SADDLEBAGS
- Point 1 : 01 BIANCA CLINIC offers saddlebags liposuction using VASER® technology to target persistent fat on the hips and outer thighs.
- Point 2 : 02 For those seeking a saddlebags non-surgical treatment, we provide fat-dissolving injections (lipolysis) and EMSCULPT® muscle conditioning.
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Point 3 :
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Our doctors evaluate fat distribution, skin condition, and muscle structure to suggest a plan designed around your body shape and schedule in Japan.
Recommended for
- Those with saddlebags on the hips and outer thighs that show minimal change despite consistent exercise and diet.
- Those looking to refine the balance of their hips, thighs, and waist through surgical or non-surgical methods.
- Those residing in or visiting Tokyo, Japan who value English-language guidance tailored to their stay.
Treatment Area
BODY LIPOSUCTION
Treatment areas include the outer thighs, inner thighs, flanks, front and back of the thighs, and knees, with multi-area planning available in a single procedure. To address skin laxity, VASER® may be combined with EmbraceRF radiofrequency.
An ALMAPRIME X BODY program is also offered to help smooth post-procedure tissue on areas like the back of the thighs. Standard anesthesia options and a follow-up assessment within two weeks are incorporated into the care plan.
BODY LIPOSUCTION with VASER® targets this layer directly. First, a tumescent solution containing local anesthetic is administered.VASER ultrasound energy then separates and emulsifies fat cells so they can be aspirated via a delicate cannula. Because the technology selectively interacts with fat tissue, surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and connective structures are preserved with care. Maintaining underlying tissue supports natural skin retraction during healing.
While often described as saddlebags removal, the primary goal of this procedure is harmonious body contouring rather than eliminating all fat. This refined approach allows us to retain necessary volume, helping to balance the curve of the buttocks and waistline with the outer thigh silhouette.
Individuals researching saddlebags lipo or saddlebags surgery generally seek a customized silhouette, which our medical team plans based on individual anatomical features.
Point 2: Markings are made while standing to account for natural posture and proportions, with radiofrequency options available for skin tightening.
Point 3: Care protocols typically involve wearing a compression garment for 72 hours, with showering permitted from the next day and temporary bruising generally resolving over 10 to 14 days.
-Those aiming to blend the outer thighs, inner thighs, and flanks into a continuous, balanced outline.
-Those considering saddlebags reduction through direct fat removal.
-Those concerned about tissue laxity who wish to discuss complementary radiofrequency options.
-Those who can accommodate post-care guidelines and compression garments during their time in Tokyo.
-Those who prefer to coordinate their procedure with English-speaking medical staff.
FAT-DISSOLVING INJECTIONS (LIPOLYSIS)
Dosage is customized by our doctors according to your anatomical needs. Typical guidance suggests 10–20 ml per side (20–40 ml total) for the inner or outer thighs, and 5–10 ml per side for the flanks.
Sessions generally require a short visit, and comfort options—including topical anesthesia, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and nerve blocks—are available. Patients may typically apply makeup and bathe from the day of treatment. A course of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart is often recommended depending on target volume.
Deoxycholic acid assists in breaking down fat cell membranes, after which metabolized fat components are gradually processed by the body's natural lymphatic and circulatory systems.
L-carnitine and artichoke extract support local metabolic clearance. Without requiring surgical incisions, this approach offers a non-surgical path for addressing minor fat pockets.
Point 2: Contains 0.5% deoxycholic acid, L-carnitine, and artichoke extract to assist natural metabolic clearance.
Point 3: Involves efficient in-clinic sessions with various pain-management options to prioritize patient comfort.
-Those who wish to avoid incisions and extended recovery periods.
-Those sensitive to discomfort who prefer tailored pain-relief options.
-Those interested in addressing the flanks or knees alongside the thighs.
-Those able to attend multiple sessions spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, including local residents and long-stay visitors.
EMSCULPT®
A standard protocol consists of four sessions spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, with initial changes in muscle tone typically observed approximately one month following the series.
Each session involves placing applicators over target muscle groups, offering a procedure with minimal discomfort and low downtime.
Point 2: Targets deep muscle layers to support underlying structural tone beyond standard workout thresholds.
Point 3: A non-invasive approach with low downtime and no need for incisions, needles, or thermal exposure.
-Those looking to strengthen gluteal muscle structures to better frame the hip and thigh line.
-Those seeking a non-invasive procedure with minimal disruption to daily activities.
-Those requiring efficient sessions that fit into a busy travel or work schedule in Tokyo.
-Those interested in combining muscle conditioning with fat-reduction strategies under medical supervision.
Treatment Process
Consultation & Examination
Treatment Planning
Treatment
Aftercare
FAQ
What are saddlebags, and what causes them?
Saddlebags refer to localized subcutaneous fat deposits on the outer thighs and lower hips that project outward below the waistline. The term describes a common anatomical distribution of fat rather than a medical condition. In body contouring, it indicates persistent fullness around the outer hip and upper thigh. Saddlebags are primarily influenced by genetic predisposition, hormonal factors, and individual metabolic profiles. Estrogen promotes fat storage around the hips and thighs, making this feature particularly common in women. Age-related changes in skin elasticity and weight fluctuations can also alter the appearance of saddlebags. Men may also develop outer thigh fullness due to similar structural factors. Distribution varies among individuals, extending from localized outer thigh pads to broader fullness around the flanks or inner thighs.
Are saddlebags the same as cellulite or lipedema?
No. Saddlebags describe an anatomical contour pattern, whereas cellulite refers to skin surface dimpling, and lipedema is a distinct chronic medical condition involving painful fat accumulation. While saddlebags and cellulite frequently co-exist in the thigh region, cellulite is related to structural fibrous septae, microcirculation, and dermal thickness.
Will saddlebags reduce with exercise or workouts alone?
Exercise may help reduce overall body fat and improve body composition, which may lead to changes in the appearance of saddlebags (fat accumulation around the outer thighs and hips). However, it is difficult to selectively reduce fat from a specific area through exercise alone. Where the body stores and loses fat varies among individuals and may be influenced by factors such as genetics, age, hormones, and overall body composition.
Is there an age limit or ideal timing for saddlebags treatment?
Treatments are available for adult candidates whose health and physical condition allow for medical procedures. During consultation, our physicians assess skin elasticity and fat structure to advise whether surgical contouring or non-surgical options are best suited to your timing and goals.
How does saddlebags liposuction work, and what is recovery like?
Saddlebags liposuction using VASER® technology is performed under intravenous anesthesia and typically takes 60 minutes or more. After infusing tumescent fluid, ultrasound energy emulsifies targeted fat cells, which are gently aspirated through small incisions placed in natural skin folds. Typical recovery steps for saddlebags surgery include:
• Compression garment wear for 72 hours, followed by supportive wear.
• Showering usually permitted from the day following surgery, with suture removal at approximately 7 days.
• Temporary soreness, swelling, and minor bruising resolving over 10 to 14 days.
• Gradual tissue softening over 3 to 6 months as final contours settle. Patients are advised to refrain from strenuous exercise for 1 to 2 weeks. Individual recovery timelines vary.
How much does saddlebags treatment cost at BIANCA CLINIC?
Pricing varies depending on the specific procedure, treatment area, and individual plan designed during your consultation. Please visit the official BIANCA CLINIC website price list for the most up-to-date fee schedule, including details on liposuction, fat-dissolving injections, and EMSCULPT® sessions. Exact estimates and currency conversion guidance are provided during your doctor’s consultation.
Where can I see saddlebags before and after cases, and how should I evaluate them?
Patient cases are available in the BEFORE / AFTER section of the BIANCA CLINIC official website. When evaluating photographs, considering the timeframe is recommended, as early post-procedure images may display temporary swelling before contours gradually settle over approximately 3 months.
Will saddlebags return after treatment?
Liposuction physically removes fat cells, reducing the likelihood of significant fat re-accumulation in the treated zone. However, remaining fat cells can expand with weight gain. For fat-dissolving injections, maintaining a stable lifestyle helps preserve contour results. While individual experiences vary, EMSCULPT® results generally persist for approximately 3 to 6 months, and maintaining a routine with follow-up sessions and exercise can be beneficial for preserving muscle tone.
Can I receive saddlebags treatment in Tokyo, Japan as an international visitor?
Yes. BIANCA CLINIC welcomes international patients at our Omotesando and Ginza clinics in Tokyo. Surgical procedures require brief activity adjustments, such as wearing a compression garment for 72 hours and attending a suture removal appointment around day 7. Our team assists in aligning treatment schedules with your travel plans in Japan.
Are there contraindications or potential risks associated with these treatments?
Yes. Eligibility is evaluated during medical consultations to prioritize safety.
• BODY LIPOSUCTION: Not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with uncontrolled systemic medical conditions. Side effects may include temporary bruising, swelling, soreness, and skin stiffness.
• Fat-Dissolving Injections: Contraindicated for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have known allergies to soy or related ingredients, severe liver/kidney dysfunction, or active skin infections in the treatment area. Temporary swelling or redness may occur.
• EMSCULPT®: Contraindicated for patients with metallic implants in the treatment area, cardiac pacemakers, or during pregnancy. Temporary muscle fatigue or skin redness may occur.