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Can I Get Ankle Liposuction?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
Question viewed 12,353 times
Tags: ankles

I've always had kind of "chubby" ankles (cankles) and I would like more definition in this area.  Do doctors usually offer liposuction of the ankles, or is there some other procedure I should consider?  What about liposuction for the knees?  I just want my legs to look more shapely.

17 answers to Can I Get Ankle Liposuction?

+13

Liposuction to Lower Legs, Calves, Ankles or "Cankles" Absolutely!

Liposuction of Calves and Ankles (Cankles) Liposuction of Calves and Ankles (Cankles) can absolutely perfomed and it can provide a beautiful result that can be life changing. Liposuction is a body contouring surgery that requires not only an artist's eye, but also the insight to determine which patients are likely to benefit from the procedure, and which specific areas of a patient's body are appropriate for liposuction. When artfully and appropriately applied, liposuction can... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+2

Liposuction for "cankles"

In my experience, liposuction on the ankles, knees and lower legs is very successful and the only answer for many patients who genetics predetermine fat accumulation in these areas (aka cankles). The only negative with this procedure is that your swelling over the ankle and lower leg area will last a little longer (perhaps 2-4 months) as compared to areas like abdomen that look pretty good at 6 to 8 weeks.
Deason Dunagan, MD

Huntsville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ankle Liposuction

Liposuction can be performed the cankles as well as lower legs and knees can be performed. The surgery can be tricky so patient selection is key, and the surgeon must be experienced and expert.
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drkrisreddy.com

+1

Ankle and knee liposuction

Yes. Liposuction works very nicely for ankles and knees. Depending on your leg shape, spot knee and ankle liposuction may be all you need. Or you may need and want liposuction from hips to ankles. Liposuction, whatever you choose to have, is almost certainly the best treatment for you. Best wishes!
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

www.drelizabethmorgan.com

+1

Ankle liposuction is very tricky

Ankle liposuction used to be considered dangerous. If there is enough fat there and the circulation to the skin looks good it can be done, but the area will swell and this will take time to resolve. So your answer is a qualified "Yes." Best Regards.
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction is adaptable to virtually anywhere there is unwanted fat

Liposuction can be performed virtually anywhere there is unwanted fat creating contour problems and the ankles are no exception. It is important to understand how much of your ankle contour is fat and how much is bone. Knowing this will help you to visualize how thin an ankle can be sculpted and help to avoid unrealistic expectations from the procedure. This understanding should be made clear during a consultation with your plastic surgeon.
David A. Ross, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction of the calves and ankles

If there is a reasonable amount of fat there, liposuction of the calves and ankles can give rewarding results. The key to success is using small cannulas and being diligent to reduce edema through elevation and compression after surgery.
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lipo can be performed almost anywhere

Whereas liposuction can be perforemd almost anywhere there is a fatty bulge, there are certain areas that are very favorable and predictable (abdomen,hips,thighs, knees,chin), there are some areas that are higher risk. The ankles are a high risk/low reward area which is frought with long term swelling and recovery. I would be very cautious in this area.
David Shuter, MD

Jupiter Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ankle liposuction

Patients that desire liposuction of the ankles have to have realistic expectations.  Ankle liposuction can be performed but it may not make them as small as patients think that they should become.  There is also prolonged swelling in the area longer than say the abdomen and arms.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is it possible to liposuction the ankle area?

Hi there- Contouring of the ankles and calves is possible, but in my experience reliably good outcomes with comfortable recovery periods in this area require particularly careful attention to detail in technique and especially in the postoperative management, as the skin and tissues are prone to edema (swelling) and slow healing. Trust your body and your safety to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon (make sure their certification is by The American Board of Plastic Surgery) and you should... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction ankles

Liposuction of the ankles, calves and knees and thighs can be done. The further down the lower extrimity you go, the more difficult it is to predict the results, and the more experienced PS you need. Ankles can be liposuctioned with very fine canulas, there is significant swelling after surgery, you need to dedicate the time for healing and continued elevation of the legs and a compression garment to the toes for 6-12 weeks. Complicatins risks are high.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ankle liposuction is possible

Although it is rather rare problem, liposuction of the ankles (what you have called your "cankles"), is definitely possible and can give very satisfactory and permanent results.
Howard T. Bellin, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction of ankles can be successful in the right candidate

Liposuction of the ankle/calves, and knee area can be performed with good success in the right candidate. The goal of the surgery is to create a more defined transition between the lower calf area and the lower third of the leg/ankle area. This is accomplished through small incisions using small caliber metal cannulas. The knees can also be addressed during this time if needed. Patients may experience swelling in the area which can persist for several weeks if not a few months. During this... more
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Good results are possible with liposuction of the calves and ankles

Liposuction of the calves and ankles is possible and can provide fantastic results. In general, very small diameter cannulas are needed to provide proper shaping. The procedure is relatively time consuming and patients need to wear compression garments for several weeks after surgery - usually much longer than other sites on which we perform liposuction. Ultimately, it's important to know that it may take several week to months to see results after cankle liposuction. That being said, for... more
Sam Jejurikar, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

I can't recommend liposuction of the ankles

Despite the responses of other, qualified plastic surgeons, I don't recommend or perform liposuction below the knees. Patients tend to stay VERY swollen for an unacceptably long time postoperatively (months). Then, when it's all over, the results have not been impressive. I know that there are other plastic surgeons who feel differently, but in my opinion, this is an operation that should generally be avoided. That is not to say that it should "never" be done, but take it on... more
Thomas P. Sterry, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction of the ankles is possible

Yes, you can get Liposuction of the ankles but it should be with a very small canula or a small diameter technology such as Smart Lipo.
Barry E. DiBernardo, MD

Montclair Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction of chubby ankles?

It is possible to do liposuction of the ankles, calves and knees. The artistry and judgment with Liposuction of these areas is very important. These areas involve more shaping than significant volume reduction. In the ankle area your plastic surgeon will confirm the area in question has fullness from fat and not underlying muscle and that the overlying skin has good elasticity. When suction is done in these areas swelling may persist longer and it may take months to see your final result. more
John E. Gross, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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