Calf/Ankle Liposuction, Which Type of Board Certified Surgeon Should I See?

asked 9 months ago by Question21 in Newport Ca
Latest answer by Kimberly Finder, MD
Question viewed 352 times
Tags: calves, female, ankles, choosing a surgeon

Hi all. I am considering lower leg (calf/ankle) liposuction. I have very toned muscles, but thick fat on my calves that just will not go away. My legs look ripply and bulgy. I saw a doctor today who said I'm a great candidate, however he is not a Certified Plastic Surgeon. He is a Certified Dermatological Surgeon. This worries me, despite his focus on liposuction and claimed "world-famous" reputation and 15 years. I have read a lot of reviews, but am not sure what to do. Would love your help!

9 answers to Calf/Ankle Liposuction, Which Type of Board Certified Surgeon Should I See?

Both general plastic surgeons and dermatologic surgeons can do liposuction of the calves and ankles.

Calves and ankles liposuction takes a lot of finesse which the derm surgeons tend to have a lot of training in use of the micro canulas under local anesthesia which gives the best results. Derm surgeons invented this technique and have advanced it more than all other specialties combined. Both derm surgeons and plastic surgeons can do the job if they have a lot of experience doing liposuction. Get a few consults and see who you feel most comfortable with. Expect to pay roughly... more

David Hansen, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

Calf/ankle liposuction requires an experienced surgeon

Hi MackieK2, the specialty of the surgeon is not that important. Many different surgical specialties are trained in liposuction. It was a dermatologic surgeon who invented the technique of doing liposuction with local anesthesia, avoiding the need for general anesthesia. The most important factor is the experience of the surgeon. The calf/ankle area is a very difficult area to suction and requires great skill. The healing of the lower leg is much more difficult and prolonged than lipo... more

Kimberly Finder, MD
San Antonio Dermatologic Surgeon

www.theliposurgeryclinic.com

Dermatologic surgeons can perform this surgery

It is not really important whether they are a plastic surgeon or dermatologic surgeon, but how much experience they have - especially as the areas you are interested in are not the most common so require extra expertise.

Mitchel Goldman, MD
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon

Board certified surgeon for liposuction

In all professions, the person who performs a procedure the most is usually the most consistent with his results. Plastic surgeons train specifically to perform liposuction. I recommend a plastic surgeon certified by the american board of plastic surgery. Dr. Day's response is very misleading-plastic surgeons do not always put their patients to sleep to perform liposuction-they frequently perform local and sedation procedures. The dermatologists do not have privledges at hospitals to put... more

Daniel A. Medalie, MD
Cleveland Plastic Surgeon

Los Angeles board certified plastic surgeon

The areas of concern are difficult to treat and should be performed by a physician who has experience with all aspects of the anatomy in the area you are interested in. Liposuction not only involves removing fat from these areas, but how it interplays with the rest of your extremity and other localized anatomic structures. Surgeons who are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have been through an extensive ceritfication process in which their skills, diligence,... more

Jeffrey D. Hoefflin, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Dermatological or Plastic Surgical Liposuction

You have asked a very good question. The main difference is in whether you want to go into a hospital and/or be put to sleep (plastic surgery) or the alternative is to have just the area to be worked on be numbed and you would be given something to keep you calm (dermatologic surgery). The safest way is to have tumescent anesthesia where the numbing fluid is put in just the area to be worked on. By avoiding general anesthesia (being put to sleep) you avoid the biggest complication which... more

T. Wayne Day, MD
Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon

Lipo

Both Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons perform this procedure and you can get good results with either. Calf and ankle liposuction is an area that is more difficult to get satisfactory results. It is not possible to assess you properly simply by a photo. I whole heartedly agree with Dr.Beraka. Plastic Surgeons are trained to do liposuction with patients awake and under a general anesthetic and Dr. Day is incorrect.

Michael Hueneke, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction of the calves and ankles needs a lot of experience and very fine technique.

Hi. 1) Try to find a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. Ask to see before and after pictures. Some of our most grateful patients are women who have liposuction of the calves and ankles, and yet this is hardly ever talked about. 2) Some of the important details are to use super tiny cannulas to ensure a smooth result, and to treat all around the legs (front, back and sides). 3) I am sure there are exceptions, but in general,... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

No question about it; a board certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the person for the job. The areas that you want altered are difficult and need great skill and care.