How to Get Rid of Saddlebags

What are Saddlebags?

Saddlebags describe pockets of extra fat that tend to collect on the sides of your upper thighs, just below your buttocks. For many individuals, these areas of fat are a source of aesthetic concern or dissatisfaction. What makes saddlebags particularly frustrating for people is the fact that they are notoriously hard to eliminate through traditional means like exercise and diet changes. No matter how many leg exercises you do or how healthy you eat, you might find that the saddlebags simply won’t go away.

In this comprehensive article, we will discuss how we can help you tackle this specific problem at Centre for Surgery, located in London. We offer two effective treatments for improving the appearance of saddlebags: liposuction and BodyTite.

RELATED: Can liposuction get rid of saddlebags?

What Causes Saddlebags?

Saddlebags are areas of extra fat that form on the outer sides of the upper thighs, and their development can be influenced by a variety of factors. Here are some key contributors:

Genetics

Your genetic makeup can predispose you to gain weight in certain areas, and for some people, the thighs are a primary fat storage area. If your family members also have a tendency to develop saddlebags, there’s a good chance that genetics are playing a role in your own body shape.

Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy means the shrinking and weakening of muscle tissue, usually due to lack of use or other underlying conditions. It’s a common issue because many of us spend long hours sitting during the day, whether for work or leisure. This sedentary lifestyle often leads to the muscles in the buttocks being underused. Over time, these muscles can lose their tone and begin to sag, creating a more favourable environment for the formation of saddlebags. Factors like ageing, poor nutrition, and neurological conditions can also contribute to muscle atrophy.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones play a significant role in how and where your body stores fat. Women are generally more susceptible to developing saddlebags, partly because of hormonal factors. Oestrogen, a female hormone, can sometimes be produced in excess, leading to weight gain specifically in the areas around the thighs and bottom. This is often seen during phases like pregnancy. However, some women may also have an ongoing hormonal imbalance that keeps their oestrogen levels consistently high, making them more prone to saddlebag formation.

Natural Remedies for Tackling Saddlebags

While surgery or minimally invasive procedures like BodyTite offer more permanent solutions, there are also natural ways to address the appearance of saddlebags. Here’s a list of some home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help:

Dietary Changes

1. Low-Calorie Diet: Adopting a low-calorie, nutrient-dense diet can contribute to overall weight loss, which may help reduce the size of saddlebags.
2. Healthy Fats: Incorporate more healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts, which can help with fat metabolism.
3. High-Protein Foods: Lean meats, eggs, and legumes can help build muscle, making the skin on your thighs appear smoother.

Physical Exercise

1. Cardio: Engage in cardiovascular activities like running, swimming, or cycling to help with overall fat loss.
2. Strength Training: Specific exercises like squats, lunges, and leg raises can target the thigh and buttock muscles.
3. Yoga: Some yoga poses, like the Warrior series or Chair Pose, can also help tone your thighs and buttocks.

Herbal Treatments

1. Green Tea: Known for boosting metabolism, consuming green tea can help in faster calorie burn.
2. Ginger and Lemon: A warm ginger and lemon tea in the morning can aid in digestion and speed up metabolism.

Topical Applications

1. Coffee Scrub: Caffeine can stimulate blood flow. Make a scrub with coffee grounds and massage it on the affected areas to improve circulation and tighten the skin.
2. Coconut Oil: Rich in antioxidants and good fats, coconut oil can improve the skin’s appearance when massaged regularly onto the saddlebag areas.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

1. Meditation: Stress can contribute to weight gain and fat storage. Techniques like meditation can help you manage stress effectively.
2. Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep can disrupt your metabolism, so make sure you’re getting enough rest.

Alternative Therapies

1. Acupressure and Massage: Though not scientifically proven, some believe that acupressure and regular massages can stimulate fat loss.

While natural remedies can help improve the appearance of saddlebags over time, it’s essential to note that results may vary from person to person. Combining multiple approaches—diet, exercise, and stress management—will likely offer the best results. If you’re looking for quicker, more permanent solutions, consulting with a surgeon at Centre for Surgery for treatments like BodyTite may be a more effective approach.

Why Exercise is not the Ultimate Solution for Saddlebags

While exercise is a valuable tool for overall health and can certainly help in reducing the appearance of saddlebags, it’s important to understand its limitations. Workouts that focus on the leg muscles, like squats or lunges, can tone the area and make it look better for a time. However, exercise alone is not a permanent solution for a few key reasons:

Fat Cells Shrink, They Don’t Vanish

When you exercise and burn off fat, what you’re actually doing is causing the fat cells to shrink. The number of fat cells in the saddlebag area remains the same; they simply get smaller. This means that if you go back to old habits—like sitting for extended periods, not exercising, or eating unhealthy foods—those fat cells are primed to expand again. As they grow, the saddlebags will likely reappear, sometimes quite quickly depending on your lifestyle choices.

Potential for Rebound Weight Gain

Because the fat cells are only shrunk and not removed, there’s a risk of rebound weight gain. If you find yourself slipping back into a sedentary lifestyle or consuming high-calorie, unhealthy foods, it won’t take long for those shrunken fat cells to start filling up again. As they do, you’ll notice the return of your saddlebags, even if you had managed to reduce their size significantly through exercise.

Not Targeted Fat Loss

Exercise generally helps with overall fat loss but doesn’t specifically target the fat cells in the saddlebags. The body decides where to lose fat, and for many people, the saddlebag area is one of the last places where the body chooses to lose it. This can make it incredibly challenging to get rid of saddlebags through exercise alone.

Influence of Hormones and Genetics

As mentioned before, hormonal imbalances and genetics can predispose some people to develop saddlebags. Exercise can’t change your genetic makeup or significantly alter hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to saddlebag formation.

Best Surgical Procedure for Thigh Fat: BodyTite at Centre for Surgery

If you’re struggling with persistent saddlebags that don’t seem to improve with diet and exercise, Centre for Surgery recommends considering BodyTite. Unlike traditional weight loss methods, BodyTite offers a more permanent solution by actually removing the fat cells responsible for saddlebags.

What is BodyTite?

BodyTite is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure designed to contour your body by eliminating excess fat and tightening the skin. The technology, developed by Inmode, consists of a specialised handpiece that can be inserted beneath the skin through a tiny incision. This device employs radio-frequency (RF) energy to melt and then remove the fat. At the same time, the RF energy works on the skin’s surface, tightening it and giving your thighs a more sculpted look.

RELATED: BodyTite vs Liposuction

Key Benefits of BodyTite

Here are some compelling reasons why BodyTite is a top choice for body contouring:

• Targeted Contouring: BodyTite excels in treating areas of the body that seem unresponsive to diet and exercise, offering a more tailored approach to body shaping.
• Minimal Invasiveness: Being a minimally invasive procedure means that BodyTite does not result in any significant scarring. Recovery time is also reduced, allowing most patients to get back to their regular daily activities within just 2-3 days following the procedure.
• Long-lasting Results: BodyTite permanently removes troublesome fat cells, offering enduring skin-tightening benefits. This means you’re less likely to see a return of saddlebags if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

RELATED: BodyTite – Skin Tightening Without The Scars

How Much Does BodyTite Cost?

The precise cost of a BodyTite procedure is variable and depends on the specific area to be treated. After a thorough consultation with our surgeons, you’ll get an accurate estimate. However, as a general guide, the cost for treating saddlebags on both thighs with BodyTite usually starts at £5000.

RELATED: How much does BodyTite cost?

BodyTite at Centre for Surgery offers a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution for tackling the problem of saddlebags. With its advanced technology and minimally invasive nature, it stands out as an excellent choice for those looking to improve the appearance of their thighs permanently.

Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Your BodyTite Procedure

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, choosing the right clinic is crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes. Centre for Surgery is a premier plastic surgery clinic located in London, specialising in a range of cosmetic treatments, including the highly effective BodyTite procedure for eliminating saddlebags. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider Centre for Surgery for your treatment needs:

Expert Surgeons

Our highly qualified surgeons possess years of experience in the field of cosmetic surgery. They are skilled in performing BodyTite procedures, among others, and are committed to achieving excellent results tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Cutting-Edge Technology

We invest in the latest technologies and equipment to ensure the most effective, safe, and minimally invasive treatments. Our advanced BodyTite technology by Inmode is designed to provide superior body contouring with minimal downtime.

Patient-Centric Care

We pride ourselves on offering a personalised, patient-centric experience from your initial consultation right through to aftercare. Our dedicated team is here to support you at every step, ensuring a comfortable and positive experience.

Excellent Safety Record

Your safety is our utmost priority. We adhere to stringent safety protocols and are fully accredited, ensuring that you are in the safest hands throughout your treatment journey.

Patient Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it; our satisfied patients speak volumes about the quality of care they have received.

“I had the BodyTite treatment at Centre for Surgery and couldn’t be happier. The staff were incredibly supportive, and the results are amazing. I feel so much more confident now!” — Sarah, 35

“Choosing Centre for Surgery was the best decision I ever made. The professionalism and care I received were top-notch, and the results have exceeded my expectations.” — Mark, 42

Convenient Location

Located at 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN, our clinic is easily accessible and offers a discreet setting for all your treatment needs.

Consultation Booking

Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with one of our expert surgeons to discuss your treatment options in detail.

• Phone: 0207 993 4849
• Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com

Choose Centre for Surgery for your BodyTite procedure and experience the pinnacle of patient care, clinical excellence, and outstanding results. We look forward to being a part of your transformative journey.