Liposuction of calves and ankles in San Francisco Bay Area?

Question

10 years ago I was 145lbs as a teen, I'm now 110-115lbs. I can't tell if my calves are loose skin from loosing weight or just thick muscle. My calves don't fit my body frame. I actually tried botox to slim my calves from a specialist in Los Angeles, but no change at all with $2K down the drain. What is the best way to make them slimmer? I've read it can take up to a year or more for swelling to go down? Is it worth it?

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the calves and ankles takes a lot of finesse and skill which only a few of us have. It has to be done under local with the micro cannulas and costs roughly $5000 on special. It is not painful and recovery is quicker than you think. We can get fat out of everyone to shape and contour the areas.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

This is a very rewarding procedure if the problem truly is excess fat. This can be determined when your plastic surgeon examines you. Pictures can show the problem, but it would be confirmed when the calf and ankle are palpated to see what is bone and muscle and what is fat.When my patients have ultrasonic or smartlipo of the calves and ankles I strongly recommend that they rent a lymphedema pump for a month to three. Then every day they wear a sleeve, like a cast boot, that they hook up to the pump, and pump for a half hour to an hour. During the day they wear compression hose. The pumping really helps keep the swelling down and helps it resolve faster. It still takes up to four months or so until the ankle does not swell spontaneously while you are walking around.The results are  worth it if it is done well. It is a delicate operation, getting all the contours smooth. Also it requires four small incisions around the ankle to get access to the front and back and both sides. These usually heal well, but can heal with pigmentation in some patients with darker skin types or Asian genetic background.

Joel B. Beck, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction to the calves and ankles can be an effective treatment to slim the lower extremities.  That is if you have enough subcutaneous fat in these regions.  If you do not have adequate amount of fat to the lower extremities, then there is really not many options.  I certainly would not have injected Botox into these regions.  I would make sure you visit with a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who performs a number of body contouring procedures.  Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I like to do water assisted and laser assisted removal/contouring of this area. It really does take a leg specialist who does a lot of body shaping and liposuction.  Please see the best person so you do not have any long term issues. I wish you the best, Dr. Emer.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The lower leg and ankle region can have excess volume due to the large size of the soleus muscle. Liposuction will not help this. If there is too much fat this area can be treated but it must be done carefully with very small cannulas in very specific postoperative management.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I'm questioning the judgment of whomever injected Botox into your lower extremities.I think I may use different terms than the term specialist.My guess is by the time you saw size reduction in your legs, you would also be crippled if this was attempted using Botox.Many patients do have excessive layers of subcutaneous fat in their calves and ankles.For those who do, liposuction can often be an excellent treatment option.There are however many surgeons who are hesitant to perform liposuction on this part of the body.My practice is almost exclusively devoted to body contouring using liposuction and fat transfer.To date, my experience has showed high patient satisfaction with excellent outcomes using liposuction for the calves and ankles as long as patient assessments are made correctly.I suggest consulting in person with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has a strong history in performing liposuction.Since there are limited numbers of surgeons who treat this area with liposuction, you want to make sure whoever you're seeing has experience particularly in treating calves and ankles.Sometimes having more than one consultation can be helpful.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Lynn D. Derby, MD (retired) · Answer

The calves and ankles are technically more difficult to treat with liposuction than other areas, but good results can be obtained in the right circumstances.  Liposuction removes only fat, not skin or muscle, so an in-person consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon would be needed to examine your legs and advise you on this.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

It is possible to liposuction the calf and ankle area.  One needs to be a good candidate, i.e. be in good physical shape and have good skin tone, in order to get the best result.  This procedure can make the calf and ankle area slimmer.  It may take 6 to 12 weeks to see the final result from the procedure.  In most cases patients state that the procedure was well worth it.  Seek out aboard certified plastic surgeon with extensive liposuction experience.  Best wishes, Dr Lepore.

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