Is Cool Sculpting a Good Method for Saddle Bag Area (Inner and Outer Thighs)?

To treat the saddle bag area there is a new applicator called the CoolSmoth applicator, designed for non-pinchable fat and bulges. This applicator does not use suction therefore it takes 2 hours every time you place it. The cooling plates of this applicator are exposed and are laid down directly on the areas of excessive fat. This applicator is great for patients with small areas of fat that is not enough to pinch or place in the suction applicators. You still need to retreat all areas in a month for the best results.

Hello,

Thank you for your question. CoolSculpting can be very effective for the inner and outer thigh. There are specific hand pieces that can target those areas. However you will need to visit a local physician to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this procedure or if you are better suited for something else. It is important to have the right kind of fat in the area of treatment. It is also important to remember that it can take a bit longer to see results in the legs, usually about 4 months. Good luck!

CoolSculpting has FDA approval for fat reduction since 2010. CoolSculpting freezes the fat cells. Fat cells are more susceptible to damage by freezing than the other cells, (nerve, vessel, bone, etc.), around them. The fat cells die via a process called apoptosis, (programmed cell death). The number of fat cells are therefore reduced. This happens over a period of time, so the body is not overwhelmed with dead fat cells. The body will take these cells up, process them and excrete them, just as any other cell. The remnants are filtered through the liver, and then excreted eventually via stool. CoolSculpting now has an applicator for thighs.  CoolSculpting had been used in this area with good results. See an experienced CoolSculpting practice, they will determine if you are a candidate.  Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  They will be able to tell you of the different options, (CoolSculpting, Liposuction, Direct excision, etc.).

Coolsculpting is a great option for the inner thighs.  I even like it more that liposuction sometimes because the fat reduction is slower and allows time for the skin to retract.  The outer thighs do well too but may need more treatments as the fat is more resistant there.

CoolSculpting can work well for the inner and outer thigh areas, and you can see results in as little as 1 month. CoolSculpting is very different from liposuction and not as effective as liposuction, but is very effective for a noninvasive treatment. With the CoolSmooth applicator, which is a flat applicator, the outer and posterior thighs can be treated effectively. The CoolFit applicator works well to target the fat at the inner thighs. Usually CoolSculpting treatments at the thighs can require multiple treatments. With CoolSculpting, you cannot take the fat and transfer it to other body areas. Obtain a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for treatment and how many treatments would be needed for you to see a significant result. A consultation can also help you determine which route you should take in terms of the other procedures you are considering as well.

CoolSculpting
has a specialized applicator designed specifically to treat the inner and outer
thighs, and an experienced provider can get excellent results in these areas.
When first released, CoolSculpting was designed more for areas such as the abdomen
and flanks where the excess fat could be suctioned between 2 panels during the
treatment. Now, however, there are FDA-cleared applicators that work on
"non-pinchable" bulges of fat such as those found on the inner and
outer thighs. There is also a smaller FDA-cleared applicator designed to reduce
the fat that causes a double chin.

If your greatest concern is the outer/inner thighs, then Coolsculpting may be a good option for you.  However, I would state that if you are planning fat grafting to the buttock, then the liposuction portion of the fat grafting procedure can help deliver even stronger results than what Coolsculpting can do.  I would recommend visiting with a  board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss the pros/cons of your question in more detail.

                  Coolsculpting
represents a significant advance in the management of localized fat
collections. The success of the procedure depends on a variety of factors. One
of the most important factors is the location of the fat collections.

                  In
many cases where saddle bags are present, coolsculpting results are excellent
and patients report high levels of satisfaction. Unfortunately, there are
several potential problems when coolsculpting is performed on saddle bags.

                  Excess
fat in the inner and outer thighs can be difficult to treat because it’s often
associated with loose skin. Loose skin can be made worse when subcutaneous fat
is removed with coolsculpting. Under these circumstances, coolsculpting not
only removes excess fat, but can accentuate loose saggy upper, inner and outer
thigh skin as well.

                  In
addition, it can be difficult to apply the applicator to the inner and outer
thighs in some cases. In these cases, there just isn’t enough skin to roll into
the applicator head and as a result the device doesn’t function properly. This
can adversely impact the results and lead to treatment failure.

                  Because
of these issues patient selection is extremely important. When patients have
loose skin, results are less than optimal because of skin sag and other types
of treatment should be considered. When the skin is tight, the applicator may
not fit.

                  It’s
important to discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon
should be able to help you choose the procedure that’s best for you. 

CoolSculpting is FDA cleared for abdomen and upper hip treatment.  It is also being used clinically in many other areas including the inner thighs.  The outer thighs are not ideal for most patients as the shape and nature of the fatty bulge doesn't lend itself well to the technology.  

Liposuction is a much better alternative if you are considering using the fat for buttock augmentation.  Fat grafting generally requires liposuction for harvest. 

Dear Salero,

 

Usually, the primary targets for the cool sculpting (Zeltiq) are the abdomen, flanks and back.

That said, if the amount of fat and the thigh area of interest is of the appropriate size to be well "suctioned" by the applicator (usually small in that case) then results could be achieved. However, the current applicators are designed to cover the abdomen, flanks and back.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for your inquiry and the best of luck to you.

Dr. Sajjadian