Liposuction on the lower leg is a particular challenge. For this reason, only a few plastic surgeons offer this procedure.
This also applies to liposuction on the armpit fat, face and cheeks and also on the knee.
Fat pads on the lower leg
Many women complain about fat pads on the lower legs (calves and/or ankles). Particularly in the case of slim women, the pressure of suffering can be great precisely because of the otherwise normal appearance.
Extremely thick lower legs or calves are often caused by so-called lipedema, which extends to the hips and can be treated excellently in many cases by liposuction.
When does liposuction of the lower legs, calves and ankles make sense?
Liposuction of the calves and ankles is indicated if the cause of bulky lower legs is fat deposits. It is very important to rule out internal diseases / general illnesses.
Liposuction is not the method of choice for water retention (edema), which often occurs as a result of heart disease or kidney damage, among other things! In this case, the underlying diseases must be treated.
However, it is also particularly important to check the muscle content of the calf. Some women have a genetically enlarged calf muscle with only a small amount of fatty tissue and usually slim ankles. In such cases, liposuction does not make sense on the lower leg.
Other options for calf correction must then be considered. A calf reduction on the muscle can be achieved surgically, with Btx or to a lesser extent by reducing the load and strain.
What are the special features of liposuction on the lower leg?
If a clear layer of fat can be felt and the calf muscle is of normal size, good and very good results can be achieved with liposuction on the lower leg.
However, excessive thinning can lead to irregularities in the skin surface, especially if large diameter cannulas are used. We also pay attention to some nerves that run relatively superficially (e.g. sural nerve).
The fat deposits on the lower leg can be limited to a few areas or be generalized (calves or ankles or pads below the knee). These localizations are taken into account during liposuction. As a rule, 2-4 puncture sites per side are sufficient.
How is liposuction of the lower legs, calves and ankles followed up?
As after any liposuction, postoperative compression therapy (compression stocking) and a certain amount of rest for approx. 6 weeks is recommended when correcting the lower leg, calf and ankles. Sufficient compression and elevation are particularly important for liposuction of the lower leg.
Painkillers and decongestants are particularly useful in the first few days. If the puncture sites are sutured, the stitches can generally be removed after approx. 1 week. Depending on the extent of the liposuction, sports that involve movement and strain on the lower legs should be avoided for 6 weeks.
After liposuction for lipoedema, enormous swelling can often occur, which makes it necessary to wear compression garments for much longer (up to 3-6 months).
You can find details on the various liposuction procedures in the overview article on liposuction.
