Liposuction on saddlebags/outer thighs, are death ratios something to worry about? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I workout a lot and I’m quite fit but there’s stubborn outer thigh fat (saddle bags) that I can’t seem to get rid of completely. I’ve been thinking of getting liposuction only on the saddle bags. However, I’ve read a lot of articles that mentioned the death ratios and all the incidents that ended up in death. It made me really scared. I just want to know if it’s something to worry about Thank you

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Reserved578865. Thank you for your question regarding liposuction safety.

Thank you for your history and your pictures. If you have isolated areas of fat, liposuction is an effective surgical procedure to remove fat permanently from the affected area. Like any surgery, liposuction has its associated risks. It is important to understand that liposuction is a real surgery and should not be taken lightly. While there have been reported deaths associated with liposuction, it is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the US, and deaths are statistically exceedingly rare.

In your case, given that you are healthy and only have small pockets of fat, you would be at an extremely low risk of having complications or death after liposuction surgery. Before any surgical procedure is scheduled, preoperative labs, EKG, and chest x-ray are obtained to assess risk factors and ensure your safety.

Overall, I think you would be safe to undergo liposuction of your saddlebags. However, it is always important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide you with detailed information and address any concerns you may have.

Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding liposuction safety.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the saddlebags/legs would be a great choice for you.  Safety is always the number one priority in surgery.  The first step in your safety starts with you!  Begin by researching experienced board certified plastic surgeons near you.  Research credentials.  Look at before/after photos.  Then schedule consultations with those who meet your criteria.  Your surgeon should evaluate your medical history and examine you to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.  This will include reviewing your medications and if you are a smoker, etc.  Ensure that your surgery will be in performed in an accredited facility.  And remember to ask lots of questions.  After surgery closely follow your post operative instructions and keep your surgeon aware of any concerns.  These steps will help keep your risk low while optimizing your results.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. First of all, liposuction of the saddlebags is a safe area to work on. There are no major blood vessels in the area which can lead to blood vessel laceration and fat embolus or death. Of course if you choose the wrong surgeon or non-surgeon doing the procedure, untoward effects can happen with asymmetry, irregularities and poor results.
Saddlebags are better visualized from the back view. What I see in this front view is strong muscular thighs, minimal saddlebags, hip dips and excess fat rolls above the groin crease. As a Total Definer plastic surgeon, you would get the best results from liposuction of the fat rolls, fat grafting the hip dips to give a smooth feminine curve instead of the "violin" deformity that you have. The saddlebags need to be done judiciously from the back to keep  a feminine curve. If it is overdone, it will masculinize this area for you. See a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body sculpting for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very likely that liposuction of both lateral (saddle bags) and medial, inner thighs would be best option for you. This procedure can be done in twilight anesthesia which will further decrease risks of blood and fat cloths. Incident of deadly outcome is very low in your case. Hope this helps.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Liposuction in this area is extremely safe and a complication such as death from saddle bag liposuction would be extremely rare, if at all.

Liposuction on saddlebags/outer thighs, are death ratios something to worry about? (Photo)

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Liposuction on saddlebags/outer thighs, are death ratios something to worry about? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Liposuction of thigh

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.