Thigh Liposuction

Thigh liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to remove fat and slim the upper legs. Unwanted fat deposits on the thighs are a common source of frustration, as it’s a place where the body readily stores fat, especially in women. But for men or women with stubborn areas of thigh fat, liposuction is an effective way to achieve an aesthetically pleasing leg contour. Since the mid-1970s, liposuction has helped patients attain an appearance they’re proud of. ⁽¹⁾ In the decades following, fat removal technology evolved dramatically, and today’s liposuction options offer a refined procedure and enhanced results. VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) liposuction is an advanced form of fat removal assisted by ultrasound energy. And you could be its next success story! 

If you struggle with excess thigh fat that is impossible to shift, even with diet and exercise, there is a simple, minimally-invasive answer. Dr. Friedlander is a cosmetic surgeon with over a decade of experience changing the lives and the confidence of his patients through VASER liposuction. Call NorCal LipoSculpture at (916) 347-7755 to book your personal consultation to discuss how VASER lipo can benefit you!

Before and After Photos

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About Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, but only requires a few centimeter-long incisions to accommodate the narrow aspirating tube that suctions out fat. Because it’s impossible to spot-reduce specific areas of fat on the body, liposuction is an effective solution to unwanted fat deposits. As a result, it’s extremely popular, and as of 2020, there were over 200,000 liposuction procedures performed in the US alone, and it was the 4th most commonly performed procedure that year.⁽²⁾  Men and women can get thigh liposuction. However, women are more prone to store fat on their lower halves, so liposuction is a sought-after way to combat this accumulation on their thighs. Thigh liposuction can slim down the overall appearance of the upper legs. It can also create a much sought-after thigh gap, which can relieve chafing and irritation caused when the legs rub together, also known as “chub rub.” For some, this irritation can be so severe that they’re less inclined to walk long distances or exercise, which can hinder maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Versatility of VASER

The thighs make up only one area where VASER can target and remove excess fat. It also can be performed on the following areas of the body:

Where there’s stubborn fat that won’t go away through consistent dieting and exercise, VASER liposuction can remove it with very little downtime and minimal discomfort! 

Benefits

Liposuction targets the fat that’s tough to shed, even with healthy habits like diet and exercise. The procedure can relieve a lot of frustration for patients, helping them finally get the results and the look they’ve wanted, and likely worked very hard for. Thigh liposuction also gives patients more freedom with their clothing choices. Patients typically have a greater sense of self-confidence, especially when wearing shorts and swimsuits. 

When it comes to fat on the thighs, a lot of attention is placed on the outer thighs because of how much they affect the overall shape and silhouette of the body. However, liposuction can also be used on the inner thighs, and the backs and fronts of the thighs to ensure even results. Dr. Friedlander tailors each liposuction procedure that he performs to best fulfill his patients’ wishes, and understands that each patient is unique. 

A simple liposuction procedure can not only be a game-changer for patient self-confidence, it can also make movement a lot more comfortable!

Why is VASER Better?

VASER is one of the most exciting developments in liposuction treatment. This technology was popularized by Dr. Alfredo Hoyos, in 2003. Unlike conventional fat removal, VASER is a type of UAL (Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction). The energy from ultrasound waves creates vibrations that dislodge the fat from the surrounding tissues, making it easier to remove. These waves break down specific areas of fat deposits on the body, a process that allows for extreme precision compared to other methods. The ultrasound waves also allow a gentler, less invasive technique to be implemented. It drastically minimizes the potential for damage to surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and other healthy tissues during the procedure, which is more of a risk in other methods of liposuction. ⁽³⁾

Dr. Friedlander has had the pleasure of working alongside VASER pioneer Dr. John Millard, and Harley Street’s Dr. Grant Hamlet who have both had the honor to have personally received VASER training from Dr. Hoyos himself.

The Ideal Candidate 

There are several prerequisites you should meet in order to be an ideal candidate for thigh liposuction with VASER. These include:

If you suffer from heart problems, seizures, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a bleeding disorder, or any other serious issue, the risk for complications is higher, and the procedure should be avoided. 

To find out more about VASER liposuction and other minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures, read the NorCal Lipo blog!

Personal Consultation 

When you come in for your consultation prior to thigh liposuction treatment, you’ll meet personally with Dr. Friedlander. There are two main goals for your consultation: the first is to determine if you’re a good candidate for a safe, effective treatment, and the second is to answer your questions and go over your expectations. You can tell Dr. Friedlander about your concerns, the specific areas you’d like to tackle, and the results you’re hoping for. The more information you provide, the better Dr. Friedlander can design a treatment strategy that works to meet your goals. Because VASER liposuction is so precise, Dr. Friedlander will be able to target highly specific areas on your thighs to get the best results. 

Ready to see what VASER can do for you? Feel free to send us a message or call us directly at (916) 347-7755. We’ll set you up with a consultation at our Roseville office so you can discuss your options further.  

Preparation

Before your procedure, preparation is minimal — but there are a few important steps to remember. Keep in mind that Dr. Friedlander’s experienced staff will walk you through all the specifics leading up to your scheduled liposuction.

You’ll have to provide a list of all medications and supplements you’re taking, and if those include NSAIDs or blood thinners, you’ll be asked to stop them for several weeks both before and after the procedure. 

Procedure

All of Dr. Friedlander’s VASER procedures are conducted while patients are under IV sedation. Once this has taken effect, he will begin the process of removing fat from the target areas in the thighs.

The VASER liposuction process starts with a small incision to insert a metal probe just under the skin from which the ultrasound waves emit. These ultrasound waves are used strategically to break down the fat deposits before they are suctioned away with a hollow metal tube called a cannula. The heat from the ultrasound waves breaks them apart, and they are then removed permanently via an efficient suction process. 

The length of your VASER liposuction treatment will depend on what is outlined in your treatment plan. Most procedures are between 2-3 hours in duration. 

Recovery

Another benefit of VASER liposuction, as opposed to other types, is a much faster recovery time. You’ll be able to go home the day of your procedure, and if your job is not physically demanding, you should be fully capable of returning to work in just a few days. Make sure you spend these days resting to allow your body to heal. Swelling and bruising are common after liposuction, and you’ll need to wear a compression garment for several weeks to help keep it under control and help shape your results. 

Dr. Friedlander advises that you avoid intense exercise for several weeks after your procedure. However, it’s essential to take a few light walks throughout the day. Since this procedure will have targeted your thighs, be careful not to walk for too long or move too much. 

As long as you follow these guidelines, as well as any additional information you get from Dr. Friedlander or our staff, your recovery will be as comfortable and as rapid as possible. In this time period, Dr. Friedlander will assess your recovery and results. He offers light massage and external ultrasound follow-up appointments to promote healing and better results.

Results

Results from your thigh liposuction procedure will be immediate, with further aesthetic improvement in the following weeks as the initial swelling subsides. You will see a reduction in the contours of your thighs, and experience less chafing while you walk, run, and exercise. 

Over the next few months, results may continue to improve, with the final outcome visible roughly 2-4 months post-procedure. 

Cost of VASER Liposuction in Sacramento, CA

The cost of VASER liposuction varies depending on your circumstances, and the size of the area being treated. During your personal consultation, Dr. Friedlander will assess your individual case and concerns and afterward can give you an accurate estimate. Financing may be available for select patients.

Learn more about VASER liposuction by contacting NorCal Liposculpture online, or by calling  (916) 347-7755 directly. If you’re interested in getting liposuction in other areas of the body, like the back, neck, chin, or hips, see our other informational pages. Feel free to discuss additional treatments with Dr. Friedlander at your consultation. Get in touch with us today, and become another VASER success story!

References 

1. Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2017;24:53-60. Published 2017 Nov 6. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Plastic Surgery Statistics Report 2020 Cosmetic Procedure Trends Cosmetic Surgical Procedures.; 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/cosmetic-procedure-trends-2020.pdf
3. Shridharani S, Broyles J, Matarasso A. Liposuction devices: technology update. Medical Devices: Evidence and Research. Published online July 2014:241. doi:10.2147/mder.s47322