Body toning and weight loss are two common ways in which people attempt to reach aesthetic goals. Weight management alone can be a lifelong quest, not for perfection but for a personal-best. When we hear about ways we can improve our shape, tips often revolve around areas of the body such as the abdomen, buttocks, and sometimes the thighs. Rarely do we hear about unique challenges like saddlebags. We’re going to discuss that here.
What are Saddlebags, Anyway?
Saddlebags is a term used to describe a particular accumulation of fat on the outer, upper thighs, and upward toward the hips. It is a relatively common problem that plastic surgeons frequently treat. The accumulation of excess fat in this area of the body has no distinct cause. Some studies suggest that it could relate to an underdeveloped glute-hamstring connection. However, there is evidence that strengthening and toning the glutes and backs of the legs does not resolve saddlebags once this fat has developed. Without sculpting, though, saddlebags throw off the proportionate shape of the body.
We could generalize the problem of saddlebags as a simple matter of excess fat, but there seems to be more to it than that. This type of stubborn fat is more frequently found on women and is believed to be somewhat influenced by genetics and hormones. A woman’s hormones make her more susceptible to fat accumulation around the midsection and hips, areas that are quite challenging to spot-reduce. Due to the difficulty of sculpting the outer thighs and hips with diet and exercise, many women turn to liposuction to address the stubborn saddlebag problem.
Slimming Saddlebags with Liposuction
Liposuction has been a popular body-contouring procedure for several years. Over time, significant improvements have occurred, including the development of power-assisted and laser-assisted techniques. Dr. Schierle and Dr. Fine perform every liposuction with the tumescent approach and, in many cases, also incorporate either SmartLipo laser-assistance or SAFELipo power assistance. These techniques facilitate the smallest possible incisions and the smoothest possible contours compared to older liposuction methods.
Stubborn fat is frustrating no matter where it hangs on to the body. Saddlebags carry the extra stress of being nearly impossible to spot-reduce. Liposuction is an excellent solution that we are happy to offer. To schedule your liposuction consultation, call our Chicago office at (312) 266-6240.