Liposuction of thighs, knees and saddlebags

Slimming thighs or saddlebags is often a complex task. Worse still, excessive exercise can lead to muscular thighs, eliminating any aesthetic benefits.

These fatty deposits occur in both men and women, but are more frequent in the latter for two reasons.

The gynoid fat distribution pattern means that fat storage cells are in greater quantity on the lower part of the body, such as the hips, love handles, buttocks, saddlebags, thighs or knees.

On the other hand, hormone peaks during pregnancy or menopause will also contribute to the hypertrophy of adipocytes, which fill up with fat.

These hormonal variations also encourage water retention, with the risk of cellulite appearing, with orange-peel skin reflecting a combination of fat and oedema.

Liposuction removes excess fat permanently, as adipocytes are unable to regenerate: their total number seems to remain constant after 20 years.

Depending on the case, liposuction of the lower limbs will help to lose thighs, knees or saddlebags.

Dr Christelle Santini always offers a complete solution for a harmonious result, with the possibility in some cases of treating other areas such as the lower back, calves or ankles. calves or ankles.

As far as CNAM reimbursement is concerned, liposuction of the thighs is not eligible for reimbursement, as it meets an aesthetic need.

The first step is an initial pre-operative appointment with Dr. Santini, to determine the liposuction technique to be adopted according to the patient's needs and the medical and aesthetic analysis.

For liposuction of the thighs and saddlebags, Dr Christelle Santini pays particular attention to two aspects:

• whether or not there is cellulite on the thighs or in the saddlebags: liposuction can be disappointing on fibrous or aqueous cellulite, whereas it gives very good results on adipose cellulite on the thighs;
• whether or not there is marked skin laxity; excess skin with loss of elasticity may require a thigh lift.

Once this initial consultation has taken place, Dr Santini will draw up his recommendations and a customized quote.

A second consultation with the anesthesiologist will be necessary no later than 48 hours before the operation, to ensure that the patient is fit for surgery.

Several conditions must be met to ensure a smooth operation:

• All medications containing aspirin should be avoided for 10 days prior to surgery.
• Depending on the type of anesthesia agreed with the anesthetist, the patient may be required to fast for 6 hours before the procedure.
• Depending on the patient's condition, it is possible to plan an outpatient discharge on the same evening. However, a few days to a week's rest is required before the patient can return to social and professional life.

The technical approach adopted by Dr Santini varies according to the patient's needs and morphology, with the aim of preserving a primarily natural appearance.

First, slight incisions of around 3 to 4 millimeters are made in a natural fold of the skin, to minimize their visibility.

Thanks to very fine cannulas, the fat is gradually drawn in around the vessels and nerves, without damaging them. In this way, deep fat and superficial fat are treated simultaneously, guaranteeing better results. The amount of fat harvested will depend on the patient's morphology, as it is important to respect the quality of the skin around the harvesting area.

For knee liposuction, it is sometimes necessary to perfect the procedure with a needle and syringe, to avoid damaging fragile skin.

Dr Santini will repeat this procedure until a symmetrical and harmonious reshaping and slimming of the treated area is achieved.

The total duration of liposuction treatment will therefore vary according to the amount of fat to be extracted, sometimes by several liters. While it can range from 20 minutes to 3 hours, the average time is around 1 to 2 hours.

The post-operative after-effects of liposuction of the saddlebags or thighs generally involve little pain, calmed by painkillers. It is normal to observe the appearance of ecchymoses (bruising) and oedemas (swelling), which resolve in around 10 to 20 days, leaving the first visible results after 2 to 3 weeks. In addition, a compression stocking will be prescribed, to be worn day and night for 4 to 6 weeks.

This is essential if you want to lose thighs with a beautiful aesthetic result, so that the skin regains its elasticity and shapes thinner thighs perfectly.

It is also possible to feel very tired when leaving the operating room, in proportion to the amount of fat removed. We therefore recommend that you allow yourself a few days' rest. Normal social and professional activities can be resumed approximately 3 to 7 days after the operation. On the other hand, you should allow at least 6 weeks before resuming sports activities, to allow time for the deep tissues to heal properly.

Finally, it is important to respect certain contraindications that could affect the final result. The treated areas should not be exposed to sunlight or UV rays for at least 3 months.

The final result can be appreciated after this period of 3 to 6 months, with thighs and lower silhouette that are slimmer, more dynamic and more sensual.

• Return home the same day.
• 3 to 7 days of professional downtime.
• Final result between 3 and 6 months.

What should I do before undergoing liposuction of the thighs or knees?

• 1 to 2 consultations with your plastic surgeon, including the taking of medical photographs
• Delivery and signature of the estimate, with a 15-day forensic delay between the initial consultation and liposuction of the thighs or knees.
• Anesthesia consultation, blood test.

How does liposuction of the saddlebags, thighs or knees work?

• General anesthesia.
• 1 to 2 hours, depending on the amount of fat suctioned and the number of areas slimmed.
• Return home after liposuction of the thighs or saddlebags, usually the same day.
• Invisible micro-scars.

What is the post-operative course of liposuction of the thighs or saddlebags?

• Wear a girdle for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Anticoagulant treatment for 7 to 14 days.
• Follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon 7 to 10 days after the procedure.
• Absorbable threads.
• Stop exercising after thigh liposuction for four to six weeks.
• Plan to take 3 to 7 days off work after liposuction of the knees or saddlebags.
• Final result after 6 months.