Adios cankles!

I’m 5’3 and about 114 lbs. I work out nearly every day (some times twice per day). Despite my efforts, my calves remained unchanged. After seeing Dr. Su’s work, I decided I wanted to make a change. Fast forward to today and my procedure is complete!

I did both my knee complex and ankles. Wow- what a difference. I can’t believe I have visible calf muscles! The procedure took about 4.5 hours total. The numbing is by far the worst part. It definitely stings. Each leg took about 45 min. The actual lipo is not too bad. The worst part for me was keeping my muscles in a flexed state for long periods of time. He has you flex so he can sculpt around your muscles. There were only a few times that felt uncomfortable. For being a small person, he told me he removed nearly 2.5 lbs of fat. I’m an out-of -town patient and will be flying home tomorrow. As of now, the pain is manageable and I keep flexing/pointing my toes to keep my legs from stiffening up. My follow-up appt is tomorrow. I’m told putting on the new garment is extremely painful. I’ll definitely keep the posts coming.

Yesterday was pretty tough. After the lidocaine started to diminish, the pain after standing was very intense. I almost passed out. By night time (4 hours later), the pain standing was bad but not like earlier. Today I went in for my follow up. This morning I’m sore, but much more able to walk around. My ankles are pretty swollen but you can still see the beautiful results. I’m told the swelling will start today and get much worse. I was able to take a shower and apply the dragon’s blood. Putting on the new garment was hard, but I just did it slowly so it didn’t hurt too badly. My flight is tonight. I’m hopeful it will be okay.

Yesterday we took the 4 hour flight home. The first night in the hotel I was terrified thinking how I could possibly make it through the airport. I thought I would need a wheel chair, but I honestly felt okay walking. The pain feels like my legs feel after running a marathon - stiff and sore. The flight was fine too. I got up a couple times to use the restroom with no pain. I did fly first class home so we could have more space, but I don’t think it was necessary. I didn’t have any drainage like others have mentioned.

Last night sleeping was okay... I definitely tossed and turned. They tell you to try to keep the garment from wrinkling so not bending my knees was the worst part. I did buy a foam wedge to elevate my legs but my swelling isn’t severe enough to use yet. Since he day of surgery, I have been stretching my calves by flexing and extending my toes. It’s a little uncomfortable at first, but I think it’s definitely helped me keep some flexibility and mobility. I do it every 15 min or so.

The nurse, Essence, sent me my pre- and post- procedure photos. It’s so great they send them. I’ve been looking at all my photos to remind myself how great they will look eventually. I can’t wait to buy a heel with an ankle strap! :)