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"Thunder thighs" is just one of the unfortunate names our less-than-slim thighs have been called. You know that familiar pull across your pants or A-line skirt and the ensuing creases caused by fleshy thighs that fill up form-fitting bottoms too tightly?
Inner Thigh Fat: The common nemesis in women
Thigh fat is a common concern for many women. Fat accumulation in the thigh area can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, and lifestyle choices. Even women who are slim and fit may experience thigh fat accumulation in either the inner or outer thigh (or both!).
This issue affects women of all sizes and can impact their confidence and daily activities. Despite efforts to make dietary changes and engage in exercise, reducing fat in the thigh areas can be particularly challenging due to the body's natural tendency to store fat in this region.
Problem 1: Thunder Thighs, Stubborn inner thigh fat
Adipocytes (fat cells) store energy as fat. In adulthood, the number of fat cells remains constant, but their size changes with weight fluctuations. If we gain weight, the fat cells expand, and when we lose weight, they shrink.
Our genetics largely determine where excess fat accumulates. Women usually store excess fat in their belly, hips, buttocks, and thighs, which may lead to chronic health conditions and reduced quality of life.
In addition, excess thigh fat can significantly impact our self-confidence, limiting our clothing choices and styling choices, such as wearing shorts or mini-skirts.
Problem 2: Kninkles and knee fat
"Kninkles" refers to wrinkles or sagging skin around the knee area. This concern may not be widely known in Singapore but has gained attention, especially in the celebrity world, where physical appearance is highly scrutinised. As people age, the skin around the knees can lose its elasticity, leading to knee wrinkles and fat accumulation.
Kninkles and other signs of ageing, such as sagging skin on the hands and neck, can be treated through various non-invasive treatments such as Ultherapy Prime and collagen-boosting treatments like biostimulator injections. Knee fat can be successfully reduced and removed via Vaser liposuction or Laser liposuction.
Problem 3: Saddlebags
No, these aren't the latest 'It' accessories! We're talking about excess fat deposits on your outer thighs.
Saddlebags, or excess fat on the outer thighs, are common in women with pear-shaped bodies and are often hereditary. Oestrogen promotes fat accumulation in areas like the thighs and abdomen, especially during pregnancy. This fat is difficult to lose and usually appears dimpled, making it challenging to wear certain styles.
For those struggling with saddlebags, targeted fat reduction options like liposuction can help achieve a more balanced silhouette.
Exercising alone may not be enough to slim your thighs
Dr Ivan Puah, medical director of Amaris B. Clinic, explains that genes and gender influence the size of your thighs. Exercise can only do so much, as evidenced by the number of marathon runners and athletes who still experience thighs with no gaps and/or saddlebags.
He says: "Women tend to have a higher percentage of fat distributed in the lower half of the body." We're naturally predisposed to having a heavier bottom – buttocks, thighs and hips – because it helps with childbearing. Still, we can't help but yearn for a more slender silhouette.
You see it in the countless workout videos on YouTube promising to slim and tone the thighs.
However, one of the biggest misconceptions is the notion that spot-targeted exercises, such as squats and lunges, can reduce the size of your thighs.
"Do not confuse fat with muscles," says Dr Puah. "You can spot-train your muscles, so they are toned and strong, but you cannot spot-reduce thigh fat or target any specific body areas for fat loss when you exercise."
Thigh liposuction is an artistic endeavour, not just bulk fat removal
"Most people may think that thigh liposuction is just bulk removal of fat — straightforward and easy to treat, but it is certainly not!" says Dr Ivan Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor in Singapore, and Chairman of the Lipo Peer Review Committee Singapore.
When performing inner thigh liposuction, bone structure and muscle anatomy of the lower limbs can pose unique challenges. Dr. Puah takes a comprehensive approach to each procedure, carefully evaluating factors like cellulite, skin laxity, fat distribution, and overall body shape to achieve optimal results. Overlooking any of these details could compromise the outcome.
As a strong advocate of personalised body sculpting, Dr. Puah customises each liposuction plan based on the patient's unique body shape and clinical condition, steering away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
He emphasises that successful liposuction is a blend of 70% art and 30% science. Mastery of medical knowledge alone is not enough—a skilled liposuction doctor must also possess a deep understanding of anatomy, a sharp aesthetic sense, and artistic precision with surgical tools.
By focusing on both the science of body contouring and the artistry of sculpting, Dr Puah delivers results that enhance natural body contours, ensuring each patient's unique shape is accentuated.
Dr Ivan Puah, liposuction doctor in Singapore
Liposuction is not a one-size-fits-all procedure; choosing the right doctor is essential for achieving the best results. Before considering liposuction in Singapore, it is important to select a credible, experienced, and Ministry of Health-accredited lipo doctor.
Dr Ivan Puah brings over 20 years of experience in performing FDA-approved injectables, skin lasers, and MOH-approved cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction and gynecomastia surgery. Trained in the USA in 4D Liposuction (Hi-Definition Lipo) and gynecomastia surgery, Dr Puah prioritises thorough patient consultations, genuinely listening to and addressing any concerns to ensure personalised, optimal outcomes.
Make a consultation for Thigh Liposuction
To take the next step toward a more defined physique, contact us at 65364211 to schedule a consultation with Dr Ivan Puah. We look forward to helping you achieve your body contouring goals.
