In the past two decades, liposuction of the lower extremities has become increasingly sought-after. Years ago it was considered to be a procedure that carried a high risk for complications and unsatisfactory outcomes. However, rapid developments in surgical techniques have alleviated these concerns.
There is possibly no area more stubborn than calves and ankles when it comes to fat deposits. Fat accumulation in these two areas occurs almost always because of genetics. Patients can effectively get rid of thick calves and “cankles” with liposuction in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides calves and ankles liposuction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.
Overview
Calf or ankle liposuction is usually not undertaken in isolation. Rather, the plastic surgeon must contour the entire lower leg for optimal outcomes.
Due to this, calf and ankle liposuction is performed as one procedure to make sure that the lower leg proportions are maintained. Sometimes the surgeon may also undertake liposuction of the thighs and knees to sculpt the entire leg.
Procedure
The surgeon will perform calf and ankle liposuction using a device known as a cannula. This refers to a thin steel tube that the surgeon delicately inserts into the fat layer of the calves or ankles.
The surgeon gently moves the cannula back and forth through the fat layer while remaining perfectly parallel to the skin. This allows them to disintegrate the fat cells which are subsequently suctioned out of the body through the cannula.
Minimally invasive tumescent liposuction is used for calf liposuction. This procedure is done with the patient under only local anesthesia. The patient is not unconscious during the procedure. This technique allows for quicker healing and better outcomes in comparison to more invasive types of liposuction.
Incision placement is a vital part when performing liposuction cosmetic surgery of the calves. The surgeon makes incisions right below the knee, towards the top portion of the calf. They will place two individual incisions on either side of the calf to address the entire calf with uniform, smooth passes of the cannula.
The surgeon will use their artistic sensibilities and comprehension on the human anatomy to sculpt the calf into a sleeker, more beautiful shape.
The surgeon will adopt a similar approach to deliver liposuction to the ankles. They will place incisions on either side of the ankle to gain access to unwanted fat in the region.
As the ankle is a small area, the surgeon will use their skill to make sure that the cannula does not poke the skin from beneath leading to dimpling. This procedure involves the precise removal of fat to make sure that the ankle maintains its unique shape.
Recovery and Results
Liposuction of the calves and ankles can successfully address the excess fatty deposits in the area. Patients achieve a highly shapely lower leg that looks much more curvy, muscular, and feminine. The inflammation for lower leg liposuction remains for a more extended period than for liposuction of the thighs and trunk.
Surgeons usually instruct the patient to wear a compression hose following the procedure to control the inflammation. Prolonged inflammation can understandably be frustrating. However, the end results of the procedure are well worth undergoing the process.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for liposuction of the calves and ankles.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
