn’t worse with liposuction. To determine whether liposuction is a good idea a consult with Dr. Finder is necessary.

SlimLipo™ laser combined with outer thigh liposuction can give the best smoothing and tightening possible. Even though cellulite isn’t cured by using SlimLipo, the smoothest and most uniform reduction of fat is achieved using the combination of small cannulas with tumescent technique liposuction and the SlimLipo laser. Smoother skin tone on the thighs is the result.  The amount of improvement varies from patient to patient and will be discussed in detail during a consultation with Dr. Finder.