Is Calf and Ankle Liposuction Safe?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I would like to have liposuction on my calfs, but,I have been told by several doctors not to do it? Is it safe? I see on your website you do calf and ankle liposuction.

A: Liposuction can be done safely on the lower extremities, including calf and ankle liposuction. It is not a question of safety but effectiveness. Can enough fat be taken from the right places to make a visible difference. While most people that seek liposuction below the knees would like a large circumferential reduction, such changes are not usually possible. However, selective small cannula liposuction done in the right areas (high inner calf, lower inner calf, low posterior calf and inner and outer ankles) can give the calfs and ankles some shape so that they don’t look like ‘cankles’ and straight tubed calfs.

The issue with liposuction below the knees is that there will be some prolonged swelling due to the high venous pressures that naturally are present in the ankle and feet. It usually takes about 3 months for the full effects of the procedure to be seen.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana