A patient sends us the following request:
I would like to have some information about combating saddlebags. Actually I am very lean, apart from my legs. I would like to reach at least size 36 from 38. Is that possible with a liposuction? How many sessions do I need?
“Saddlebag” fat deposits are biologically provided for women to store fat for the breast milk production. Nevertheless, those curves are nowadays unpopular for many women, especially if they are so distinctive that there are different dress sizes between waist and thighs. This often makes shopping of clothes difficult and can also cause mental strain, making women concerned wish for a reduction of the thigh circumference.
Liposuction with microcannulas of the “saddlebags” (hips, buttocks, and thighs) can herein provide a remedy in a gentle way. A liposuction is done in the most possible tissue-conserving way when thin microcannulas are used, which have a significantly smaller diameter compared to standard cannulas. The thinner microcannulas also enable a more precise job, so that unpleasant dents – as are often known from common liposuctions – are spared. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia. Yet on the same day the patient is discharged home. The aftercare is simple: Usually the patient is already able to work the next day, compression clothes have to be worn only for a week.
Patients who suffer from overweight and also wish for a comprehensive weight loss – additionally to a saddlebag reduction – should undergo a liposuction prior to the planned weight reduction. Fat cells have the ability to produce the female hormone estrogen, which stimulates a further fat storage. Through the removal of fat cells by means of liposuction this cycle can be interrupted and weight loss could be simplified.
DDr. Heinrich, MD