Send Your Saddlebags Packing!
Some of the most dramatic results in any kind of liposuction are obtained when shaping the thigh region. “Thunder thighs” can be an embarrassing source for men and women and can be almost impossible to get rid of with diet and exercise alone. One of the reasons for this is that the shape of our thighs are often inherited from our parents. Unfortunately, the saddlebags that you got from your mom or dad are the gift that keeps on giving no matter how much weight you lose!
The good news is that thigh liposuction using the Smart Lipo® procedure yields some of the most dramatic body shape changes of any procedure that we do. Smart Lipo® under tumescent local anesthesia is an extremely safe procedure that will remove the fat from the inner and outer thighs. This procedure will help you to obtain the shapely, proportionate thighs and legs that you have always wanted.
Smart Lipo® of the thighs is the safest, fastest way to beautiful legs and to a newly enhanced you! The Smart Lipo® procedure only requires a localized anesthetic to numb the targeted area. It does not require dangerous general anesthesia or IVs. The procedure is done in our office while the patient is awake and coherent. The tumescent anesthesia completely numbs up the area and there is minimal discomfort. Only tiny incisions are made for access of the 3 mm cannula which gently takes away the fat.
Again, Smart Lipo® is the safest and most effective alternative to traditional liposuction and is the most advanced liposuction technology in the world today. Here are some other advantages to Thigh Smart Lipo®:
- Thigh Smart Lipo® produces noticeable and immediate results, especially since thighs are like a storage site for fatty deposits. The procedure leaves patients ecstatic because they can see an incredible difference even before they leave the office.
- The surgery only lasts about one hour. Smart Lipo® removes the fat and tightens the skin in that area. Because the patient is awake, he or she can actually see the results of the procedure before leaving the office.
- Patients return to normal activities and work within 24 to 48 hours, because the recovery and healing process is quick and virtually pain-free.
- The chance of noticeable scars is minimal. The incisions for the procedure close up within a couple of days, then blend into the natural skin tone. A few months later, if noticeable at all, these areas are easily mistaken for freckles.
FAQs about Thigh Liposuction
Click on each question to reveal the answer.
- Why choose Thigh Smart Lipo®?
- The answer is easy. If your self-image could be improved by removing unwanted saddlebags, then this elective procedure is right for you. You will experience better fitting clothes, improved confidence, tighter skin, and a more youthful shape. These are just some of the reasons our patients choose to undergo thigh reduction. The Smart Lipo® reduces the circumference of the thighs, smoothes out lumps, and restores proportion to the body.
- What is the procedure like?
- The safe, simple Smart Lipo® procedure is performed under local anesthesia, Patients remain awake and alert. First, the skin is numbed and tiny incisions are placed in appropriate areas. Fat is then melted and literally sucked out. The cannula itself is only 3mm wide. Because it is so small, scarring is not an issue. The procedure lasts about one hour, and patients walk out of the office with newfound confidence.
- Am I a good candidate for Thigh Liposuction?
- People that have had issues with bulging thighs are generally good candidates. Smart Lipo® using localized tumescent anesthesia is a very safe procedure. The majority of people who elect to have this kind of liposuction are women who carry most of their weight in the lower body. The procedure is just as effective for women in their 20s as it is for women in their 60s. It is an excellent procedure to restore harmony of the lower body with the upper body in people who are somewhat disproportionate. Men are rarely good candidates for this procedure since they don’t normally accumulate fat around the thighs.
- Will I have any scars or sagging skin?
- Tiny incisions incisions are used for Smart Lipo®. These incisions heal very quickly after the surgery and are virtually invisible after a few months. Sagging skin in NOT a problem that we encounter with the Smart Lipo® procedure. The laser used in this procedure appears to cause significant skin contraction. In more severe cases of loose skin, the addition of laser skin tightening during the procedure is used for to create further tightening. In fact, most patients experience an improvement in skin tone and firmness after the procedure.
- What are the post-surgery expectations for recovery?
- Because Smart Lipo® is such a safe and targeted procedure that utilizes laser heat to remove fat, the side effects are minimal and any discomfort or soreness goes away within a few days in most cases. There are no stitches and the tiny incisions heal within a couple of days. Patients may have mild discomfort and swelling, but they can walk, resume normal activities and return to work within 24 to 48 hours. Each patient is required to wear a compression, under garment around the surgical area for one week. This garment is not visible under your clothes. Swelling after the procedure will subside after rapidly after the procedure. Results are noticeable immediately and will get even better over the next several months.
- What if I do not want to be totally awake during my procedure?
- We NEVER use general anesthesia for liposuction procedures because we feel it is simply unsafe. However, we do offer the option to do the procedure under “Twilight” which is essentially a slightly stronger form of sedation than the usual relaxing pills we provide for you. This type of sedation is EXTREMELY safe and adds virtually no additional risk the way general anesthesia does. Please let us know if this is something that you wish to discuss.
- Causes of Thigh Fat and Disproportionate Physiques
- Some people are predisposed to store more fat in their thighs than in other areas of the body, resulting in a disproportionate overall physique. This is largely due to genetics and hormones. People with higher levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen, tend to store more fat in their hips and thighs. Additionally, people with certain body types (such as an apple shape) are more likely to carry more weight in their lower body. Lastly, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can also contribute to thigh fat. Eating an unhealthy diet that is high in calories and low in nutrients can lead to excess fat storage in the thighs. Similarly, lack of physical activity can also cause thigh fat accumulation.
- Is this a procedure demanded more by women than by men?
- Thigh liposuction is a cosmetic procedure in which fat deposits are removed from the thighs using a suction device. It is typically used to improve the appearance of the thighs and can be used to reduce the size of the thighs. This procedure is more commonly demanded by women than by men, as it is more common for women to have excess fat deposits in their thighs than men.
- How Is This Procedure Performed?
- Liposuction of the thighs is usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The surgeon will make several small incisions in the area to be treated and then insert a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) into the fat tissue. The cannula is then used to suction out the unwanted fat. The main difference between liposuction of the thighs and abdominal lipo is that the former is usually done on larger areas such as the hips, buttocks, and outer thighs, while abdominal lipo is typically done on a smaller area such as the abdomen. The amount of time it takes for a liposuction procedure depends on the amount of fat being removed, but typically it takes about 1-2 hours. The amount of fat volume that can be extracted during one lipo procedure varies from patient to patient, but typically it ranges from 1-5 liters.
- What is the Recovery Like?
- Recovery from thigh liposuction typically takes two to four weeks. The recovery process is different from other areas of the body because the thighs are a weight-bearing area, so there is a risk of increased swelling and bruising. During the recovery period, it is important to avoid strenuous activities and to keep the legs elevated as much as possible. It is also recommended to wear a compression garment for at least two weeks after surgery to help reduce swelling. Some discomfort and soreness in the thigh area is normal after surgery, but this should subside within a few days. There are garments that are recommended for liposuction of the abdomen area. The purpose of using the garment is to provide compression and support to the treated area and help reduce swelling and discomfort. It also helps to achieve better results by maintaining the contours of the treated area. There are also garments available for thigh liposuction, which provide similar benefits.
- Thigh Lipo Compression Garments
- You will only need a compression garment that covers the leg area after thigh lipo. The garment is typically a tight-fitting elastic garment that covers the entire thigh area and extends to the knees and sometimes above the knees.
You should wear the compression garment for at least 4-6 weeks after your thigh liposuction procedure. The compression garment helps with swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area.
Instructions on how to use the compression garment properly:
1. Put on the compression garment when instructed by your doctor or surgeon. Make sure it fits snugly but not too tightly.
2. Wear the garment for at least 4-6 weeks, or as long as your doctor or surgeon recommends.
3. If you experience any discomfort while wearing the garment, remove it immediately and contact your doctor or surgeon for further instructions.
4. Wash the garment daily with a mild soap and warm water to keep it clean and fresh.
5. Do not wear any tight clothing over the top of the compression garment as this may cause further discomfort or hinder healing.
- You will only need a compression garment that covers the leg area after thigh lipo. The garment is typically a tight-fitting elastic garment that covers the entire thigh area and extends to the knees and sometimes above the knees.
- Does thigh lipo leave loose skin?
- Thigh lipo can leave loose skin, especially in cases where the patient has poor skin elasticity. A combination of lipo and skin tightening is recommended for those patients who do not have excellent skin elasticity, as it will help to reduce the amount of loose skin after the procedure. However, even in cases where the patient does have good skin elasticity, a combination of lipo and skin tightening can be beneficial to reduce the appearance of dimpling or unevenness in the area.
- When Can you walk after thigh lipo?
- Abdomen Lipo: After an abdomen lipo, you can usually walk the same day as the surgery. However, it is important to take it easy and allow your body to heal properly. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least two weeks after the procedure.
Arm Lipo: After arm lipo, you can typically walk the same day as the surgery. However, you should avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least two weeks. It is also important to wear a compression garment for several weeks following the procedure in order to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Thigh Lipo: After thigh lipo, you can usually walk the same day as the surgery. However, it is important to take it easy and allow your body to heal properly. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least four weeks after the procedure. Additionally, it is important to wear a compression garment for several weeks following the procedure in order to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Abdomen Lipo: After an abdomen lipo, you can usually walk the same day as the surgery. However, it is important to take it easy and allow your body to heal properly. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least two weeks after the procedure.
- How many inches can liposuction remove from thighs?
- Liposuction can remove up to 5 liters (or 10.6 pounds) of fat per session, which is equivalent to approximately 10-12 inches of fat from the thighs. This was reported in a study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2017. The study reported that liposuction is an effective way to reduce thigh circumference and improve body contour.
- Why are my thighs lumpy after liposuction?
- It is common for patients to experience lumpy or uneven thighs after liposuction. This is because the fat cells that are removed during the procedure may not be completely removed, and can lead to lumps or irregularities in the contour of the skin. Other risks associated with thigh liposuction include infection, skin necrosis (dead skin), nerve damage, and blood clots. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor prior to undergoing any liposuction procedure.
- I have fat thighs and Cellulite, What are my options?
- Liposuction alone will not get rid of cellulite. Lipo can help reduce the fat in your thighs and improve the overall contour of your legs, but it will not get rid of the appearance of cellulite. To treat cellulite, you may need to combine liposuction with other treatments such as radio frequency skin tightening, laser treatments, or mesotherapy. These treatments can help reduce the appearance of cellulite by increasing collagen production and improving skin texture.
To learn more about abdominal liposuction, please contact our friendly staff to set up a free consultation with the doctor at 480-800-4501.
