Letty's Liposuction Directory

Outer Thigh Liposuction:

Author: Letty's Staff Writer

Ahhh....

Those "not-so-cute" slabs of flesh positioned almost exactly where cowboys of long ago use to wear their guns...

I don't know about you – but I really don't want to appear to have two revolvers under my skirt (particularly with airport security being what it is these days)!...

What are we talking about here?

Saddle bags... that's what.

Saddle bags are located just south of the hips along the outer thighs, and sometimes they are really lumpy and "throw off" the body's contour in an unattractive way. That's the problem many ladies have with them..

They're just so darn difficult to dress up!

So, let's talk candidly about solutions... outer thigh liposuction specifically.

How does liposuction of the outer thighs work?

Outer thighs are one of the most popular areas for liposuction treatment among women having the surgery.

Let's break down the steps:

• Step 1. Surgery for the outer thigh begins when the doctor numbs the area with a local anesthetic.

  Step 2. Next small, inconspicuous incisions are made and numbing fluid is injected under the skin until the site is firm and very full of fluid. This technique is called "tumescent" which literally means firm and full. The fluid not only numbs the area from pain during surgery, but it also softens target fat making it easier to remove in the next step.

  Step 3. The fat and fluid are then sucked out of the area through a long, blunt, hollow tube – called a "cannula". The surgeon will push and pull the cannula through the treatment area removing volume until a nice contour is created.

What is a nice contour for the outer thighs?

Certainly we are all shaped differently.

We each have various proportions, textures, shapes, sizes... the whole bit. Then it follows naturally that one person's figure perfection - is another person's figure flaw. So the answer is: "The ideal will be different for each person".

Within reason, of course...

It does you absolutely no good to wish for a look that liposuction cannot achieve for you. If you are markedly overweight and hope to have thighs like a super model after the procedure is done – you are barking up the wrong tree... seriously.

Liposuction will NOT do that.

Outer thigh liposuction can only improve upon the theme that you currently represent. In other words, the change hopefully will make you a better version of you... Your new silhouette will be very much like the one you already have – just a little more evened out, streamlined, or smoothly curved.

What are the risks of liposuction and who is a good patient for surgery?

Thin people often turn to liposuction when they want to remove small amounts of subcutaneous fat from key places. Many of these folks have not been able to achieve their goals with diet and exercise, or lifestyle changes alone.

Liposuction is ideal for these folks.

But certainly overweight people can, and have had successful liposuction as well. There is a case to be made for heavy people who are realistic in their expectations of just wanting to be a bit more proportional, or better contoured within their particular body type. These kinds of practical people also make good patients...

BUT those whose health would be jeopardized by the procedure (whether fat or skinny) should beware. Outer thigh liposuction is surgery and brings with it certain risks.

Some of those complications include (but are not limited to):

1. Infection. Whenever the skin envelope is pierced there is a possibility for invasion by harmful micro-organisms.
2. Adverse reaction to the numbing solution. There have been cases where the lidocaine, or other pharmaceuticals used in the numbing solution – has caused injury or death.
3. Blood or fat clotting. Blood clots and fat clots can form during or after surgery and move to block arteries and blood-vessels servicing the brain, heart or lungs.
4. Swelling and bruising. Although inconvenient, swelling and bruising is generally self-limiting and will resolve within a few weeks after surgery.
5. Asymmetrical or uneven results. Many people need a second procedure to correct the first outer thigh liposuction, when things come out a little (or a lot) "off". It is always a good idea to expect to need a subsequent surgery. You should actually budget for it... Because nothing is worse than feeling stuck with a bad plastic surgery result.

In Conclusion:

Being realistic is a very big part of any plastic surgery...

AND your surgeon should screen you for any pre-existing body dysmorphia (meaning – you hate your body no matter what it actually looks like), or unrealistic expectations.

False perceptions make you less ideal for the surgery.

If you are an ideal patient for liposuction, the next thing you should do is spend some time looking for a qualified surgeon. Your life is in his or her hands, so make sure he or she is a board-certified plastic surgeon or surgical dermatologist.

Experience is key.

If your surgeon performs successful liposuction surgery on a regular basis, they are more likely to have the skill set to flawlessly perform yours.

Outer Thigh Liposuction References:

• "Love Handles & Flabby Thighs." Woman's Day [Australia] (22 Nov 2010). General OneFile (8 May 2011).

• Greene, Lisa. "Know facts before removing your fat." St. Petersburg Times [St. Petersburg, FL] 23 Dec. 2007: 1A. General OneFile (21 June 2011).

• Troy, bill. "From head to toe: great looks and increased safety profiles make liposuction a viable option in all areas – particularly for the neck, upper arms. (liposuction)." Cosmetic Surgery Times May 2003: S12. General OneFile (Apr 2011).

• "Liposuction." Louann W. Murray, Ph.D. and Tish Davidson, A.M. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Ed. Jacqueline L. Longe. 3rd ed. Detroit: Gale, Online update, 2008. 5 vols.