It is a common misconception that eliminating fat from the thighs will resolve the dimples and dents known as cellulite. In fact, cellulite is a complicated condition that involves not only fat, but also skin and connective tissue.

Reducing cellulite on the thighs typically demands a combination of treatments. Though thigh lipo cannot correct indentations associated with cellulite to achieve a smooth skin surface, this procedure is often necessary in order for minimally invasive cellulite treatments to produce maximum improvements.

Dr. Emer’s approach to cellulite reduction often incorporates subcision, which he can perform manually or with the Cellfina device. Subcision releases the bands of connective tissue that pull skin inward causing divots and other irregularities across the surface of the skin.

Subcision can provide improvements in the appearance of cellulite, but more dramatic effects can be achieved when remaining indentations are filled using injectable dermal fillers and/or fat grafting. RF therapy can further enhance improvements.

In many cases, cellulite reduction treatments are ineffective unless excess fat and skin in the thigh area is eliminated first. A spiral thigh lift is often an ideal solution, as this procedure can include liposuction of the thighs in addition to surgical skin excision and tissue repositioning.

Traditional thigh liposuction is intended for bulk fat removal. It can be a good option for patients who desire smaller thighs but have a significant accumulation of unwanted fat in the upper legs.

HD lipo for the thighs is often a preferable approach for patients who are already physically fit but who have not been able to achieve a sculpted, defined look in the thighs that aligns with their athletic physique. In many cases, hormones, aging, or genetics are to blame when fat pockets in the upper legs do not disappear despite the patient’s best efforts to eat an appropriate diet and exercise regularly.

The amount of excess fat that HD thigh lipo patients have tends to be small, but it is enough to keep the thighs looking thick and bulky rather than defined and lean. HD liposculpture is our doctors’ preferred approach for slimming the thighs in these cases.

With HD thigh lipo, multiple lipo methods are frequently used in order to accomplish precision sculpting and dramatic improvements in muscle definition. Fat removal is immediately followed by energy-based treatments that “shrink wrap” the skin to your enhanced contours.

Non-invasive fat reduction procedures cannot remove the same amount of fat in one treatment as liposuction can. However, Dr. Emer can recommend a personalized protocol involving a series of energy-based treatments and other minimally invasive procedures to yield significant fat reduction and noticeably more sculpted thighs.

Non-surgical fat reduction may be a good option for those who cannot undergo cosmetic surgery due to health issues or an inability to accommodate a week or so of downtime for thigh lipo recovery.

Additionally, patients with small amounts of excess fat in the thighs can often achieve the trimmer, more defined lower body look they desire with a customized combination treatment plan that may include:

• BTL Exilis Ultra – This body shaping device can be used to get rid of fat cells and tighten skin. The BTL Exilis Ultra device employs radiofrequency (RF) energy to destroy fat cells and capitalizes on the collagen-boosting benefits of ultrasound energy to slow and prevent skin laxity.
• BTL Vanquish ME – This no-downtime treatment can permanently eliminate fat from the thighs using externally delivered RF energy.
• BodyTone – While BodyTone does not target fat, it can assist you in reshaping your thighs. This muscle building treatment involves the use of bio-electric stimulation to accelerate muscle growth. Strong, well-developed muscles are essential for firming and defining the thighs to complement the effects of reducing fat in the area.