Ankle Liposuction

Women are genetically destined to have a higher proportion of fat in their legs and ankles and this fat can be highly resistant to diet and exercise.

While it is safe to state that liposuction can indeed improve the look of a woman’s legs and with it her overall self-belief and confidence, the method has its limitations based upon age, skin elasticity, amount of accumulated fat and the exercise that the patient has previously performed.

The ankle liposuction procedure is complicated by the fact that ankles are mainly muscle and bone as opposed to skin and fat. Consequently, liposuction of the ankle has to be performed carefully due to the greater risk of damage to the sensitive veins located in the ankle. However, liposuction surgical techniques have rapidly improved over the last twenty years and ankle liposuction is considered a safe and efficient procedure.

Incisions tend to scar more in the ankle region so greater care must be taken to avoid obvious scarring. A small incision is made in the skin just large enough to accommodate a small hollow tube called a cannula and excess fat is suctioned from select areas of the body to produce a more desired contour.

Before                   After

Photos courtesy of Dr Copeland, New York

Afterwards, the patient is fitted with a medical compression stocking that must be worn for 4 weeks. The procedure can be performed as outpatient under general anaesthesia and you can expect to return to work within 5-7 days.

Even though the amount of fat removed is minimal since there isn't much in the ankle in the first place, a subtle change can provide you with a boost in sexuality, self-confidence, and social ability. It may seem like a minor thing, but having the right contour could mean the difference between a happy life and one fraught with frustration.

Individuals interested in undergoing ankle liposuction should be aware that the goal of this procedure is to create a more aesthetically pleasing and natural contour to your lower legs. Excessive ankle liposuction should be avoided, as it can result in serious damage to blood vessels located within the ankle.

Who is a candidate for ankle liposuction?
If your legs look full at the bottom (cankles) or there is poor definition of the achilles tendon, then liposuction may well help. Good candidates for this type of cosmetic surgery are patients whose legs and ankles contain a high proportion of fat and reasonable skin elasticity. Liposculpture only removes fat, so for patients with very loose skin and impaired elasticity (e.g. after dramatic weight reduction) lipoplasty is not a good option.

Is it permanent?
Yes, improvement in the shape and reduction in the volume of the ankle and calf area is permanent.

Are there any scars?
There are usually 2-3 small 2mm wide access holes at the base of the ankle. These are not sutured after the procedure and heal quickly afterwards.

Can other areas be treated at the same time?
Many women also have a problem with fullness over the knee and sometimes also the thigh. These can be treated at the same time or separately.

What support garments are required?
A special compression stocking must be worn for a period of 4 weeks, which is much longer than the time required for other areas of the body.

How long does the procedure take?
Most procedures for the calves and ankles take 2-3 hours.

How much time will I need off work?
In general, you should be able to return to work 5-7 days after the procedure. It would be about 4 weeks before normal gym activities or jogging should be restarted.

What about the cost?
The cost of this procedure varies according to the areas that require treatment and whether the area is treated alone or in conjunction with other areas. As a guide, $4000-$6000 would be an average estimate.

Please ask your doctor for further information.

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