Liposuction of Calf for Lipedema in Seattle? (Photos)

Question

I am looking for a doctor in the Seattle area that can perform liposuction of the calf. I have abnormal fat on my right calf, down to my ankle and I believe it is lipedema. I am looking for a doctor who can fix this, and preferably with this specific experience.

David R. Stephens, MD · Answer

Hi bananabread200; The area of the lower leg and ankles used to be problematic to treat prior to energy based techniques using laser assisted liposuction, (we use the Smart Lipo Triplex system) or Vaser. It can be accomplished with very small diameter cannulas as well, but the laser is especially good at treating the legs and arms because it is ideal to penetrate to the fibrous type fat that is found there. I have had success with either but prefer the laser. If ankle or leg fullness is the result of a low soleus muscle this will limit the results based on the size of the muscle. The recovery from liposuction of the leg and ankle is slower than other areas due to the propensity of the leg to stay swollen, so patients need compression stockings and sometimes Manual Lympahtic Drainage or sequential compression devices. The result can have a great sculpted look in the upper part of the lower leg by removing the fatty areas around the muscles of the "calf" and the inside part of the knee as well. It can be a great treatment in patients with this concern; a consultation and exam of your legs is needed to provide a recommendation.

David Amron, MD · Answer

Hello,It does appear that you have a column-like look to your calves and ankles and if I can see in these photographs, it even looks like you have a little bit of early cuffing of the lateral aspect of the calves and ankles. If you also have symptoms of either pain or swelling, then this is definitely lipedema. Typically, it would not only be expected to occur in the calf and ankle area, but it usually involves the entire leg area that goes up to the groin area in a circumferential pattern. Calf and ankle liposuction itself is a very particular type of liposuction procedure that should be done in a highly specialized fashion. The way I go about doing it is to do the entire calf and ankle area as a unit three-dimensionally, all the way from the knee area down to the ankle to create the right type of three-dimensional shape. I do not believe it should be done in a piece-mail fashion in bits and pieces and corrected later on. That’s only from just a cosmetic standpoint, and from a lipedema treatment standpoint also, it needs to be done in a circumferential pattern, because with lipedema, there is almost always involvement in the anterior area of the calf and ankle too that must be done at the same time in one surgery. My recommendation to you is to find a specialist and a surgeon that has extensive experience with not only calf and ankle liposuction, but with lipedema too. It is important to pay attention to the pre care and post care and the surgery itself and to ensure it is done in a lymphatic sparing way. I wish you the best of luck in your care. Please contact my practice if you feel you have any further questions, thank you.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Liposuction in this area can be helpful. You need to make sure you are seeing a qualified local plastic surgeon. Please go to the ASPS website and use the surgeon finder to find someone near you.Best of luck!

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Your right side is slightly larger than the left, but both need to be contoured to achieve good results and symmetry. The calve muscles need to be sculpted and the lower leg and ankles need to be liposuctioned as well. This is an unforgiving area to liposuction and needs to be done by a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. Postoperative recovery requires wearing of compression stockings at least 6 weeks, since this area tends to stay swollen longer. I use the VASER technique, these areas can be fibrous in nature and it is easy to create grooving by the inexperienced surgeon.See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bananabread200,The calves and ankles are delicate areas. Its wonderful you are doing your research and I agree with your conclusions. Traditional liposuction with smaller cannulas delivers superb results in the right hands.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Malcolm D. Paul, MD · Answer

If this is fat, it can be suctioned easily with 4mm incisions placed in the crease behind your knee. You will need to wear support hose for 6 weeks, but the result should be good.

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

Hi! thanks for posting. You do appear to have excess fat in this area. Your full history is needed, but it appears you would do very well with properly done liposuction of that area, focused on even fat removal and smooth contour. Contour irregularities in that area are possible when this is not properly done. Also, keep in mind that calves tend to retain swelling for several weeks after liposuction, so do this at a time when you can wear compression almost constantly, and frequently elevate your legs. American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeons are a great place to start when looking for a liposuction surgeon.

Liposuction of Calf for Lipedema in Seattle? (Photos)

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