Call and Ankle Liposuction (Lower Leg Liposuction)

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in having calf and ankle liposuction done. I know treating these areas can be a difficult procedure and I am on the hunt to find a surgeon that specializes in lower leg liposuction. I have attached some pictures of my lower legs so you can see what the ‘assignment’ is.

A: From a lower leg standpoint, calf and ankle liposuction is the appropriate and only treatment for them. That being said there are some very distinct caveats that come with doing liposuction on lower legs like yours. First, it is very likely you will not get the ideal desired reduction that you may seek. You can’t take thick legs and make them skinny or ‘normal’ size. They can be reduced but there are anatomic limitations as to how much reduction can occur. Secondly, there is going to be a lot of swelling and it will take months for it to go away. It is just the nature of what happens when extensive trauma is done circumferentially to the calfs and ankles particularly when there is a large tissue reservoir initially. Lastly, almost all such lower legs like yours inevitably will need a second liposuction session to get the best result. It is very hard to get the maximum fat out or have ideal symmetry between two legs particularly given the intraoperative positioning required to perform the procedure. (in the horizontal sleeping position your legs have to be manually held in the air)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana