Ask a Surgeon - Liposuction - I have excess fat on my calves, which gives a tubular appearance to my legs, and...

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I have excess fat on my calves, which gives a tubular appearance to my legs, and of...

Q:

I have excess fat on my calves, which gives a tubular appearance to my legs, and of course without that taper at the ankles, they look heavy. I’ve read about fibrous fat and that this is the area highest in risk for bulges and irregularities after surgery. What are my chances of good results, by which I mean tapered ankles with good definition around Achilles tendons?

A:

You are correct and well informed. Body contouring procedures performed below the knee can be challenging and are associated with greater risk than many other areas. Bulges, asymmetry, nerve injury, vascular compromise, and contour irregularities are some of the reported complications. It is important to seek a board certified plastic surgeon in your area with experience and expertise with this procedure. A consultation with the plastic surgeon will allow you to fully address the potential risk and benefits of such an elective procedure based on your medical history and clinical presentation. Well informed patients who choose to have contouring procedures in this area often are very satisfied with their results.

James B. Lowe III, M.D. - View Other Answers by this Doctor

Oklahoma City, OK

Practice Website

A:

Cankles, or heavy ankles can often be corrected with liposuction for a beautiful result. Many women with very large calves find liposuction of this area to be life changing. Some women are wearing boots for the first time and feeling comfortable in dresses that reveal their calves.

Many plastic surgeons, myself included have wonderful before and after photos of liposuction of the lower leg / cankle area that can give you an idea of the type of result that can be achieved with this procedure.