Calf and Ankle Liposuction- Procedure and Benefits

Introduction:

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure involving removing fat deposits from specific areas through suction. It can also be called lipoplasty or body contouring. Individuals with a stable body weight with fat deposits in specific body spots prefer this procedure. For example, they can be performed to remove fat from the abdomen, upper arms, calves and ankles, chest and back, hips and thighs, chin and neck, and buttocks.

Why Do We Get Fat Deposits in Calves and Ankles?

• Genetic Factors: The fat calves and ankles may be inherited from your parents. It can be noticed how physically active you are.

• Lipedema: It is a painful condition in which fat gets stored beneath the skin of the legs. They can run in families due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or taking a contraceptive pill. And so this condition is more common in women than in men.

• Overweight: Lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet paves the way for being overweight, leading to fatty calves and ankles.

• Alcohol: Consuming alcohol regularly can also lead to fat deposition in the calves and ankles.

• Stress: Increased stress levels and poor sleep patterns can also lead to fat deposits all over the body, including calves and ankles.

• Fluid buildup: High sodium intake and fluid retention due to pregnancy can also lead to fat ankles.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Calf and Ankle Liposuction?

• Individuals who are physically fit.

• Individuals with good emotional and psychological health.

• Individuals with symptomatic lipedema.

• Individuals with good skin elasticity.

• Individuals whose fat in the calves and ankles cannot be reduced by exercise or diet.

• Individuals with bouncy pieces of fatty tissues around their ankles.

• Individuals with realistic expectations.

What Happens Before the Procedure?

• A checkup before the procedure is performed to assess and evaluate the treatment plan for the particular individual.

• An anesthesiologist will consult the individual 48 hours before the procedure.

• Based on the type of anesthesia chosen, the individual will be advised not to drink or eat six hours before the procedure.

• Avoid taking Aspirin ten days before the procedure.

• Avoid taking contraceptive pills before the procedure.

• If you are under any other regular medicines, bring them on the day of your procedure. For example, if you are anemic, get your iron supplements when you report for the process.

What Happens During the Procedure?

A small incision is placed along the natural fold, and a cannula is inserted through it and moved back and forth to break down the fat deposits. Once these fat deposits are broken down, they are removed through suction. There is another way where a fluid is injected under the skin, which causes dislodgement of the fat deposits.

Then a vacuum pump or a syringe is used to suck the fat deposits out. As the fat deposits are removed, the calves and ankles will have a better appearance than before. However, care should be taken not to harm that area's nerves and blood vessels. The duration of treatment varies depending on the number of areas being treated. For example, treating an isolated fatty calf would take one hour.

What Happens After the Procedure?

• If the procedure is under general anesthesia, the individual will stay for a night in the hospital. If it is done only under local anesthesia, the individual can return on the same day. Restraint should be worn for around four to six weeks after the procedure to give a definite result.

• Antibiotics and analgesics are prescribed after the treatment.

• Do not shower for around three weeks after the procedure.

• Do not practice any sport for three to six weeks after the procedure.

• Mild swelling and bruising are noticed over the area being treated.

• The area treated can also feel numb for a few weeks.

• Do not expose the treated area to direct sunlight for at least three months after the procedure.

• Normal activities can be carried out a week after the procedure.

• The amount of fat removed determines the duration of recovery.

How Are the Results After Calf and Ankle Liposuction?

Calf and ankle liposuction is the best way to shape up the lower part of your legs with a definite taper. It may take around three to four months for mild changes to happen. The final result can be visualized after six months.

What Are the Benefits of Calf and Ankle Liposuction?

• There is a reduction in the size of the calf and ankle.

• Establishment of lower leg taper.

• Liposuction is an effective procedure to improve the appearance of calves and ankles.

• Minimal scarring.

• Minimal recovery time.

What Are the Side Effects of Liposuction?

• Swelling and bruising developed after the treatment might take several weeks to months to subside.

• If the skin has poor elasticity or if the fat removal is even, it can result in irregularity in the contours of the lower legs.

• The individual can feel numbness in the treated area for a few weeks.

• Liposuction procedures can rarely result in infections.

• There might be allergic reactions if the individual is allergic to any materials used during the procedure.

• The friction created due to cannula movement can lead to burns on the skin or nerves.

Is Liposuction a Treatment for Obesity?

Liposuction is always misinterpreted as a treatment for obesity or a substitute for weight loss. But liposuction is only performed when the fat deposit in a particular area cannot be reduced by diet and exercise. So do not reach for liposuction without trying your level hard to reduce your weight through diet and exercise.

Conclusion:

If you undergo liposuction, the results are everlasting unless you don't gain weight. If you gain weight, there will be a change in fat distribution, and soon there will be an accumulation of fat in your body. So once you undergo liposuction, keep track of your weight and maintain it to experience the long-lasting effects of liposuction.