Could Liposuction Take 3 Inches off the Hips and Thighs?

Question

I have the pear-shaped, 'two bodies' syndrome going on with my bottom half a good dress size larger than the top. I'm 5ft 9, 145 lbs, so not overweight, but my measurements are:34" bust  27" waist  39" hip  23" thighs.In an ideal world I would love 36" hip and 20" thigh. Would Liposuction help me achieve this do you think?  Many thanks.

Michael Kulick, MD, DDS · Answer

Could???
In this world, almost anything is possible but I think you want an answer that is more relevant to your situation.  It is helpful if you could send pictures of the condition you want us to address - would you send a friend out to buy you clothing without seeing you first?  
ON the up side for you, I have patients that have more than 3" reduced from their circumference.  But, you are not them or maybe you are like them physically.  Any money spent on a face to face consultation would go a long way to providing the "right" answer for you.
In general, the younger the patient is the greater the chance   the skin would retract to the underlying body shape.  If your hips or waist is wide, removing "fat" may not get you to your desired measurements.  Spend the time and money to get it right for yourself.  You have a lot of good options in NY!!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is hard to provided with a valid medical opinion without photos.  I would suggest to be treated by board certificated plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.
Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Certainly I have had patients who have lost three inches or more from their hips and thighs after liposuction. However, whether this is achievable for you depends on your anatomy, amount of fat you wish to lose, and your skin quality. If you remove a large volume of fat but have poor skin laxity, the results will not be flattering. If your skin is elastic and healthy, it will gradually reshape itself to your new form as your body recovers from the procedure and removes residual destroyed fat cells. Your question points to the importance of an in-person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist who is expert in fat-reduction techniques. These questions can't be answered without meeting the patient face to face. During your consult you could also ask about nonsurgical body contouring options such as CoolSculpting, Vanquish and ThermiLift.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

These areas can certainly be treated with liposuction, as long as the fat there is "pinchable" and it's not mainly comprised of excess skin. Liposuction can remove the excess fat, but it cannot treat loose skin (you'll need a lift to do that). You may find that a particular liposuction method is recommended for a particular area. For example, for  areas where the tissue can be more fibrous, ultrasonic liposuction works well. To determine whether you can achieve your goals, please see an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. It is difficult to assess your situation without a physical examination. Best of luck!

Germán Newall, MD · Answer

Yes -- Liposuction is a great option for you because you are at a healthy weight, and you have concentrated areas of fat that you would like to remove. Liposuction will contour you nicely. However, the size (inches) of reduction depends on each person's anatomy and the amount of fat removed. It is difficult for surgeons to predict how much fat will represent 3 inches off your hips and thighs. Be sure to find a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon with proven results in the form of before and after photos. I provide my patients with a touch up procedure 10-12 months after surgery if they would like more fat removed.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Liposuction can really change a person's life when they are disproportionate. From what you describe, I think you have a good chance of reaching your goals with liposuction. The cost of liposuction of the hips, inner and outer thighs and knees and lower buttocks would be roughly $6000-6500 but what a difference it would make.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Liposuction can successfully treat excess fat or lipodystrophy of the thighs. It would be difficult to guarantee a degree of reduction but slender thighs would be possible with an improved balance to your body.

Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction is not a form of weight loss but most patients continue with proper diet and exercise and will notice their dress size reduced. Wearing the compression garment after surgery, patients will notice that their surgical areas are reduced and smoother.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	The results you should expect from liposuction surgery will depend on the amount of adipose tissue that is present in the area, the quality of the overlying skin elasticity and the surgical skill of your surgeon. These  potential results may be best demonstrated to you by your surgeon in front of a mirror.  This will be a more accurate depiction of what you can expect as opposed to body measurements.

	Make sure you seek consultation with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

	Best wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction can successfully reduce the circumferentce of your hips and thighs.  The amount to be suctioned would depend on the "pinch" you demonstrate in these areas.  If that amount of pinch is present, then it would not be unreasonable to see a significant positive postoperative result.

Could Liposuction Take 3 Inches off the Hips and Thighs?

Answers (11)