Is Ankle Liposuction Recommended and What Are the Risks?

Thank ypu for your question.  Ankle liposuction can be performed but very carefully with an experienced surgeon.  Swelling will last longer and compression stocking are placed for a longer period of time.   Best Wishes. 

     If swelling is a significant component of the problem, liposuction will not help and has the potential to make the problem worse.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Liposuction of the ankle, probably better termed liposculpture because of the small amount of fat that is removed, can make a big difference in the shape of the ankles. It is fairly easy to do and effective but it will take  awhile for all the swelling to go away (months) because of the dependent position of the feet.

Ankle liposuctrion is a good treatment for thick fatty ankles. But the swelling in the ankles can take much longer to resolve than any other area of the body.

Hi.

1) Many surgeons avoid this area (not sure why) and therefore are not experienced.  We have seen several women who had been made to have all kinds of tests, when they just needed microliposuction of the lower legs.

2)  It is very safe and the results can be dramatic and life changing.  You just need to approach it like sculpture.  Compression stockings must be worn for three weeks.

3)  Of course you need a good physical examination to be sure you are a good candidate.

Serious complications like injury to blood vessels and nerves are very very rare. The main sequela of ankle and calf liposuction is prolonged swelling and the need to wear a compression hose for a prolonged period. Ordinarily patients wear compression garments after liposuction elsewhere for about a month and healing occurs and swelling resolves over about four months. However, with the ankles and calves, because they are dependent due to gravity it may be necessary to wear a compression hose for up to six months.