Does Lipo of the Outer Thighs (Saddlebags) Make Your Butt Look Smaller?

                  The
aesthetics of the buttock region are not only affected by anatomy, but cultural
variations as well.  The aesthetics
of this area are affected by a complex interaction between the buttocks and
surrounding anatomic areas.  The
hips, lateral thighs, upper leg and lower back can all impact the appearance of
the buttock.  For the buttock to be
attractive, harmony, balance and proportion with the surrounding anatomic
structures is critical.

This is a complex interaction.  When large saddle bags merge with the
buttock region, liposuction might make the buttock appear smaller.  In contrast when the buttock and
saddlebags are distinct anatomic units, liposuction of the saddle bags might
create a disproportion which makes the buttocks look larger than they really
are.  It’s therefore difficult to
answer this question without pictures or a physical examination.

                  If
you’re considering liposuction and are concerned about these issues
consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is appropriate.  By performing a physical examination
this surgeon should be able to indicate how liposuction will affect the
surrounding anatomic areas.  

Hi, thank you for your question.  Thigh and gluteal regions are different anatomical regions and so when we liposuction the thighs, the butt is not touched. If we slim the thighs, whether the inner or outer aspect, the butt area will be more defined and therefore will appear to be enhanced.  Calf sometimes can be liposuctioned if there is significant fat.  Please have a thorough examination by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.

Thank you for your question.  While it is difficult to judge your situation without benefit of a photo, liposuction to the buttocks can indeed result in an unfavorable contour.  With that in mind, treating the "saddlebags", the area of the outer thigh just below the buttock, can be quite effective if done correctly.  I would recommend choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in liposculpture of this delicate area.

Removing fat from the thighs will not make your buttocks look smaller. Furthermore, we see many patients who have had this done and look worse with sagging buttock skin and/or dents in the skin.

Buttock lipo is perfromed should be done very conservatively because the butt may drop like an old persons.

Hello,
Liposuction results depend upon your shape and how firm the skin over the area to be treated is. Loose skin over an area to be treated with lipo can limit how nice the improvement may be. Lipo of the saddlebags can make the rear look more shapely, but it depends.

It is possible with liposuction of the outer thighs to may make the buttock proportions appear smaller, and better shaped. There are three dimensions to the buttock region: height, width, and projection. Often times, the width of the buttock can be reduced with sensible removal of fat from the posterior aspect of the outer thigh region. Projection or thickness of the buttock region would not be improved.
You are absolutely correct to note that over aggressive removal of fat beneath the gluteal crease will cause the buttock to droop, creating an elongated or lengthened butt. Fat extraction in this region of the ‘banana role’ region must be superficially removed. A thorough physical examination is essential to determine if you are a suitable candidate. I think that it is extremely important to see an expert plastic surgeon experienced in body contouring.
I hope this helps!

Nomoresaddles,
Let me try to clarify some things. I agree that liposuction of the buttock itself will often not look good. When viewed from the side, I do not think liposuction of the outer thighs will improve buttock shape. When over done, I think outer thigh liposuction can detract from buttock appearance.
However, when considering the overall appearance of the buttocks from the back, particularly wearing something like jeans, I advise women that outer thigh bulk tends to make the buttock adjacent to it look larger. In addition, as another surgeon mentioned, fullness above the buttocks, along the flanks and iliac areas also gives a larger appearance of the buttocks. The pants make fullness above and below the buttock look like one larger combination. Reducing both by liposuction emphasizes the buttock proper, but reduces peripheral fullness. Many of my patients really like the results.
Talk to your surgeon about what you want to see. Hope you get the result you are looking for.

Inner and outer thigh lipo will remove a localized fat deposit from these areas. It will not decrease the projection of the buttock, which most people are concerned about. If the projection is an issue, the fat removed during lipo could be used to augment the projection of the buttock. Buttock liposuction by itself has to done carefuly to avoid dents. Hope that helps!

Depending on age, skin type, weight, and other variables, buttock Liposuction can cause drooping. In the right patient, liposculpture of the saddle bags, flanks, and back can bring about a more pleasing overall balance and aesthetic results.