about lipoedema leg & ankle liposuction
Lipoedema is characterised by significant fat accumulation in the legs and ankles, which can lead to discomfort and aesthetic imbalance. Liposuction for lipoedema in these areas aims to lessen these fat deposits, striving to restore a more proportional silhouette of the legs.
Dr. Meaghan Heckenberg focuses on the tailored management of lipoedema, providing care that is specific to each patient’s condition. A consultation with Dr. Heckenberg can explore whether this treatment might be suitable for your needs.
Benefits of Leg & Ankle Liposuction for Lipoedema
Liposuction for lipoedema in the legs and ankles is focused on reducing excessive fat, which may assist with both visual and functional aspects of the condition. Here are four key benefits explained:
Addresses Leg Disproportion
Targets and reduces disproportionate fat deposits in the legs and ankles, aiming for a more balanced appearance.
May Adjust Leg Shape
Aims to alter the contour of the legs by removing excess fatty tissue, with results varying by individual.
Potential for Easier Mobility
Reducing excess fat in the lower limbs may facilitate movement, though individual experiences will differ.
Tailored Treatment Plans
Dr. Meaghan Heckenberg designs customised treatment strategies based on each patient’s specific needs and the severity and location of their lipoedema.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Meaghan Heckenberg is focused on liposuction procedures, particularly for the treatment of lipoedema in the legs and ankles. With a thorough understanding of this specific condition, she tailors her approach to each patient, aiming to provide careful management and detailed guidance throughout the treatment process. Her commitment is to informed and considerate care, ensuring patients are well-prepared for what to expect from the procedure.
book a consultation today!
Request a consultation online. Or, if you have a question, explore our patient info page or get in touch with our team.
What to Expect
Undergoing liposuction for lipoedema in the legs and ankles involves several stages, each tailored to your specific situation. Here’s what the process generally involves:
- Initial Consultation: A discussion about your medical history, concerns, and expectations.
- Procedure Planning: Recommendations and a personalised plan for your procedure.
- Procedure Day: The procedure is performed in a clinical setting in an accredited and cosmetic surgery licensed hospital by Dr. Heckenberg.
- Recovery Period: Your recovery will depend on your individual circumstances. Dr. Heckenberg will provide advice and guidance on what to expect during this period.
- Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-ups to monitor your progress and address any questions you may have.
01
Day of
Procedure conducted in a clinical setting; you’ll receive aftercare instructions and compression garments.
02
Next Day
Expect mild swelling or discomfort. Rest and follow Dr. Heckenberg’s aftercare advice for recovery.
03
1-2 weeks after
Resume work and mild activities. Continue using compression garments to aid healing and reduce swelling.
04
6-8 weeks after
Most swelling lessens; movement becomes easier. Schedule a follow-up to monitor progress.
05
1 year after
Final results become more apparent. Full outcomes may take up to a year to fully develop.
How to Prepare
Preparing for liposuction for lipoedema in the legs and ankles involves several key steps for the procedure and recovery:
Consultation and Medical Assessment:
Book a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Meaghan Heckenberg to review your medical history, assess your current health status, and discuss the specific objectives and expectations for your treatment.
Pre-Procedure Instructions:Â
Follow any pre-operative guidelines provided by Dr. Heckenberg, which may include:
- Avoiding aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.
- Stopping smoking at least two weeks prior to the procedure to enhance healing and improve recovery outcomes.
- Eating a well-balanced diet and ensuring adequate hydration in the days leading up to the surgery.
Compression Garments:Â
You will be provided with compression garments designed specifically for the leg and ankle areas. These are crucial for managing post-surgical swelling and aiding in the reshaping process. Make sure to understand how and when to wear them as instructed by Dr. Heckenberg.
Arrange Post-Procedure Support:Â
Plan for someone to assist you at home during the first few weeks of recovery, especially for tasks that may require bending, lifting, or prolonged standing. Assistance may be needed for things like meal preparation, laundry, and personal hygiene.
Prepare Your Recovery Space:Â
Create a recovery area at home that is equipped with necessities such as water, medications, easy-to-reach snacks, phone, remote controls, and any needed personal care items. Ensure this space includes a comfortable place to rest with support pillows to elevate your legs.
By adhering to these steps, you can assist with the experience before and after your liposuction for lipoedema in the legs and ankles. Dr. Heckenberg will provide detailed, personalised instructions tailored to your specific needs.
From $9,300 plus hospital and anaesthetist’s fees
Liposuction costs for lipoedema in legs and ankles can vary. Contact us for a tailored quote.
Locations available
15+ Years of Experience
Dr. Heckenberg has focused on liposuction and liposculpture since 2008, performing over 1,500 procedures. Liposuction as it is a very nuanced procedure and takes years of experience.
Dedicated Training
One of only 16 doctors in Australia to hold a Fellowship in Lipoplasty Surgery from the ACCSM, reflecting rigorous training in liposuction techniques.
Patient-Centric Approach
Having undergone liposculpture/ liposuction herself, Dr. Heckenberg provides personalised care tailored to your unique needs and concerns.
Interested in Liposuction for Lipoedema Affected Legs & Ankles?
Request a consultation online. Or, if you have a question, explore our patient info page or get in touch with our team.
What does the liposuction procedure for lipoedema in the legs and ankles involve?
The procedure involves removing excess fat from the legs and ankles through small incisions using a suction device. It’s performed under general anaesthesia in a clinical setting.
Who is an ideal candidate for liposuction for lipoedema in the legs and ankles?
Ideal candidates are typically those in the earlier stages of lipoedema (Stage 1 or Stage 2) who have not seen significant improvement through conservative methods such as diet, exercise, or compression therapy. It is important that candidates are non-smokers, have a stable weight, and possess realistic expectations regarding the potential outcomes of the procedure.
What is the recovery process like after liposuction for lipoedema?
Recovery varies; you may experience swelling and bruising for several weeks. Most patients can return to work within a few days but should avoid strenuous activities for up to a month. Following post-operative instructions is crucial for healing.
Are there any risks or complications associated with liposuction for lipoedema?
As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Specific to liposuction, risks include contour irregularities, numbness, or delayed healing.
How long do the results of liposuction for lipoedema last?
The removal of fat cells is permanent; however, patients must maintain a stable weight to avoid fat redepositing in other areas. Long-term results also depend on managing lipoedema with ongoing conservative treatments.
Can liposuction for lipoedema in the legs and ankles reduce pain associated with the condition?
While liposuction is not primarily a pain-reduction procedure, many patients report relief from the discomfort associated with excess fat and pressure in the legs and ankles after recovery.
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:Â
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. Â
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.Â
