Why can it be so hard to lose fat from the inner thigh area? It’s well known that you can lose weight with a combination of lifestyle changes like eating well and exercising. However, what you cannot control is where that fat reduction happens as you lose weight. If you struggle to lose stubborn pockets of fat - like fat in the inner thighs - then you know this problem well. Some people carry excess fat in their abdominal area, while others are more likely to carry excess fat in their hips or buttocks. We see the same issues with arms and legs: one person may have slim arms or legs, and carry extra weight just in the core area of their body. Other people may find that their arms and legs accumulate extra fat easily. In the same way that we increase our excess fat in certain areas, we also lose fat from specific areas. The inability to target areas of fat with diet and exercise is why we have treatments like liposuction.
Even if someone does extensive exercises on a certain part of their body, this does not guarantee the reduction of fat in that area. Instead, the exercise builds muscle. One particularly frustrating challenge for many people is inner thigh fat reduction. Although they may eat well, be in a normal weight range, and exercise their inner thighs, they cannot reduce the fat to the level they would like. This is exactly why inner thigh fat removal is such a popular cosmetic request. Despite your best efforts, there is no way you can ensure inner thigh fat reduction without a targeted medical treatment.
Treatment options for reduction of inner thigh fat
Vaser Lipo for inner thigh fat removal
One technology that is particularly good for reduction of inner thigh fat is called Vaser Liposuction. Vaser allows us to remove fat with the most minimally invasive equipment. Years ago, liposuction was a more invasive and aggressive treatment that led to bruising and longer recovery. Today, with options like Vaser Lipo, inner thigh liposuction is gentle, less invasive, safer, and has a shorter recovery time.
How Vaser Lipo Works
Vaser liposuction uses ultrasound to gently dislodge fat. We then use very thin tubes called micro-cannulas to suck the fat from the inner thigh. In most cases this procedure can be done with lighter anesthesia than traditional liposuction. This can help make the recovery quicker, and help you return to your regular activities with less downtime.
Advantages of Vaser Lipo
When we use Vaser liposuction for a reduction in inner thigh fat, we have the ability to contour the leg during this process. Because Vaser is gentle and uses ultrasound, recovery time is shorter and there is generally less pain. Vaser is also safer than traditional liposuction. Although there may be some swelling, the results with Vaser Lipo are immediate since the fat is actually removed from your inner thighs. It can take a few weeks to a few months to see your final results.
CoolSculpting for inner thigh fat removal
CoolSculpting for inner thigh fat removal CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive way to reduce stubborn fat. As opposed to Vaser which sucks fat out of your inner thighs, CoolSculpting works by freezing the areas of fat. Over the following weeks, these fat cells die and collapse. Then these collapsed fat cells are eliminated from your body naturally. CoolSculpting does not provide the ability to contour the way Vaser Lipo does. With CoolSculpting, you will not see results right away. It can take a few weeks for the fat reduction to happen. Additionally, CoolSculpting can require a series of treatments to get the same results you can get with one treatment of Vaser Lipo.
SmartLipo for inner thigh fat removal
SmartLipo is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to melt fat and help to tighten skin. While SmartLipo is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used for inner thigh fat reduction, there are disadvantages to this procedure. Patients may end up with substantial burns from the laser, if they are not treated by someone with the appropriate experience. In addition, the laser does not give the same ability to contour, as we have with Vaser Lipo. Finally, some patients want to use the fat removed during liposuction to do a natural fat transfer procedure. This is not an option with SmartLipo.
Additional Information about inner thigh fat removal
Good candidates for inner thigh fat removal
The best way to decide if you are a candidate for inner thigh fat removal is to come into our offices and have a private consultation with one of our experts. Many people may be candidates for inner thigh fat reduction, but in general the best candidates:
- Are close to a weight they are comfortable with (patients who want substantial weight loss will have better results if they lose weight first, and then have inner thigh fat reduction to target specific problem-areas)
- Non smokers
- Are in good health overall
- Have specific pockets of fat in the inner thigh area they want to target
- Are not looking for overall weight loss
- Have realistic expectations for their results
Recovery after inner thigh fat removal
After inner thigh fat reduction, you can expect to have some discomfort but should not be in significant pain. You will likely have some swelling and bruising as you heal. In many cases, patients wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and promote healing. You will be able to walk around, but should refrain from vigorous physical activities.
Inner thigh fat removal vs thigh lift
There are important differences between inner thigh fat removal and a thigh lift. First of all, inner thigh fat removal just targets fat. A thigh lift, on the other hand, targets the skin and overall shape of the thigh. Someone who has loose or excess skin on their thighs is a better candidate for a thigh lift.
When you have surgical or non-surgical reduction of inner thigh fat, these procedures will not address loose skin. In fact, surgical removal of inner thigh fat can lead to additional loose skin, so if your primary complaint is excess skin, a thigh lift is generally a better option. A customized thigh lift surgery can include the removal of some inner thigh fat, which can be discussed in a private consultation. While inner thigh fat removal can be a non-surgical procedure, a thigh lift is always surgical.
Finally, while a thigh lift has a longer recovery and scars, removal of inner thigh fat has a shorter recovery and is often virtually scarless.
If you are interested in removing stubborn fat from your inner thighs, get in touch with us. We can answer your questions and schedule a private consultation to educate you about our treatment options, and give you realistic expectations about your results.
