The “saddlebags” refer to a localized accumulation of fat on the hips, the upper thighs and sometimes the buttocks, forming a kind of unsightly “pouch” that alters the female silhouette.
Rare in men, for hormonal and genetic reasons, it represents a real complex for women.
Even with a balanced diet and physical exercise, this area can be particularly difficult to slim. Saddlebags are often perceived as an aesthetic issue, as they give a disproportionate appearance to the lower body.
Techniques of aesthetic-oriented medicine make it possible to smooth saddlebags without surgery.
The treatment of saddlebags using aesthetic-oriented medicine techniques is a modern and effective solution for women wishing to slim this area. Thanks to non-invasive techniques such as cryolipolysis and radiofrequency, it is
possible to harmoniously reshape the silhouette and lose saddlebags. Each method is personalized according to the patient’s needs and expectations, offering lasting and visible results without heavy intervention.
From a histological point of view, saddlebags are composed of fat cells separated by collagen fibers that are often thickened and disorganized, a phenomenon known as fibrosis. This tissue organization is frequently associated with water retention. Thus, an excess of fat corresponding to adipose cellulite is observed, fibrosis linked to fibrous cellulite, as well as water retention characteristic of edematous cellulite.
Saddlebags result from several combined factors :
Some simple actions and activities help smooth saddlebags :
• Adopt a healthy diet, a diet rich in fiber, omega 3, proteins and slow carbohydrates.
• Drink two liters of water per day and reduce salt consumption.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and get enough sleep.
• Practice physical activity regularly.
• Perform anti-cellulite massages and palpate-roll for saddlebags. The goal is to stimulate circulation and treat water retention associated with the fat deposit.
A healthy and balanced diet and regular sports practice are essential to reduce saddlebags.
Cardio training and certain targeted exercises should be performed at least twice a week.
Running and swimming are to be preferred.
Effective exercises include hip raises, flexion–extension movements, lunges, squats and side planks.
Saddlebags can be difficult to eliminate despite a healthy diet and targeted exercises. In aesthetic-oriented medicine, several non-invasive techniques are offered to effectively reduce this fat accumulation and refine the silhouette.
Patients seeking to treat saddlebags often wish for solutions that reduce localized fat in a harmonious way ; improve skin firmness and quality ; offer fast results without undergoing heavy surgical intervention such as liposuction.
It is possible to eliminate saddlebags without surgery.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the patient’s anatomy; in some cases, liposuction of saddlebags is the only effective treatment. Management is therefore personalized.
The treatment is preceded by a consultation to determine the most suitable technique according to skin type, the thickness of the fat bulge and the patient’s expectations.
The cryolipolysis is a non-invasive and effective aesthetic-oriented medicine technique that consists in exposing fat cells to intense cold in order to trigger a programmed cell death mechanism and eliminate them naturally. The cold therefore destroys adipocytes (fat cells), which are then progressively eliminated by the body.
The indications are :
• Small to moderate saddlebags.
• Voluminous saddlebags in a patient who refuses surgery.
The treatment is indicated in the absence of fibrosis, as fibrosis represents an obstacle to the penetration of cold down to the fat cells and compromises the effectiveness of the management.
The first results are visible after 4 to 6 weeks, with progressive improvement over several months.
One to two sessions at one-month intervals will be necessary depending on the extent of the saddlebags.
The radiofrequency is a technique that uses electromagnetic waves to heat subcutaneous tissues, thereby stimulating collagen production and improving skin firmness. In fact, skin laxity is often associated with the loss of fat bulges.
It is often used as a complement to other treatments such as cryolipolysis or gentle liposuction to firm the skin in the treated areas.
The skin becomes more toned and smoother after several sessions.
Radiofrequency is also effective on cellulite.
The protocol includes eight to ten sessions at two-week intervals and one maintenance session every two months.
Results vary depending on the chosen method, but an improvement is often visible after a few weeks. The results are long-lasting, provided that a healthy lifestyle is maintained : balanced diet, regular physical activity and restorative sleep.
Aesthetic-oriented medicine techniques make it possible to effectively treat saddlebags without resorting to surgery. These methods offer natural and progressive results, with few risks and minimal downtime. They are ideal for people who wish to refine their silhouette while avoiding scars and long recovery periods associated with surgical procedures.
Cryolipolysis for saddlebags is offered at 500 CHF per session, this price corresponds to the treatment of each side of the hips, therefore to the placement of two applicators. As a complement, to improve skin firmness or treat associated skin laxity, radiofrequency sessions may be indicated. These are billed at 300 CHF per session.
The overall cost will depend on the number of sessions required.
A quotation is established during the initial consultation, during which the number of sessions to be considered as well as the expected results are presented to the patient.
Saddlebags are a localized accumulation of fat on the hips, buttocks and thighs. Several factors can contribute to their appearance :
• Genetic : some people are predisposed to store fat in these areas due to their genetic heritage.
• Hormonal : hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogens, can influence the distribution of body fat.
• Sedentary lifestyle : a lack of physical activity promotes fat accumulation in the affected areas.
• Unbalanced diet : excessive consumption of saturated fats, sugars and calories can lead to weight gain in these regions.
Regular walking is beneficial for overall health and can help reduce overall body fat, including saddlebags. However, to specifically target this area, it is recommended to incorporate targeted muscle-strengthening exercises, such as squats and lunges.
Activities that combine cardio and muscle strengthening are ideal for reducing saddlebags. Exercises such as deadlifts, hip thrusts, and squats are particularly effective for targeting this area.
Adopting a balanced diet is essential to reduce saddlebags. It is advisable to prioritize fruits, fiber-rich vegetables and lean proteins. At the same time, it is important to limit the consumption of sugars, alcohol and saturated fats, which promote fat storage.
It is unrealistic to expect a significant loss of fat in one week. However, to initiate the process, combine a healthy diet with targeted exercises, such as lateral leg raises and donkey kicks. Patience and consistency are essential to achieve lasting results.
Cycling is an effective cardiovascular activity that engages the leg and glute muscles. Practiced regularly, it can help reduce saddlebags by burning calories and strengthening the muscles in the targeted area.
