Is lipo on lower legs safe? (Photos)

Question

I've been self-conscious about my legs since I was a teen. I hold on to stubborn fat mostly in my lower legs. I had high hopes to get liposuction on lower legs but heard that calf liposuction can be risky, with uneven results (dimples/lumpy skin) Is this only true for traditional liposuction, or are there other options available with better outcomes? Should I focus liposuction on just my knees instead? I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thank You

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

Liposuction works well for calves (cankles). However, the surgeon needs to be cautious because there is little room for error. I use a spatula-tipped cannula. Overaggressive or uneven treatment can leave contour deformities that are hard to correct.  Incidentally, your calves look pretty good. Many women like a muscular look today. Calves are mainly muscle, so liposuction produces an incremental improvement, but for patients like you that may be enough.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Getting your calves and ankles liposculpting is such a great life changing experience but needs to be done by an expert who truly specializes in it.  The micro canulas under local and being able to stand up during the procedure to fine tune the results is the only way to get lipo now a days.

Jaeil Lee, MD · Answer

Lower leg (calf) liposuction is technically possible, but it is one of the more challenging areas and carries a higher risk of contour irregularities such as dimpling or unevenness, regardless of the liposuction technique used.
For many patients, knee or inner knee liposuction is a safer and more predictable option if localized fat is the main concern. Calf shape is often influenced more by muscle structure than fat.
The safest and most appropriate approach depends on fat distribution, muscle dominance, and skin quality, which should be evaluated during an in-person consultation.

Kamol Pansritum, MD · Answer

Liposuction in the calf region carries an increased risk of contour irregularities due to the limited subcutaneous fat and dense fibrous tissue. To minimize this risk, VASER liposuction is recommended, as it allows for selective emulsification and removal of deep adipose tissue while preserving surrounding structures, leading to smoother and more predictable outcomes.

Is lipo on lower legs safe? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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