Can the circumference of the lower legs be reduced?

Question

I have thick legs, particular lower legs. Is there any procedure to make them thin and shapely, ie, like a woman's leg? What operation would produce the most dramatic result?

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Yes, the circumference of the lower legs can be reduced through various methods depending on the underlying cause of the increased size. Here are some common approaches:

Non-Surgical Methods:
Diet and Exercise:

Weight Loss: General weight loss can help reduce the size of the legs if the increased circumference is due to excess fat.
Targeted Exercises: Strength training and aerobic exercises that target the legs, such as calf raises, running, and cycling, can help tone and reduce the size of the muscles and fat in the lower legs.
Compression Therapy:

Compression Garments: Wearing compression stockings can help reduce swelling and improve the appearance of the legs, especially if the increased size is due to fluid retention or conditions like lymphedema.
Lifestyle Changes:

Reduced Salt Intake: Lowering salt intake can help reduce fluid retention.
Elevating Legs: Elevating the legs can help reduce swelling and fluid accumulation.
Minimally Invasive and Surgical Methods:
Liposuction:

Targeted Liposuction: This procedure can remove excess fat from the lower legs, leading to a reduction in circumference. It is especially effective for patients with localized fat deposits.
Calf Reduction Surgery:

Muscle Resection or Selective Nerve Blocking: These procedures can reduce the size of the calf muscles. Muscle resection involves surgically removing a portion of the calf muscle, while selective nerve blocking involves cutting the nerves that stimulate the calf muscles, causing them to shrink over time.
Laser Lipolysis:

Laser-Assisted Liposuction: This technique uses laser energy to liquefy fat before it is removed, potentially resulting in less bruising and a quicker recovery compared to traditional liposuction.
Medical Treatment:
Treatment for Underlying Conditions:
If the increased leg circumference is due to a medical condition such as lymphedema or lipedema, appropriate medical treatment and management of the condition can help reduce leg size.
Consultation with Professionals:
Consult a Specialist: It’s essential to consult with a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or a specialist in vascular medicine to determine the most appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause of the increased leg circumference.
Customized Plan: A healthcare professional can provide a personalized plan that may include a combination of diet, exercise, medical treatments, or surgical interventions.
Considerations:
Risks and Benefits: Each method has its own risks and benefits. Surgical and minimally invasive procedures, in particular, carry risks such as infection, scarring, and complications.
Realistic Expectations: It's important to have realistic expectations about the results and to understand that some methods may require multiple treatments or ongoing maintenance.
By consulting with a healthcare provider, you can get a tailored approach that best suits your needs and goals for reducing the circumference of your lower legs.

Andrew Ray, DO · Answer

Liposuction can do an amazing job at re-shaping both the upper and lower leg.  If needed, depending on whether there is a massive weight loss component to your history, some refined skin excision can be considered as well.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello seanreag027. Thank you for your question regarding the possibility of reducing the circumference of your lower legs to achieve a thinner, more shapely appearance.

Yes, it is indeed possible to reduce the circumference of the lower legs through plastic surgery. The two primary procedures that might be suitable for your needs are liposuction and surgical reduction:

Liposuction: This procedure can effectively reduce the fat around the calves and ankles. Liposuction involves making small incisions through which a cannula is inserted to break up and suction out fat from the targeted areas. It's a popular option for reshaping and contouring the legs, particularly when there is significant fatty tissue but the skin has good elasticity. Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome, depending on the amount of fat and the body's response to the procedure.

Surgical Reduction: For those with excess skin in addition to fat, or for more dramatic reshaping, a surgical reduction might be necessary. This could include a thigh lift or a calf reduction, where both liposuction and the removal of excess skin are performed to achieve a more tapered look.

Thigh Reduction: Often involves an incision from the groin to the knee, allowing for the removal of both skin and fat.
Calf Reduction: The incision may extend from the knee to the lower calf or even to the ankle in some cases. The incision is typically placed on the inside of the leg, similar to the seam on a pair of jeans, which helps conceal the scar when your legs are together.
These surgeries are quite specialized and should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in body contouring. It’s important to have a thorough consultation to discuss your goals, the realistic outcomes, and the potential risks involved with each procedure.

During your consultation, your surgeon can assess your legs and determine the most appropriate approach based on the amount of fatty tissue, the condition of your skin, and your aesthetic goals. They will also explain the recovery process, which is crucial for ensuring the best possible results.

Good luck as you consider these options for reshaping your lower legs. I hope this information helps you make an informed decision on how to proceed with achieving the leg contour you desire.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes it is possible to sculpt the lower legs if you are a candidate.  Liposuction of this area can remove small fatty pockets to help improve contours.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your surgical goals and determine if you are a candidate.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending upon your age and health conditions, liposuction might be a possibility to decrease excess fat. Go for a consultation.  Swelling in this area does take a long time, usually a year, to go away.

Can the circumference of the lower legs be reduced?

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Can the circumference of the lower legs be reduced?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lower legs

Answer: Lower legs

Answer: Legs

Answer: Legs

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