What Are my Best Options for Saddlebags and Cellulite?

Question

I'm about 5'4/110lbs, but have saddle bags and cellulite on the back of my upper thighs. I've read that liposuction can make cellulite worse, so what would be my best options? Would it help to get fat injections on the side of butt, to widen it & minimize appearance of saddlebags "jutting out"?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

If deemed a candidate, you may be able to treat the outer thighs (saddlebags) with Vaser Liposuction.  Vaser is ideal for those seeking improved definition of muscles and contouring.  Those who seek increased sculpting of are ideal vaser lipo candidates.
Some #areas of the body Vaser is applied to include the face, chin, neck, arms, back, abdomen, "love handles", buttocks, thighs, hips, saddlebags and knees. An ideal  #candidate for Vaser Liposuction is a person in good health who seeks a minimally invasive way to remove stubborn fat with less downtime than traditional #liposuction. Vaser is ideal for those seeking improved definition of muscles and contouring.  Those who seek increased sculpting of are ideal vaser lipo candidates. There are three types of #Vaser Lipo. Each benefit patients differently depending on their needs. As for cellulite on your hamstrings, you may benefit from #Cellfina. Cellfina is the newest, most effective FDA approved technology available for treating cellulite. This one-time, minimally invasive procedure takes only 45 minutes to perform, but the results last for a minimum of two years. #Cellfina has the longest lasting results of any current #cellulite treatment. Its approval rate is over 93% here on RealSelf.
Used on #moderate to #severe cellulite of the #buttock and #thighs, Cellfina works by treating the rubber-band-like connective tissue that causes cellulite. When these “rubber bands” under the skin are cut, the fat trapped underneath in dimples “snaps” back into place, creating a full, smooth appearance.There is no cutting and no incisions. To perform this controlled, precise, and safe procedure, a vacuum hand piece is placed over the dimpled tissue through which the surgeon will deliver a local anesthetic. Then a small, needle-like #microblade is inserted to release the fibrous bands, the cause of cellulite.It's best to begin consulting with a board certified plastic surgery to learn if you are a candidate for vaser liposuction and Cellfina. If so, you will then learn more about which #technique will work best for you and your goals. It is important you select a plastic surgeon who is #board-certified and has a great deal of experience with these procedures. Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If you area a candidaye for liosuctions of the outer thighs (saddle bags) and you have cellulite, then you should have the liposuction and not have the fat injections as you thought. See how you heal first before doing anything else.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction is great to remove the excess fat associated with the sides of the legs, or the "saddle bags." However, cellulite is very difficult to treat. Liposuction may even make it worse. If there are very deep pockets of cellulite, fat grafting can help to fill in these areas. The liposuction of the hips takes about 1-2 hours depending on how much fat is present, and the recovery is about 1-2 days. Compression garments are usually worn for 6 weeks afterward to help prevent any fluid collections from occurring.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Saddle bags do great with the micro canula liposuction technique and the cellulite usually improves as well. Traditional liposuction can make cellulite worse. Expect to pay around $5000 for the microcanula liposuction but it is so worth it.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

The saddllebag area is one of these areas that are very amendable to liposuction, and do a good job. With regards to cellulite, that is always a tricky answer. However, generally, liposuction in the saddlebag area does a good job of eliminating some of the cellulite as well, as long as you use some sort of ultrasonic liposuction to smooth out the underneath of the skin/fat adherence junction. Cellulite in other areas is very hard to tackle, but the saddlebag area is pretty responsive. I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Saddle bags are prevalent in many patients. The best way to treat this with the least amount of trauma is liposuction. Unfortunately, there is no good treatment of cellulite.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I would recommend the Body Jet  (WATER) Lipo so to have very pure fat if transfer is needed. Than use the Smart Lipo MPX 35 watt unit to help with cellulite.

	From MIAMI dr. B

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

Today liposuction can be used to recontour the body from head to toe, including the hips, thighs, buttocks, back, calves, ankles, and knees. New technology that's gentler and faster than ever before not only allows the removal of large amounts of fat, but also resculpts the body.

	Smart Lipo is a form of liposuction that uses laser light to liquefy fat and tighten the surrounding skin. It involves less downtime and side-effects than traditional liposuction and is particularly good for small areas of fat deposits. It also helps improve skin laxity. Sometimes a combination technique using both Thermage and Smart Lipo is best when there is moderate skin laxity.

	Thermage is a non-surgical (no incision!) treatment that can tighten skin and stimulate your body to make healthier collagen&mdash;the building block that provides structure to your skin. The procedure uses radiofrequency technology called ThermaCool&reg; that has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. Fast and easy, Thermage requires no downtime from normal activities.

	And unlike laser treatments, Thermage can be performed on patients of all skin types. Thermage can be used all over the body, including the abdomen. In only one treatment, patients report smoothing and tightening with lasting results. Tighten and lift without surgery, injections, or downtime.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Generally the lateral thigh (saddlebag) is a good area for liposuction because the skin shrinks reasonably well there in most people. There is no specific treatment for cellulite that works so our goal is to not increase it since we can't eliminate it.

What Are my Best Options for Saddlebags and Cellulite?

Answers (9)

More Liposuction Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (9)

More Liposuction Questions

What can I do to get rid of my internal scar tissue after Liposuction?

Losing Weight After Liposuction

Who is more qualified to do my liposuction: dermatologic surgeon or plastic surgeon?

Post-lipo Compression Garment Bunches Up Fat in Between the Hooks

Love Handles Uneven Right After Liposuction

What Should I Do About Sacral Fat Pad After Liposuction?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS