When it comes to reducing thigh fat, even by adopting a strict diet and engaging in intense sporting activity, results can be difficult to achieve. Studies show that fat loss in the thighs generally comes after that in the stomach, so long-term discipline is required to achieve the desired goals. However, even with considerable effort, some people may not be able to achieve their desired figure. In such situations, liposuction of the thighs is an option to be seriously considered. It is also known as liposuction.
What is Thigh Liposuction?
Thigh liposuction is a surgical procedure aimed at specifically slimming this region of the body. Its primary goal is to allow the patient to quickly and effectively get rid of the fatty deposits that cause discomfort. During this procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions of a few millimeters to insert tubes called cannulas under the skin. These cannulas are used to suction out unwanted fat. The targeted areas include the saddlebags, the inner thighs, and the posterior and anterior parts of the thighs. When the procedure aims to work on the entire thigh area, it is referred to as circular thigh liposuction.
Liposuction or lipoaspiration is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery worldwide. Non-invasive alternatives (ultrasound, cryolipolysis, or other non-invasive methods) cannot achieve results as dramatic as this procedure, which often, in addition to completely reshaping the silhouette, results in the loss of several centimeters from the waist or thigh circumference.
Composition of Skin and Subcutaneous Fat
Before delving deeper into the lipoaspiration process, it is essential to understand the composition of the skin and subcutaneous fat. The skin, the largest organ of the human body, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis, the outer layer, acts as a protective barrier against external elements. Just below it, the dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands. Finally, the hypodermis consists of connective tissue and adipocytes, forming a layer of subcutaneous fat that plays a role in thermal insulation and energy storage in the body.
Solutions to Reduce Thigh Subcutaneous Fat
Although fat is essential for the proper functioning of our bodies, several methods can be considered to reduce excess subcutaneous fat in the thighs. Adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical exercise are natural approaches that can help burn fat and tone thigh muscles. These methods have the advantage of improving overall health and promoting gradual weight loss. However, they require long-term discipline, and results may take time to manifest. Creams and topical treatments claiming to reduce subcutaneous fat are also available on the market. Although these products may offer a non-invasive solution, their effects are often limited and variable from person to person.
Why Choose Liposuction?
Lipoaspiration, as a surgical procedure, offers more immediate and precise results. It allows for directly targeting specific areas where fat is undesirable. However, it involves a medical procedure, incisions, recovery time, and some associated risks. Natural approaches, like diet and exercise, promote better overall health and can be maintained long-term. However, as mentioned earlier, they require continuous commitment, and results may be slower to appear. Topical treatments offer a non-surgical alternative, but their effectiveness may be limited, and results are often subtle.
Initial Consultation with the Doctor: Starting Point for Any Lipoaspiration Procedure
This consultation is mandatory, as it is important to clarify that liposuction is not a trivial procedure for weight loss. It is a medical operation that requires the doctor’s opinion and agreement and must address a real issue for the patient. This is why this preliminary consultation with a specialist is necessary. During this consultation, the doctor will evaluate both your motivations and the anticipated result of the liposuction. They will assess the precise thickness of the fat under the skin of the thighs and its state of laxity. You will also be provided with an information sheet and given a 15-day appointment (uncompressible duration), during which you will be asked to undergo a blood test and schedule an appointment with an anesthetist.
The Procedure
After 15 days of reflection, you have decided to undergo thigh liposuction? On the day of the procedure, it will begin with either general or local anesthesia and will last between 2 and 3 hours approximately. The surgeon will make a 3 mm micro-incision to insert a thin cannula under the skin to suction out fat and cellulite. The surgeon will repeat the operation for all targeted areas and, once the desired result is achieved, will perform a suture.
Postoperative Care
First and foremost, it is important to note that this type of intervention does not leave visible marks on the thighs. Additionally, it is often performed on an outpatient basis. However, if a significant amount of fat is suctioned, the patient may be kept under observation for 24 hours. Upon discharge, you will be asked to wear a compression garment on the treated area to promote good skin retraction and reduce postoperative pain. Generally, patients experience significant soreness during the first few days. A minimum of one week off work is prescribed, with no sports activities allowed for a month. Various follow-up visits will be scheduled throughout the year to assess the results and the patient’s overall condition. Speaking of results, they are not immediately visible. It takes between 3 to 6 months to achieve a definitive effect on your silhouette, provided you adopt a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet and physical activity).
Possible Complications
Rest assured, lipoaspiration is a low-risk intervention. Therefore, postoperative complications are rare. Only pulmonary embolism and phlebitic thrombosis are conditions to monitor in overweight individuals or those with venous insufficiency. While possibly disabling and unsightly, the other risks associated with this surgery, thigh liposuction, are benign and temporary:
- Edema (duration: approximately 3 months);
- Irregularity of the suctioned area;
- Hematomas (duration: up to 2 weeks);
- Loss of sensitivity in the thighs (duration: possibly several months).
However, we emphasize the importance of consulting a competent and qualified cosmetic surgeon for this type of operation. Although the risk of infection is minimal given the small incision length, it remains present with less serious “professionals” and can lead to significant consequences in such cases.
Do you want to learn more about liposuction treatment or the best method to permanently eliminate your saddlebags? Contact us!
“`Q&A
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Liposuction can be combined with other surgical procedures (abdominoplasty, cruroplasty, brachioplasty, facelift). The fat removed can also be recovered for reinjection into other areas of the body, such as the breasts (under certain conditions) as part of a mammoplasty, and the buttocks, known as liposculpture by lipofilling.
Don’t hesitate to discuss your aesthetic goals with your plastic surgeon, who will be able to advise you on the most appropriate procedures to combine with liposuction.
The post-operative period following liposuction is longer than for a treatment that does not require surgery. However, they are not overly burdensome either, and the final result soon tends to make you forget about the post-operative period. The amount of fat removed also has an influence on the length of the post-operative period. Patients can shower the day after the operation. A support girdle (lipopanty) is put in place at the end of the operation and must be worn at all times for 1 month, day and night, except when showering. This girdle allows the skin to regain its elasticity and above all to adapt to the new contours of the figure.
Resumption of an office activity can take place rapidly, from the 3rd postoperative day. More strenuous activities can be resumed after 1 week. Resumption of sport is recommended after 1 month, although light activity such as walking can be practised.
Is liposuction effective against cellulite?
Not always… Cellulite can either be caused by a certain amount of sagging skin, or by fibrous septa which cause the skin to shrink. Often both causes are possible. Liposuction can sometimes be used to cut these fibrous septa using cannulas, but this is not always possible. And in the case of sagging skin, lipofilling can be used to treat certain areas.
After examining the fatty deposits, your cosmetic surgeon may advise you to undergo additional treatment to eliminate cellulite and the orange peel effect.
Liposuction before pregnancy. Is it safe? Is it worth it?
Safety: liposuction poses no risk to your pregnancy. Practical aspects: whether or not you should have liposuction before pregnancy depends more on whether liposuction is right for you. If you have clusters of concentrated fat that could be effectively targeted by liposuction, it is in your best interests to have the operation, whether before or after pregnancy. After the operation, these fat cells disappear for good, so there’s no need to worry about them returning after pregnancy. What may happen is that new fatty deposits form after your pregnancy. But that would require another operation and another decision.
Ready for liposuction? Before taking the plunge, you need to book a consultation with me, so that I can understand your story and your needs. Once trust has been established, we can move forward and plan a new silhouette for your body…
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Duration
1 – 4 hours
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Hospitalization
Ambulatory or overnight
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Takeover
Work: 2 weeks
Sport: 2 weeks -
Price
from 4’500.-
