Saddlebags are the infamous nickname for fat that deposits on the outside of thighs. Women are the overwhelming majority of people that develop this unwanted excess fat, making women lose their hourglass shape and develop a more pear-shaped, bottom-heavy appearance. This can create discomfort in everyday life because of constricting jeans or other wardrobe items. Genes play a role in where fat develops throughout the body, and if those in your family tree have that bottom-heavy appearance, you may be susceptible because of active fat-storage enzymes in your thighs.
If exercise and dieting haven’t worked for you, Dr. Rokhsar has several options for removing fat from this unsightly area. For those that are surgery averse, non-invasive lasers such as Liposonix and UltraShape can use their ultrasound waves to destroy fat cells through the skin. This requires no downtime and results are continually and progressively seen post-procedure. CoolSculpting by Zeltiq uses a cooling method called cryolipolysis to target, freeze and break down fat cells in the body. When affected, the fat separates and dies just below the skin and then suspends inside the body and naturally digested. Within weeks full results are achieved without the need for surgery. After the cells are crystallized through a gentle cooling process, the fat progressively decreases with gradual results appearing with three weeks to final results within four months. Zerona is another non-invasive option that liquefies fat by targeting cells and breaking them down just below the skin’s surface. The body then naturally disposes of them as dead cells and results are progressively seen after the non-invasive procedure. Desired results are usually seen after 6 to 10 sessions that are ideally spaced every other day or no more than 72 hours in between them in order to prevent fat reuptake. Dr. Rokhsar is the first physician in the United States to use the FDA approved Liposonix procedure, and has since then perfected the technique through extensive patient care.
For those wishing to see faster or more dramatic results, patients can opt for Liposuction or Liposculpture. An invasive procedure that developed in 1985 by a dermatologic surgeon is not an answer to obesity, but can greatly reduce stubborn fat deposits along the body, without damaging the skin quality and elasticity.
Liposuction and Liposculpture are terms to describe the same medical procedure. An invasive fat reduction surgery that suctions fat through small tubes inserted into incisions over the area of fat. A pump then slowly and gently removes the fat from the area. You will be able to return to work 2 to 3 days after the procedure.
Saddlebags are a common concern for many individuals, and fortunately, there are multiple ways to address them. One key approach is to make dietary changes, including avoiding refined carbs and sugars and instead consuming healthy carbs such as brown rice and quinoa. Additionally, engaging in daily physical activity that includes cardio and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help burn fat and calories, leading to a reduction in saddlebag fat.
Exercises that target the thighs and glutes, such as squats, bent-knee reverse hip raises, and single-leg hip raises, are also effective in toning and slimming the saddlebag area. Another option for those looking to get rid of saddlebags is cryolipolysis, a fat freezing technology that crystallizes fat cells and eliminates them naturally over time.
CoolSculpting is a popular and effective method to reduce stubborn fat in certain areas of the body, including saddlebags. CoolSculpting uses a unique fat-freezing technology called cryolipolysis to break down fat cells in the targeted area using super cool temperatures. According to clinical studies, CoolSculpting has been shown to reduce fat in a treatment area by about 20-25%. In fact, one study found that CoolSculpting was the most effective treatment for saddlebag reduction, with women treated with CoolSculpting for saddlebags losing an average of two inches from the circumference of their thigh.
CoolSculpting is a safe and effective method of reducing fat in the saddlebag region, with a 93.75% satisfaction rate among those who underwent the treatment. CoolSculpting is a good option for people who do not want any downtime and do not need to lose much fat.
The best way to get rid of saddlebags is minimally invasive liposuction. Liposuction under local anesthesia is a relatively simple procedure which only takes a couple of hours to perform. The area of the saddlebags is numbed with tumescent fluid. A small Cannula is then inserted into the saddlebags and the area is gently suctioned. A compression garment is placed immediately after. Dr. Rokhsar is a world expert in the treatment of saddlebags under local anesthesia with minimally invasive liposuction.
Here are some key takeaways on how to reduce saddlebags with CoolSculpting:
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Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
