“Saddlebags” are an accumulation of fat on the outer thighs, giving them a bulging and sometimes even sagging appearance. This excess accumulation of fat is referred to as saddlebags due to their resemblance to the bags that hang off the sides of a horse saddle.

Saddlebags can be difficult to target with exercise alone, as spot reduction is not possible. Even with a combination of exercise, strength training, and improved nutrition to help reduce overall body fat, these little (or big) stinkers sometimes hold on for dear life.

VASER Liposuction is an effective method to not only reduce excess outer thigh fat, but to also tighten loose outer thigh skin. However, Saddlebag Liposuction must be done meticulously and strategically. Too much liposuction in this area can cause an indentation of the outer thigh that looks like a shark bite. Not a good look! Saddlebag Liposuction can be performed with either general anesthesia or local anesthesia (Awake Liposuction). Dr. Millicent Geers has extensive experience performing Outer Thigh Liposuction with either type of anesthesia. Dr. Geers’ preference, however, is to perform Outer Thigh Liposuction with local anesthesia. Why? 

As a female board certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Geers knows firsthand that a woman’s thighs look different lying down versus standing up. Certain positioning either accentuates or diminishes the appearance of fat. With Awake Liposuction, you are able to stand up, if and when needed, during your procedure so that the areas of your thighs which need attention can be precisely sculpted to optimize your final result. With general anesthesia, there is never an opportunity to assess your thighs as they would appear when you’re standing, thus in inexperienced hands, there is a higher risk of over-suctioning and creating awful indentations! Fortunately, Dr. Geers has extensive experience contouring thighs with either type of anesthesia.

– Dr. Millicent Geers