In the past two decades, liposuction of the lower extremities has emerged as an increasingly popular cosmetic surgery procedure. 

At one time, this procedure was considered to be fraught with complications and unsatisfactory results. But developments in surgical techniques have resolved these problems. 

When it comes to the elimination of stubborn fatty pockets, there is likely no area more challenging than the calves and ankles. The fat accumulation in these two areas is almost completely due to genetic predisposition. Thick calves (the so-called cankles) can now become a thing of the past when patients choose experienced plastic surgeons for liposuction.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides liposuction body sculpting to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding locations.

Overview

Generally, calf and ankle liposuction cosmetic surgery is not performed as an individual procedure. Instead, the surgeon will aim to re-contour the complete lower leg to create the most aesthetically appealing results.

For this reason, calf and ankle liposuction is performed as a single procedure to maintain the lower leg proportions. At times, the surgeon may also undertake knee and thigh liposuction to contour the entire leg.

Procedure

To perform calf and ankle liposuction, the surgeon uses a device called a cannula. The cannula is a narrow steel tube that the surgeon gently inserts into the fat layer of the calves or ankles.

The surgeon carefully maneuvers the cannula within the fat layer while remaining completely parallel to the skin, which breaks down the fat cells. These disintegrated fat cells are then suctioned out of the body using the cannula. 

The minimally invasive tumescent liposuction cosmetic surgery is used for calf liposuction, and this procedure will involve only local anesthesia. The patient remains awake, and this approach enables faster recovery and higher quality results compared to more invasive forms of liposuction.

The placement of the incision is an important aspect of calf liposuction. The surgeon places incisions right beneath the knee, towards the top part of the calf. Using these two individual incisions on either side of the calf, they treat the full calf region with smooth, even passes of the cannula.

The surgeon will use a combination of artistic sensibilities and thorough understanding of the human body to mold the calf into a well-contoured, desirable shape. Liposuction of the ankles will also involve a similar approach. The surgeon will make incisions on either side of the ankle to access the areas of undesirable fat. 

But the ankle is a very small region. An experienced surgeon will make sure that the cannula does not poke the skin from underneath, leading to dimpling. They will eliminate the targeted fatty deposits to ensure that the ankle maintains its unique characteristics. 

Recovery and Results

Calf and ankle liposuction is an effective solution to eliminate excess fatty tissue in these sites. The patient is typically left with a highly contoured lower leg that looks much more attractive and muscular. 

In the case of lower leg liposuction, the swelling prevails for a more prolonged duration in comparison to liposuction of the trunk and thighs. Surgeons typically ask patients to wear a compression hose after the procedure to mitigate and control the inflammation. 

Prolonged swelling can be frustrating. However, most patients consider it to be well worth the trouble due to the long-term cosmetic outcomes. Plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for liposuction body contouring.

 

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.

Now taking new patients in Cleveland OH | Pepper Pike | Beachwood | Lyndhurst and other surrounding areas.