about the ankle & cavlves liposculpture procedure
Some women may have fatty deposits in their calves and ankles. Calves and Ankles Liposculpture is indeed possible. This is a 4-hour procedure. The aim is to taper all the way down to the ankle, with definition around the Achilles tendon rising up from the ankle. Small amounts of fat removal can change the shape of the ankle and calf area.
Sometimes there are hereditary collections of fat in these areas and removal of these can reduce the circumference of the ankle and calf. The amount of fatty tissue to be removed from the calf may vary considerably, however, the aim is to make the leg appear finer and more in proportion with the rest of the body. If women also have fatty tissue deposits in the thighs, the calves and ankles cannot be grouped together at the same time as the thighs. A common combination may be calves and ankles and knees, but no other part of the thigh. It is important not to have liposculpture of the upper leg at the same time as the lower leg, as doing so it puts too much pressure on the lymphatic system, which takes away the fluid from swelling after any liposuction procedure. The calves and ankles are the most dependent part of the body and need to fight gravity the most of any of the liposuction procedures. Swelling make take up to a year to go away after calves and ankles liposculpture. Class 3 compression stockings (the strongest compression stockings also used for varicose vein treatments) are required to be worn for 4 weeks, day and night, after liposculpture to this area.
If the whole leg (above and below the knee area) is affected by unwanted fatty deposits, please be aware that if liposculpture is performed on the lower half comprehensively, then the top half (thighs) may look disproportionately larger. This requires careful consideration when considering liposculpture to different areas of the legs.
Some women may have the condition called LIPOEDEMA where fatty tissue may be commonly located on the calves and ankles.
ankle & calves liposuction
Liposuction of the lower leg can be performed under the tumescent local anaesthetic technique and does not require general anaesthesia. This 4–hour liposuction procedure is performed under sedation. Numerous patient positions are required in order to effectively remove the fat in a uniform manner. Women who have fat in this area often complain of having little definition and dislike wearing shorts or short skirts. They may often complain that the straps of a sandal cause bulging because of the underlying fatty tissue. They also complain that they are unable to fit into boots or they cannot be zipped up. Essentially, in most women who have fatty tissue in the lower legs have had it all their life and the condition is often genetically inherited. They may also have the condition known as lipoedema. Only stage 1 or 2 lipoedema patients are eligible for liposuction at Be Sculptured and patients must have a BMI < 35. https://www.lipedema.org/staging
Attempting to improve muscle tone in this area with certain exercises is often not visualised because of the “sleeve” of overlying fatty tissue circumferentially. Because of this circumferential fatty tissue, it’s important to do liposuction of the whole lower leg in order to achieve a slimmer looking lower leg. The colloquial term for this distribution of fatty tissue is “cankles”. Often the knees may be combined, but other areas of the thighs should not have liposuction at the same time. Because the calves and ankles are located furthest away from the heart, swelling takes longer to subside. Grade 3 compression stockings are required to be worn for 4 weeks day and night after calves and ankles (and knees) liposuction.
It may take up to a year for swelling around the ankle to subside fully, often noted more at the end of a working day when one is on their feet for most of the day. Having liposuction of the upper leg is avoided during calves and ankles liposuction in order to reduce persistent and uncomfortable swelling. No long-haul flights (more than 4 hours) for 4 weeks after calves and ankles liposuction. We advise no long-haul flights for 2 weeks post operatively for other body areas of liposuction, in order to reduce risk of DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis) and PE (Pulmonary Emboli).
It’s important to note that liposuction of the calves and ankles may make the thighs appear to be disproportionately larger after the procedure. In some women, fat may be isolated to the lower legs only and not the thighs, but in other women, the whole leg may be affected with excess fatty tissue. This is common in women with lipoedema. Liposuction procedures have to be staged if thigh liposuction is also requested and procedures should be separated by a minimum of 4 weeks after calves and ankles liposuction.
Who is suitable for ankle & calves Liposculpture?
Women with fattiness of the calves and ankles. Women who may suffer from lipoedema.
If the calves and ankles (colloquially referred to as “cankles”) feel out of proportion, liposculpture may be the requested cosmetic surgery procedure.
Some women may be misdiagnosed and may be told they have lymphoedema when in fact they have excess fatty tissue in their calves and ankles. Lymphoedema is the swelling that occurs when the lymph nodes or vessels that make up the lymphatic system become blocked or damaged. This damage or blockage causes a build-up of fluid in the body’s soft tissues. It is however important to distinguish between swelling from poor lymphatic system or faulty venous system, as well as the difference between excess fatty tissue and a problem with the lymphatics.
Who is suitable for calves and ankles Liposculpture?
Women with fattiness of the calves and ankles. Women who may suffer from lipoedema.
If the calves and ankles (colloquially referred to as “cankles”) feel out of proportion, liposculpture may be the requested cosmetic surgery procedure.
Some women may be misdiagnosed and may be told they have lymphoedema when in fact they have excess fatty tissue in their calves and ankles. Lymphoedema is the swelling that occurs when the lymph nodes or vessels that make up the lymphatic system become blocked or damaged. This damage or blockage causes a build-up of fluid in the body’s soft tissues. It is important to distinguish between swelling from poor lymphatic system or faulty venous system, as well as the difference between excess fatty tissue and a problem with the lymphatics.
Liposculpture isn’t suitable for everyone. Only patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of under 35 will be considered but only after they have been properly assessed during the consultation. Your BMI can be checked using the following online calculator
Smoking increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which deprives tissues of oxygen. Blood supply is a major concern during any surgical procedure. Combining smoking and cosmetic surgery can categorically result in increased pain, loss of skin, infections, death of tissue or fat cells, delayed healing, thick scarring, permanent vessel damage, or blood clots. Smokers should cease smoking 6 weeks prior to the procedure or consider to not have the procedure at all.
Patients with Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD) are inappropriate for liposuction / liposculpture or any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure. BDD is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may believe an inconspicuous or non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect. They respond to this by performing repetitive acts such as mirror checking or comparing their appearance with others. The severity of BDD varies. For example, some people know their feelings and / or perceptions aren’t rational or justified, while others are almost delusional in their conviction. BDD causes severe emotional distress. It is not just vanity and is not something a person can just ‘forget about’ or ‘get over’. The preoccupation of their appearance can be so extreme that the affected person has trouble functioning at work, school or in social situations. People who suffer from BDD can target any part of the body. They may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” the perceived flaw. Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in distress, but often the anxiety returns and the search for other flaws resumes. Along with ways to “fix” them. Treatment of BDD may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medicationafter an assessment by a psychiatrist.
Is it permanent?
The reduction in the fat cells of the calf and shaping of the ankle involves actually removing them permanently, but the final result may take many months. However, remaining fat cells can get bigger, so diet and exercise are important to sustain results. Because this area is the most dependent part of the body, swelling can take many months to subside, even up to a year. The swelling can be worse at the end of day after being on your feet all day.
What other areas of Liposculpture may be grouped at the same time?
Liposculpture of the calves, ankles (+/- knees) areas may be performed at the same time. Liposculpture of the thighs cannot be performed at the same time as it puts too much pressure on the body’s ability to take swelling away (lymphatic system). Procedures to the thighs (if requested) would need to be done at another time, preferably at least a month later, at a minimum.
How long does Liposculpture take?
Liposculpture takes time. Taking the time to do the procedure is paramount. Small calibre cannulas (micro-cannulas) are used. The average procedure takes 2-4 hours. Calves, ankles and knees liposculpture takes approximately 4 hours.
What support garments are required?
Special support stockings (Class 3 compression stockings) are worn for 4 weeks, day and night. It is recommended that the patient leave the stockings on and not take them off at all. They are quite difficult to take off and put back on. They are the same tight elastic stockings used after varicose vein treatments. The patient may shower in them, towel dry them afterwards or use a hair dryer. When the patient does take them off, flakes of dried skin may peel off the skin. This is normal.
What is the safety profile and risks of Liposculpture?
Risks associated with liposculpture are reported in international peer reviewed medical journals. These are made available to you and may be accessed below:
Boeni, R., & Waechter-Gniadek, P. V. (2021). Safety of Tumescent Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia in 9,002 Consecutive Patients. Dermatologic Surgery, 47(5), e184–e187.
This recent 2021 study comprising of 9,000 cases, also concluded that liposuction using the tumescent local anaesthetic technique “is a reliable and safe procedure if it is performed by an experienced surgeon and the guidelines of care are strictly followed”.
Dixit, V., & Wagh, M. S. (2013b). Unfavourable outcomes of liposuction and their management. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 46(2),377.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901919/
This detailed 2013 article compiles unfavourable outcomes, possible risk factors and their management associated liposuction and the importance of appropriate training in this procedure.
Hanke, C. W., Bernstein, G. S., & Bullock, S. (1995b). Safety of Tumescent Liposuction in 15,336 Patients. Dermatologic Surgery, 21(5), 459–462.
A landmark article in the prestigious Dermatographic Surgery Journal reported the survey results of over 15,000 cases of liposculpture performed in America between 1994 and 1995. Authors concluded that complications during the procedure were few, as were problems following the procedure, and the level of complications was much less. Bruising is minimal, but does occur in most cases. It usually lasts for 10 to 14 days. Infections may occur with any surgery, but are fortunately quite rare and antibiotics are given before and after the procedure. Local areas of numbness may occur, although these usually resolve within a few months but may take up to a year.
Please take note
Liposculpture isn’t suitable for everyone. Only patients with a Body Mass Index of under 35 will be considered but only after they have been properly assessed during the consultation. Your BMI can be checked using the following online calculator:
Smoking increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which deprives tissues of oxygen. Blood supply is a major concern during any surgical procedure. Combining smoking and cosmetic surgery can categorically result in increased pain, loss of skin, infections, death of tissue or fat cells, delayed healing, thick scarring, permanent vessel damage, or blood clots. Smokers should cease smoking 6 weeks prior to the procedure or consider to not have the procedure at all.
Patients with body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) are inappropriate for liposuction / liposculpture or any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may believe an inconspicuous or non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect. They respond to this by performing repetitive acts such as mirror checking or comparing their appearance with others. The severity of BDD varies. For example, some people know their feelings and / or perceptions aren’t rational or justified, while others are almost delusional in their conviction. BDD causes severe emotional distress. It is not just vanity and is not something a person can just ‘forget about’ or ‘get over’.
The preoccupation of their appearances can be so extreme that the affected person has trouble functioning at work, school or in social situations. People who suffer from BDD can target any part of the body. They may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their distress, but often the anxiety returns and the search for other flaws may resume, along with ways to “fix” them. Treatment of BDD may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication after an assessment by a Psychiatrist.