Thigh Liposuction: What You Should Know
- Posted on: Nov 30 2020
There are a few areas of the body that are notorious for holding extra fat. For men, it may be the midsection. For women, it is often the thighs. Excess fat may be somewhat managed with healthy eating and exercise habits. However, fat distribution is usually a matter of genetics. Having a pear shape could mean that a woman struggles with the thighs regardless of how close she is to her ideal body weight. Thigh liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that can make a world of difference in the proportions between the lower body and the upper body. Here, we discuss how thigh liposuction works and what patients who have this procedure might expect in terms of results.
How Does Liposuction Work?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove unwanted fat. Thigh liposuction focuses on sculpting the thighs by reducing circumference. Some thigh liposuction procedures give extra attention to the outer thighs, where “saddlebags” can develop. Some degree of sculpting is usually done to the inner thigh, as well, to ensure a uniform result.
There are several liposuction techniques performed today but they all accomplish the same thing, less fat. Dr. Schaffer performs traditional liposuction and tumescent liposuction.
Traditional Liposuction
This liposuction technique is performed using a standard cannula and vacuum device to loosen and remove fatty tissue. A cannula is a small hollow tube that is inserted into the subcutaneous layer of fat through small incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth, removing “tunnels” of fat cells. The surrounding fat then falls into the tunnels, collapsing them for a smooth, uniform result.
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is also performed with a small hollow tube and suction machine. This technique also includes the administration of a local anesthetic and fluid to cause fatty tissue to swell before it is extracted. The tumescent fluid also constricts blood vessels so less bleeding occurs during and after surgery. With less bleeding, there may also be less bruising and swelling during recovery.
Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction on any part of the body offers significant benefits. The benefits of thigh liposuction include:
- Enhancement of the legs, potentially creating a thigh-gap and “leggy” appearance to the body’s natural frame.
- Liposuction removes fat cells. They are gone forever because the body does not grow new fat.
- Even with mild swelling, the results of thigh liposuction can be seen immediately.
- If weight gain occurs sometime after liposuction, the treated area may be less prone to holding too much fat.
Thigh liposuction may be the best thing you do for yourself this year. To schedule a consultation in our San Antonio office, call 210-227-3223.
Posted in: Liposuction
