Liposuction
Safe liposuction for a beautiful mind and body.
Thighs
People who are recommended to have thigh liposuction
- Want to create a gap between the thighs
- The outer thighs are protruding
- Want to get slimmer thighs in a short period of time
- Have difficulty losing weight in the lower body even when dieting
Areas that can be treated with thigh liposuction
At our clinic, thigh liposuction can be performed on the “inner”, “outer”, “front”, “all around (inner + outer + front)”, “above the knee” and “buttocks (buttocks)”.
Depending on the patient’s condition and desired order, multiple areas may be combined for treatment. During consultation, the doctor will suggest how much to suction from each area, so please tell us your concerns in detail.
Inner thigh
The inner thigh is the most commonly chosen area for thigh liposuction, as patients want to create a gap. Many patients request “I want straight thighs” or “I want a natural finish with a little volume left”.
The skin on the inner thigh is also soft, and if the suction is not done carefully, unevenness is likely to remain. Since this is the most delicate area of the thigh, our clinic takes the texture of the skin into consideration when designing.
Outer thigh
The outer thigh is an area that patients often have concerns about, just like the inner thigh. Compared to the inside, the skin is slightly harder and many people have a firmer layer of fat on the outside, so sagging is less likely to occur even with a large amount of suction.
When the outer protrusion is eliminated, the synergistic effect is that the hip line appears higher and the legs appear longer overall.
We also accept orders such as “I want to maintain feminine curves” and “I want to eliminate the protrusion and create a straight line,” so please feel free to contact us.
Front of the thigh
The front of the thigh is an area that varies greatly from person to person, and there are two possible reasons for the volume: muscle development and subcutaneous fat.
The results may vary, so we will check your condition during consultation and propose the best treatment for you.
All around the thigh
The all around thigh course includes the front, outer, and inner thighs. The fat is aspirated while taking into account the overall balance of the entire leg, so it is closer to a natural finish without any discomfort.
In addition, since multiple areas are aspirated at the same time, it is also recommended for those who want to finish the downtime in one session or those who want to slim down their entire legs.
Above the knee
The area above the knee is an area where it is important to determine the amount of aspirate, as there is a risk of sagging if too much fat is removed. We will proceed with the treatment while paying attention to careful aspirating so as not to upset the balance of the entire leg.
Buttocks
When performing liposuction on the buttocks, it is necessary to select the fat to be removed and the fat to be left, and to achieve a finish that does not cause sagging. The lower part of the buttocks is prone to gaining volume, so we will use strong suction, but the area around the lower buttocks may become sagging, so we will adjust the amount of suction.
Causes of fat in thighs
Poor circulation due to swelling and chills
People with swelling and chills are prone to poor circulation, and as blood and lymph flow stagnate, excess fluid accumulates in the body, causing swelling. Furthermore, if waste products accumulate and poor circulation worsens, the body does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, and is unable to generate enough heat, causing chills.
As a result, cell movement slows down and basal metabolism drops, making it difficult to burn fat and making it easier for excess fat to accumulate.
Muscle weakness due to lack of exercise
When muscle strength decreases due to lack of exercise, the body stops using fat as energy, making it more likely to store fat. Since muscle is a tissue that requires a lot of energy, when muscle strength decreases, the basal metabolism tends to decrease. In particular, the thighs are a part of the body that is easily affected by lack of exercise because they are large muscles, and are prone to fat accumulation.
Pelvic distortion and poor posture
When thigh muscles are not used properly due to pelvic distortion or poor posture, fat tends to accumulate around the unused muscles. At the same time, it can cause poor blood circulation, making it easier for waste products to accumulate.
How thigh liposuction works
Thighs get thicker because fat cells become enlarged
In the first place, “gaining weight” refers to the state in which fat cells in the body become enlarged.
When the energy intake exceeds the energy consumption due to daily lifestyle habits such as diet and lack of exercise, the surplus energy is stored in fat cells, causing the cells themselves to become enlarged.
The stored amount is used preferentially when there is an energy shortage, but it is consumed preferentially from visceral fat and parts of the body that are active. Subcutaneous fat on the thighs decreases after visceral fat is lost, so it is difficult to feel the immediate effect even if you continue dieting.
Liposuction reduces the fat cells themselves
Liposuction reduces the fat cells themselves, limiting the amount of energy that can be stored.
Although the number of fat cells fluctuates from childhood to the growth period, it is said that there is little increase or decrease in the number of fat cells once one reaches adulthood. Although fat cells may become smaller through dieting, such as food restrictions and exercise, the number of cells themselves does not decrease.
When fat cells are reduced, fat will accumulate only in the remaining fat cells in the treated area, so liposuction is a procedure with a relatively low chance of rebound.
With our extensive experience, we can also handle corrections at other clinics.
If you have had liposuction at another clinic but are concerned about its ineffectiveness, remaining unevenness, or asymmetrical results, please come to our clinic.
Liposuction correction at other clinics is difficult and corrections are often refused, but our clinic’s extensive experience allows us to handle a wide variety of cases.
We will correct unevenness caused by incomplete removal of fat, depressions caused by removing too much fat in certain areas, and other conditions where too much fat remains, with a natural and beautiful finish that suits each patient’s condition.
We have a support system in place to provide peace of mind with thorough counseling for those who are worried about correction procedures, so please feel free to consult us first.
Scars from thigh liposuction
In thigh liposuction, a 3-5mm incision is made in a location that will not be visible due to wrinkles or will be hidden by clothing to create an insertion port for the cannula.
In the case of full or full circumference, scars will be made around the base of the thigh, and in the case of buttocks and back, scars will be made along the wrinkles of the buttocks. Both are hidden by the bikini line, so there is no need to worry about the scar being noticeable.
When liposuction is performed above the knee, an incision is made along the wrinkles behind the knee. Since the back of the knee is in a location that is visible to others due to clothing, the incision is made so that the scar blends in with the wrinkles and is less noticeable.
After the incision, a skin protector is attached to prevent pigmentation and inflammation caused by friction of the cannula, so no extra stress is placed on the wound. At our clinic, we treat the wound gently and take great care to make the scar as beautiful as possible.
Downtime for thigh liposuction
- Pain
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After liposuction, you may experience muscle pain-like pain. The duration of the pain varies from person to person, but generally it peaks the day after to 2 days after surgery, and then gradually subsides over 1 to 2 weeks.
The pain is not so severe that you cannot move your body, but many people experience more pain in the thighs than in other areas such as the stomach or upper arms, as the thighs have a large suction area. In the unlikely event that the pain is severe, we recommend that you take the painkillers provided after surgery.
- Swelling
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Swelling begins immediately after surgery, peaks 2 to 3 days, and subsides over 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling is caused by the body’s defense reaction to the insertion of the cannula, causing inflammation, so there is generally no need to worry excessively.
- puffiness
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It depends on the patient’s constitution and the amount of fat suctioned, but swelling peaks 2 to 4 days after surgery and usually subsides over about 2 weeks.
It is often confused with swelling, but swelling is a condition in which fluids such as lymphatic fluid and anesthetic fluid accumulate to fill the space where fat was originally.
Depending on the person, swelling may gradually occur in the knees and insteps due to gravity. In this case, it may last for about 1 to 3 months, but it is not enough to interfere with daily life.
- Internal bleeding
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Internal bleeding appears little by little after surgery and peaks about a week later. Although there are individual differences, it generally changes from reddish-black to yellow, and then gradually subsides over 1 to 2 weeks.
Internal bleeding is also a condition in which blood spreads from capillaries broken by stimulation during the procedure to the surrounding tissues, appearing reddish-black through the skin. As time passes, blood is broken down and absorbed in the body, so there is no need to worry too much.
- Itching
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Itching may occur at the treatment site for 3 days to 1 week, although this varies from person to person. The main causes are “lack of moisture due to swelling and contracture” and “friction and rash due to compression fixation”.
When swelling occurs, moisture concentrates between cells, making the surface of the skin more likely to dry out. During the contracture period, the skin hardens and contracts to fill the empty space, so the skin’s flexibility temporarily decreases and it becomes difficult to retain moisture.
Both of these causes itching due to lack of moisture, so if you take care of it with a moisturizing cream, you can expect the symptoms to be alleviated.
In addition, if the skin is irritated by friction or steam from the compression fixation, a rash may occur and the itching may worsen. If you absolutely cannot bear it, it is fine to temporarily loosen the compression fixation.
- Numbness
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Some people feel a tingling numbness due to poor circulation and nerve compression caused by swelling. The duration of numbness varies depending on the cause, but in most cases it will subside within about a week.
Although it rarely occurs, if nerves are damaged during liposuction, it may take 1 to 3 months to recover. Our clinic uses Vaser liposuction, which causes less damage to surrounding tissue, so the risk of nerve damage is extremely low.
- Contracture
(tightness, unevenness) -
Contracture is one of the symptoms that occurs during the healing process after liposuction, and symptoms such as a feeling of tightness at the treatment site, unevenness on the skin surface, and temporary hardening of the skin can be seen.
Contracture begins about one month after other downtime symptoms such as swelling and internal bleeding have settled down, and often gradually settles down around three months.
When a wound occurs on the body, it heals through processes such as “hemostasis (bleeding clotting phase)”, “swelling (inflammation phase)”, “cell generation (proliferation phase)”, and “contracture (maturity phase)”.
Contracture is a state in which damaged cells are replaced with new cells generated during the proliferation phase, and tissues are contracted to reduce the wound. Contraction temporarily hardens the skin and makes it feel tight.
The unevenness of the skin is due to the tissue tightening inward to fill the cavity created by liposuction. As new tissue is remodeled in an irregular position, the surface of the skin may appear uneven temporarily, but it will smooth out over time.
Thigh liposuction procedure
STEP1Counseling
Please fill out the questionnaire and wait in the waiting room until you are called. Counseling will be conducted in a private room where privacy is protected, so please tell us as much detail as possible about your concerns.
During the counseling session, we will explain in detail the equipment and tools to be used, the area of suction and the location of scars, downtime, risks and side effects, and post-operative precautions, so please rest assured. To ensure that there are no differences in the results, we will actually touch the patient’s thighs to check the quality and quantity of fat.
Once you are satisfied, we will have you sign the consent form and coordinate the schedule with the patient, such as the date of surgery and the date of stitch removal.
STEP2Preoperative Examination
On the same day as the consultation, a blood test will be performed to confirm that the patient is in good condition to undergo surgery. This will check for any problems with anesthesia administration, anemia, allergies, etc.
A blood test before surgery is essential to understand the patient’s overall physical condition and overall management during the procedure.
(The results of the blood test will be available in 2-3 days, so the surgery date will be after the results arrive.)
The nurse will also explain in detail the size of the compression fixation to be used on the day of the procedure, how to use it, and any precautions. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact us.
STEP3Size measurement and photography
On the day of the procedure, after a nurse checks your physical condition, you will be asked to change into a surgical gown. In order to confirm the difference in changes, we will measure the size of the suction area before the procedure and take a photo. The size measurement and photo will make it easier to compare the changes before and after surgery.
STEP4Design
After the measurements and photography are complete, the doctor will perform a final check and decide on the design and marking. The amount of suction and the suction area will be determined based on the patient’s concerns, so please feel free to let us know your requests.
STEP5Anesthesia administration
You will be moved to the treatment table and intravenous anesthesia will be administered. After the patient falls asleep, local anesthesia will be administered to the suction area. Please rest assured that we will monitor the monitor closely and monitor the entire body at the same time.
STEP6Liposuction
The area to be suctioned is incised a few millimeters and tumescent liquid is sprayed. Once spraying is complete, a skin protector is placed on the incision and suction is performed with a cannula. After suction is complete, a drain is placed to facilitate the drainage of the anesthetic liquid and the procedure is complete.
STEP7Compression fixation
The nurse will apply pressure fixation to the treatment area.
STEP8Recover in the recovery room
After surgery, you will rest in a private room at our hospital until you have recovered.
(Since your body is prone to getting cold after anesthesia, we will provide you with a warm futon.)
Once you have recovered, we will measure your heart rate and blood pressure and check for any pain or nausea, so please feel free to let us know if you need anything.
STEP9Going home
After recovering in the recovery room, you can go home. Although it may be difficult to walk due to the compression immobilization, many people have no problems walking, but for safety reasons, many people choose to go home by taxi.
After surgery, our hospital can arrange a taxi for you, and our staff can support you until you are safely in the taxi, so please feel free to contact us.
Aftercare for thigh liposuction
(how to spend time after surgery)
The day of the procedure
Immediately after the procedure, your thighs will be bandaged and fixed with a girdle. The compression fixation will reduce downtime symptoms such as swelling and puffiness, so please wear it for the period specified by your doctor.
You may experience pain after the intravenous anesthesia wears off, so if you feel pain, do not push yourself and take the painkiller prescribed by our clinic.
There is a risk of bacteria entering the incision site, so refrain from bathing or showering on the day of the procedure and rest at home.
If you would like to have drainage the next day to reduce downtime, please sleep with a towel over your body as there is a possibility that anesthetic liquid will be discharged from the wound. We recommend that you elevate your legs when sleeping to reduce puffiness and puffiness.
The day after the procedure
If you would like drainage (sutures), please visit our clinic.
If you are working at a desk or in a job that puts little strain on your thighs, you can return to work the day after the procedure. However, many people experience a peak in pain after the procedure, so if you can work around your job, take a rest and don’t push yourself.
You can take a shower after the stitches are in place.
3rd day after surgery
On the 3rd day after surgery, the pain is tolerable with oral medication, and many people feel that walking is not a problem. If you are able to take time off work, it is safe to aim to return to work 3 days after surgery.
1 week after surgery
You will come to our hospital to have the stitches removed.
Please refrain from strenuous exercise and drinking alcohol for at least 1 week after surgery, as these will increase blood flow and intensify the pain. After 1 week, you can live your life as usual, but please consider the downtime symptoms such as pain and swelling and gradually monitor the condition.
After the stitches are removed, there will be no more bathing restrictions and compression fixation, so you can enjoy a bath for the first time in a week. After bathing, don’t forget to moisturize your skin to prevent dryness caused by swelling.
As a note, if you are experiencing prolonged downtime symptoms, you should continue to use compression fixation even after 1 week. Although it is not necessary, continuing compression fixation at night will help relieve the symptoms.
One month after surgery
You will come to our clinic for a postoperative checkup.
If you have any concerns, such as “Will the unevenness really settle down?” or “The swelling hasn’t gone down yet,” please feel free to consult us. We will check the patient’s condition and explain everything thoroughly so that you can resolve your concerns.
Also, around one month after surgery, most of the downtime symptoms will have settled down and contractures will have formed. Regular moisturizing care and massage can help relieve symptoms, so please perform aftercare diligently.
After 3 months after surgery
At around three months after surgery, in some cases, the contracture will have settled down and the procedure will be close to completion. Since the thighs require a large amount of suction, the downtime period for contractures and other conditions tends to be long, but it will be completed by six months at the longest.
Risks and side effects of thigh liposuction
- Infection
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If bacteria get into the incision where the cannula was inserted, it can rarely cause an infection. Symptoms include a feeling of heat, swelling, and pus, and in most cases, the symptoms improve with antibiotics or oral medication.
The risk of infection is a concern not only with cosmetic surgery, but with surgery in general. To prevent infection, it is important to have the procedure done at a clinic that has thorough hygiene management and keep the wound clean.
- Pigmentation
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In rare cases, the skin may turn a dull brown color after liposuction. If too much fat is removed, the skin and muscle will adhere, causing the skin to become thin and hard.
To prevent pigmentation, the doctor must have the skill to not remove too much of the shallow layer of fat and leave an appropriate amount. If pigmentation does occur, it can be improved with vitamins and moisturizers, although it will take time.
- Fat embolism
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Fat embolism is a very rare complication and is also known as economy class syndrome. If fat cells that have been broken down during the procedure enter blood vessels and flow into the bloodstream, they may become blood clots and become clogged in the blood vessels.
This is a very rare complication, but the possibility is not zero, so avoid large-scale procedures and do not suction large amounts, and choose a liposuction method that causes less damage to blood vessels.
- Allergies and
Shock Symptoms -
When performing liposuction, there is a possibility of anaphylaxis due to anesthesia allergies or hemorrhagic shock due to excessive bleeding.
Although it is rare for people to have anesthesia allergies, if anaphylactic shock occurs, it can lead to serious cases such as difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and impaired consciousness. In addition, if liposuction is performed over a wide area, there is a possibility that excessive bleeding will occur and hemorrhagic shock will occur.
At our hospital, we perform allergy and blood tests in advance to thoroughly check that the patient is in a condition that is safe for liposuction before performing the procedure.
Examples of failed thigh liposuction
Sagging skin
If too much fat is removed or if fat that should not be removed is removed, excess skin may sag. When performing liposuction, the amount of fat and the location of suction must be adjusted taking into account how the skin will tighten.
Sagging buttocks
There are areas of buttocks that should not be suctioned, and if too much fat is removed from the lower part of the buttocks (lower buttocks), a condition known as banana roll occurs, where fat protrudes under the buttocks. The buttocks cannot be supported and sag, becoming square rather than round.
Loss of balance
Liposuction of only the inner thighs can result in the legs becoming too thin, making the buttocks appear larger, or the inner thighs becoming unnaturally thin. Since suctioning only a portion of the body can easily cause the balance of the entire leg to be lost, a thorough design that takes total balance into consideration is required.
Unevenness remains on the surface of the skin
If unevenness remains even after the contracture period has passed, uneven removal is suspected. This can occur when necessary fat is sucked out and unnecessary fat is sucked out. This can be corrected with Vaser Liposuction, which breaks down and liquefies fat into small pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
QIs it okay to drink alcohol the day before the procedure?
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When undergoing liposuction at our clinic, we ask that you refrain from drinking alcohol 2-3 days before the procedure. Alcohol is broken down in the liver just like anesthetics, so drinking alcohol the day before can put a strain on the liver and prevent the anesthetic from being broken down smoothly.
We also recommend that you refrain from drinking alcohol during the downtime for at least one week, as this can increase symptoms such as swelling and bloating.
QCan thighs and other areas be suctioned at the same time?
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In conclusion, you can have liposuction on the combination of your stomach and thighs at the same time.
If the amount of fat is 5000cc or less, simultaneous treatment is possible.
We will perform the treatment while taking into consideration the burden on your body, such as postoperative anemia and restrictions on movement in daily life.
QWhy is thigh liposuction said to be the most painful area?
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Thighs have a higher amount of fat than other areas, and the treatment area is large, so there tends to be a longer downtime. One reason for this is that it is an area that is often used in daily life, so it is prone to pain.
However, some patients say that “it was more painful on the stomach because I couldn’t cough or sneeze,” and the pain and length of downtime vary from person to person, so it is difficult to generalize.
QCan I only have liposuction on the inner thighs?
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Some patients request liposuction on the inner thighs only, but we do not recommend this at our clinic because the inner thighs are reflected in the overall balance of the legs.
This depends on the bone structure of the legs, but if only the inner thighs become extremely thin, it can result in unnatural looking legs.
If you want a beautiful finish, it is important to design not only the inner thighs, but also the outer and front parts of the legs, taking into consideration the balance of the entire leg. We will thoroughly simulate the results during consultation to ensure that the finished image is consistent.