What comes to your mind when you think of the word Liposuction? You may think of a huge belly or excessive abdominal fat – however, that is not the only area of the body that Liposuction can be performed on. Another popular area to get a liposuction procedure is the anterior, posterior, inner, and outer regions of the thighs. This is because most people struggle with excessive fat in this region, which is not easy to get off with a simple diet change or an easy exercise routine.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a common cosmetic procedure that is performed to correct and reshape certain areas of the body with excess fat. This procedure is generally considered safe and effective and can be used for removing stubborn fat deposits in the body. (1)
Thigh liposuction involves the removal of fat tissues from the areas of the body, which have an excess of it and is not responsive to a general exercise routine and a diet change. This procedure may be conducted on its own for the reduction of fat from various parts of the body, or it may be conducted in associated with other surgical procedures to improve the overall appearance of the body part. Examples of these include reduction mammoplasty, Brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, post-bariatric body contour, and a thigh lift.
Moreover, other than its aesthetic benefits, Liposuction can also treat certain pathologies like lipomas, lipedema, pseudo gynecomastia, gynecomastia, lymphedema, macromastia, and lipodystrophies.
Why Is Thigh Fat Hard To Remove Through Diet And Exercise?
The thigh is considered one of the hardest places to get rid of fatty deposits in the entire body, as a quick exercise and diet change do not usually result in any significant changes. The accumulation of fat in the thighs can either be due to genetics – which means that this type of fat distribution runs in the family, or it may be caused by a lack of exercise or an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. While those individuals who have it due to a lack of exercise may be able to lose off the excess fat after practising a more active lifestyle, those who have inherited it may not be able to get rid of the fat even after exercise and dieting.
One major reason why the majority of people complain of thigh fat and report it to be one of the first places to gain fatty tissue in the body when one starts to gain weight is the lack of deep compartments in this region of the body. This means that the fatty deposits are unable to be stored deep in the thigh tissues and remain superficial, which leads to their bulky appearance on the outside.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Thigh Liposuction?
When you go to the plastic surgeon’s office for a consultation about your thigh liposuction, they will usually first make sure that you are a good candidate to get the procedure done. Some key factors that allow an individual to have a successful thigh liposuction procedure done include:
- They should be at their ideal body weight according to their height and bone density. However, if someone is not at their ideal body weight, they should at least be within 30% of this range before getting their liposuction procedure done.
- The person should not be suffering from any lifelong illnesses and should not have any medical condition that will interfere with their ability to heal after the procedure.
- The individual should ideally abstain from smoke. However, even if they do smoke on a regular basis, they should stop smoking at least three weeks before the procedure as it may interfere with their healing and increase their risk of infection.
- They should not have excessive hanging or saggy skin around the thigh area as this may lead to wrinkles in the thighs after the liposuction procedure.
- The individual who wants to get the Liposuction should have realistic goals in their mind and be positive about the overall outlook and outcome of the procedure.
Which Areas Of The Legs Can Liposuction Be Performed On?
1. Inner Thighs
The most common area to get thigh liposuction is the inner legs. This is because a majority of people desire a thigh gap, which is when the skin of the two thighs are not touching each other while the legs are together. The doctor may treat this area by performing Liposuction all the way to the inner portion to the knees to achieve the desired results.
2. Outer Thighs
The outer thighs are also a common area where Liposuction may be performed as this area commonly presents excessive fat accumulation, which is also known as saddlebags. This is a major concern for many because fat accumulation in this area may cause the legs to appear shorter than they really are and also affect the person’s overall silhouette, making the body look more bottom-heavy.
3. Anterior (Frontal) Thighs
The anterior or frontal portion of the thighs might be the least common area to get Liposuction, but still, one that is received by many all over the world. When fat accumulates in the anterior regions of the thighs, it causes the legs to look like they are protruded forward and results in a disproportionate appearance of the legs as compared to the rest of the body. Hence the anterior thigh liposuction can help balance the legs with the rest of the body and allow one to feel more confident in showing off their legs in public. Moreover, an important feature found in this area is the feminine curvature of the thighs, which must be preserved while performing the liposuction procedure in the frontal area of the thighs.
4. Posterior (Back) Thighs
Liposuction may also be performed on the posterior portion of the thighs, which mainly consists of firm fatty tissue. This tissue can often get stressed to the pressure it is exposed to for extended periods of time as one sits or performs activities that require stretching. Due to the type of fatty tissue present in this part of the thigh and the extent of stressors this particular tissue is exposed to, it is highly advised to get the posterior thigh liposuction by an experienced professional.
Types Of Liposuction Techniques
1. Tumescent Liposuction
The tumescent liposuction technique involves the conduction of the procedure under general anaesthesia. This type of Liposuction involves infiltration of sterile fluids known as Klein solution in large volumes into the subcutaneous region of the thighs. Klein’s solution includes certain substances like lignocaine and epinephrine, which result in numbing of the subcutaneous region, where the Liposuction is to be performed. In order to perform the liposuction procedure, a microcannula is used, which helps shape the area by suction assistant aspiration of fat. (2)
2. Power-Assisted Liposuction
Power-assisted Liposuction is similar to tumescent Liposuction; however, the only difference between the two is the type of liposuction tool used. The procedure is conducted by making a small incision in the area of the thigh where Liposuction is to be conducted, after which a cannula is inserted there. This area is infiltrated with a mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine to allow the area to become numb before the start of the procedure. The tip of the cannula vibrates strongly and is moved around the area to break down the fat tissue and allow easy aspiration. The ability of the liposuction tool to vibrate allows this type of Liposuction to be conducted in a much shorter time.
3. Laser-Assisted Liposuction
Laser-assisted Liposuction is another type of Liposuction and involves the use of heat from a laser probe to break down the fat tissues in the target site. The use of a laser allows this technique to be minimally invasive, and the laser instrument can be kept in direct contact with the fatty tissues without a need for an incision to be made in the skin. When heat from the laser comes in contact with the adipose tissues, it liquifies the fat tissues. Additionally, it also helps to encourage collagen remodeling in the treated area for skin firming and tightening benefits.
Does Liposuction Leave A Scar?
Whether or not a procedure leaves a scar after it is conducted depends on the liposuction technique chosen for the treatment plan. Liposuction usually does not involve big or long incisions. As a part of surgery planning, the incisions are usually hidden along natural creases of the body or located at strategic areas of the body to allow better access to the treatment area with minimal cuts. This may leave a minor scar, which is limited to the area of the incision only and will gradually fade away with time.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
The cost of Liposuction can vary with each area of the body; according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average liposuction cost procedure on one area of the body may range between $3500 to $5500. The cost that the patient may be required to pay for their Liposuction does not only include the surgeon’s cost but also includes the cost of anaesthesia, the overall hospital stay is that is applicable, the health screening test that may need to be conducted before and after the procedure, and any supportive treatment that the patient may require.
Getting Slimmer, Sexier Thighs With Liposuction
Thighs are amongst the most popular areas, as it is reported to be one of the most common areas for fat accumulation, especially in females. In such cases, thigh liposuction can be considered for enhancing the contours and to achieve the ‘thigh gap’ effect which has become more popular over the years. While this is a procedure that fits many, it is important to speak to a professional plastic surgeon to confirm if you are an ideal candidate, also to understand the possible results or improvements you can achieve with thigh liposuction before making your final decision.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
