How much does saddlebag liposuction cost in Turkey?
The cost of saddlebag liposuction in Turkey ranges from 1,600 £ to 2,300 £, compared with around 3,900 £ in the UK. This package includes general anaesthesia, a 90-minute procedure and one night in hospital. Premium accommodation and VIP transfers are also included.
📊 Price table 2026
| Procedure type | Price in Turkey | Price in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Saddlebag liposuction (Standard) | 1,600 £ - 2,300 £ | 3,000 £ - 4,500 £ |
| Saddlebag lipo + hips | 1,800 £ - 2,600 £ | 3,800 £ - 5,800 £ |
| High-definition Vaser Lipo | 2,300 £ - 3,400 £ | 3,200 £ - 8,200 £ |
| Lipo 360 package (abdomen, hips, thighs) | 2,800 £ - 4,100 £ | 6,800 £ - 9,500 £ |
What is saddlebag liposuction?
Saddlebags is another term for the outer thighs. Large pockets of fat are often located in this area, which can make the outer thighs look wider and more prominent. The upper thighs can therefore appear wider than the hips.
The saddlebag area is also a part of the body that is hard to target with a healthy diet and an exercise programme. This area can worsen over time, as we age and our metabolism starts to slow down. As a result, it is often a much-disliked part of the body.
Liposuction in Turkey is an option for removing saddlebags. It is often combined with a tummy tuck.
How effective is liposuction at reducing saddlebags?
Liposuction is a solution for those who have not managed to lose their saddlebags through a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction can remove stubborn fat while leaving you with a feminine silhouette.
Am I a suitable candidate for saddlebag liposuction?
If you have tried to reduce the size of the outer part of your thighs through methods such as diet and exercise without success, and you want the fat removed, you may be a suitable candidate.
Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity[1]: a stable weight, close to your ideal weight, is usually required before the procedure.
You must also be 18 or over and be a non-smoker, or able to stop smoking several weeks before the procedure and throughout the recovery period. You need to have reasonable expectations about the results of the operation.
How is saddlebag liposuction performed in Turkey?
Saddlebag liposuction in Turkey is carried out using a technique called PAL lipo. This is a very commonly used liposuction method.
Unlike other liposuction methods, PAL lipo does not use heat. This means you avoid any external and internal damage caused by heat. Contour irregularities, such as skin rippling, remain possible after any liposuction, however.
PAL lipo involves injecting a solution containing a local anaesthetic and a vasoconstrictor into the outer part of the thighs. This not only softens the fat but also reduces the risk of bleeding, bruising and swelling.
Next, assisted liposuction is used to suction out the fat cells. This avoids damaging the stromal network and blood vessels, which reduces the risk of bruising. This suction is preceded by separation: a vibrating cannula detaches the fat cells from the connective tissue framework[2].
The final step is equalisation: the remaining fat is smoothed in place, without being reinjected[2].
The procedure will be carried out under TIVA anaesthesia. This is a more advanced type of intravenous anaesthesia. The anaesthesia protocol is discussed with the anaesthetist before the procedure.
What is the recovery period like?
After saddlebag liposuction in Turkey, it is normal to experience swelling and bruising, which gradually subside[1].
How long you take off work depends on your job and the size of the treated area, and is decided with the surgeon. Gentle physical activity is usually possible after around 3 to 4 weeks, and strenuous effort should be avoided for 10 to 12 weeks[1].
You will be asked to wear a compression garment around the hips. This helps to reduce swelling and bruising[1].
The compression garment is worn continuously for several weeks after the operation[1], according to the schedule set by the surgeon.
The results of this cosmetic surgery in Turkey are not always visible until the swelling has gone down. It can take up to 6 months for the area to settle completely[1].
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
How much does saddlebag surgery cost in the UK?
In the UK, saddlebag liposuction costs between 3,000 £ and 4,500 £, compared with 1,600 £ to 2,300 £ in Turkey. The quote varies depending on the volume of fat to be removed and whether the thighs are treated as well.
Is saddlebag liposuction dangerous?
Like any surgery, it carries risks. Across all areas, around 5% of liposuctions lead to a complication, and mortality is estimated at around 1 case in 5,000, linked to blood loss[3].
Can fat come back after liposuction?
In a randomised trial of 36 women of normal weight who had abdominal surgery, the fat removed from under the skin had not returned at 6 months. Visceral fat, however, increased by 10% in those who remained inactive[4].
Does liposuction get rid of saddlebag cellulite?
No. Liposuction removes a localised pocket of fat, but it does not remove cellulite or stretch marks[1]. The appearance of the skin on the outer thighs may therefore stay the same once the swelling has settled.
Is it normal to have a numb thigh after the operation?
Yes. Numbness in the treated area is common after liposuction and usually disappears within 6 to 8 weeks[1]. If it comes with increasing pain, redness or fever, you should contact the surgeon.
Can the hips and saddlebags be treated at the same time?
Yes, both areas can be treated in the same procedure, which increases the volume suctioned and the price of the quote. Detailed prices by area are given in the article on hip liposuction in Turkey.
Who provides follow-up after returning to the UK?
Follow-up on site ends when you leave. A review of cosmetic tourism complications highlights the difficulties of continuity of care on return[5]: before leaving for medical tourism in Turkey, identify a doctor in the UK.
Sources & References
- NHS. Liposuction. National Health Service, Royaume-Uni. 2023. View source
- Wall SH Jr, Lee MR. Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization: SAFE Liposuction Concepts for Comprehensive Body Contouring. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2016. View source
- Perez Pachon ME, Santaella JT, Oñate C, et al. Artificial Intelligence-Driven Blood Loss Prediction in Large-Volume Liposuction: Enhancing Precision and Patient Safety. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2025. View source
- Benatti F, Solis M, Artioli G, et al. Liposuction induces a compensatory increase of visceral fat which is effectively counteracted by physical activity: a randomized trial. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2012. View source
- Tay JQ, Lo S. Complications of cosmetic surgery tourism. ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2022. View source
