For many women, no matter how hard they try to maintain a healthy diet and exercise, they can't achieve the slim, toned look they desire for their legs. Why does this happen? Fat accumulation in the legs is a very common challenge, especially for women, as it is influenced by many hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors. When exercise or diet aren't enough, in many cases, a medical aesthetic approach is required to achieve the desired results.
In this article, you'll find an analysis of the causes of localized fat in the legs, from hormonal factors to lipedema, which treatments are currently the most advanced, the approximate costs of each, and what to expect from the recovery period after these procedures. With this information, you'll be able to make an informed decision that's best for your particular case.
Why does fat accumulate in the legs?
Hormonal factors
In women, the hormones we know as estrogens tend to promote fat storage in the hips and thighs as a way to maintain energy reserves. This is considered an evolutionary adaptation of the female body to prepare for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Furthermore, hormonal imbalances caused by natural processes such as menopause or by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as well as the use of birth control pills or other contraceptive treatments, can increase this effect.
Genetic heritage
The gynoid fat distribution typical of many women makes the legs and hips particularly difficult areas to lose weight. Furthermore, if your female ancestors, such as your mother or grandmother, had the so-called "pear-shaped" silhouette, you're likely to inherit it as well, and it will remain the same even when you do weight-loss exercises in the area.
lipedema
Lipedema is a condition that can make it very difficult to lose weight in your legs. It presents with symptoms such as asymmetric fat accumulation in the legs, and sometimes in the arms, pain when touched, frequent bruising, and a reluctance to lose this fat despite proper diet and exercise. If you think you may have this condition, you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Lifestyle
Leading a sedentary lifestyle contributes to fat accumulation in the leg area, and lack of activity reduces the burning of this localized fat. Furthermore, an inflammatory diet with excess sugar and ultra-processed foods promotes fluid retention and adiposity.
What does accumulated fat in the legs look like?
There are many signs that indicate accumulated fat in the legs, such as the following.
Cartridges
This is the name given to the fat deposits located on the outer thighs, which create an effect similar to wearing riding pants on the leg shape.
Inner fat in the thighs
This is evident when the inner thighs are so wide that they rub together when walking, which can make it difficult to wear tight clothing or cause irritation when wearing dresses or skirts and the skin rubs directly against the skin of the other thigh.
Thick knees and calves
The legs have a shape that lacks curves and definition between the knees and ankles, due to the accumulation of fat in the knees and calves.
Cellulitis
Also known as orange peel skin, it's a condition that affects approximately 90% of women, even those who are slim, due to poor circulation and connective tissue structure. It presents itself much more noticeably and can even be seen through tight clothing when there is excess fat in the legs.
Best treatments for slimming legs
Fortunately, there are now safe surgical treatments that guarantee good results for slimming legs.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that removes localized fat with minimal invasion, through small incisions in strategic locations. This procedure requires general anesthesia, and recovery takes only a few days. Furthermore, if you undergo a treatment such as brazilian butt lift or breast augmentation, the same fat extracted from the patient can be relocated to increase the desired areas, thus fulfilling two functions.
It is an ideal treatment for those who want to see immediate results.
Check out our cases: liposuction before and after.
Postoperative care and recovery
coolsculpting
After CoolSculpting sessions, strenuous exercise should be avoided for a couple of days, resuming light activity after 24 hours. It may be necessary to complement the treatment with lymphatic massages to accelerate fat loss.
Liposuction
After the procedure, the recovery period can extend for a couple of months. During the first few days, strenuous exercise should be avoided. For the first month, direct and prolonged exposure to the sun and heat should be avoided. A compression garment is also often worn to help shape the results for 4 to 6 weeks.
Follow the Directions
After any procedure, whether surgical or not, it is necessary to strictly follow the surgeon's post-treatment instructions to ensure successful results. In addition, evaluation appointments with your doctor may be necessary.
Before and after
Before procedures, patients report an unsatisfying perception of their body, with legs that are proportioned inappropriately to their features. Patients with lipidemia, in turn, face difficulty moving and great insecurity about their appearance.
After the procedures, patients report seeing final results in approximately 6 months, with a considerable and noticeable reduction in the volume of their thighs and legs, contributing to a more harmonious and defined silhouette. Patients suffering from lipidemia have seen reductions of approximately 12 cm in thigh circumference in approximately 3 months when combining aesthetic procedures with an anti-inflammatory diet. Patients report feeling happy with their new figure, which increases their self-esteem and self-confidence, as they feel more secure in their appearance.
Tips for maintaining long-term results
Anti-inflammatory diet
To maintain good results, it's advisable to avoid sugars, refined flours, excessive alcohol, and all types of ultra-processed foods in your daily diet. You can also incorporate foods containing Omega 3, such as salmon and other fish; fiber, such as flaxseed, fruits, and vegetables; and antioxidants, such as berries.
low impact exercises
Maintain an active routine with low-impact exercises that don't overexert your joints (especially if you have lipedema). Activities such as swimming, yoga, and cycling are recommended.
Hydration and self-massages
You should always maintain adequate hydration levels by drinking the recommended amount of water based on your body's characteristics. You can also use creams containing caffeine, which reduce fluid retention, and foam roller massages, which improve circulation and prevent the reappearance of cellulite.
At Cirumed, we are specialists in body surgery.
If you want to stylize your legs, at Cirumed Clinic, Plastic Surgery Clinic in Marbella, we offer you the best options such as liposuction in Marbella, ideal for eliminating localized fat, or the treatment CoolSculpting in Marbella, a non-surgical alternative that destroys fat cells using low temperatures.
Trust our team of experts under the direction of Dr. Alexander Aslani, Plastic surgeon in Marbella and take the first step towards your transformation with complete confidence.
Conclusion
Slimming your legs requires a multifaceted approach to addressing the various factors that influence the cause of fat accumulation, understanding their origins in each individual case, and choosing the right treatment for each individual. If you think options like CoolSculpting or liposuction are right for you, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at Cirumed Clinic, where we will help you achieve the results you desire with a personalized plan, helping you achieve the figure you want for the long term.
