Finally we can treat the outer thigh or “saddle bag” area of the upper thighs! Zeltiq has just launched a new applicator called “CoolSmooth”.
It is actually a non-suction applicator which is much different from all the other applicators.
It is specifically designed to treat the thighs, and also to treat more fibrous fat.
In the past, we weren’t able to treat patients with dense, fibrous fat because it wouldn’t suction into the hand-piece, now we have the ability to target and treat these areas. (Frank J. Baron, MD, Mercer Island Dermatologist)
Coolsculpting for the outer thighs
In the past, coolsculpting was only able to be used in areas of loose fat, like the belly r flanks. The fat of the outer thighs, or saddlebags as they are commonly called, is a more fibrous and dense fat, and wasn’t able to be treated in the past with coolsculpt.
That has recently changed. Coolsculpting recently developed a new handpiece that can be used on the outer thigh. The treatment is a bit longer, but the results are the same, with a predictable fat loss of 20-25%. The new handpiece is scheduled for release in April, and our Albany, NY practice is on the list to be among the first to have it. Like many technologies, Coolsculpt continues to evolve and improve.
The new handpiece will allow treatment of many new areas including the saddlebags, and we expect many people to benefit from it. (Jeffrey Rockmore, MD, Albany Plastic Surgeon)
Will CoolSculpting work for saddlebags? Try the Pinch Test.
Sometimes on the outer thighs the fat layer is too fibrous, too thin, or too adherent to the underlying muscle for the CoolSculpting treatment to be effective. You might try the “pinch test” at home.
Pinch as much fat as you possibly can between your thumb and index finger on the area you want treated. If there is an inch or more between your two fingers, and you can grip the fat and pull it away from the underlying muscles without it falling out of your fingers, you may be a candidate.
Some practices have the CoolFit applicator now, which allows treatments on many more areas than was previously possible. (Sheryl D. Clark, MD, New York Dermatologist)
You can see more cool sculpting saddlebags before and after pictures at https://fat-freezing.com/coolsculpting-outer-thighs-before-and-after/