Procedure | Surgical
Liposuction (Thighs, Calves and Ankles)
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. Learn more about the various techniques in Liposuction here.
Thigh, Calves, and Ankle liposuction concentrates on removing excess fat deposits in these areas in order to create a slender looking leg contour.
Thigh liposuction can be done to both the inner and other thighs including the buttock area. The ability to make legs appear slimmer depends on the length of the leg, quality, and skin structure. Thigh liposuction tends to more popular as compared to calves and ankles. As thick calves may be a result of large gastrocnemius muscle. While fats can be liposuctioned out, the muscle cannot. However, in cases where fat is the reason for thick calves, liposuction can also be done to correct bulky lower legs and define the leg contours.
While it is a good option to remove excess fat, Liposuction does not improve the appearance of cellulite and other skin surface conditions. It is also not a solution for stretch marks. Liposuction isn’t typically considered an overall weight-loss method or a weight-loss alternative. You may be a candidate for liposuction if you have too much body fat in specific spots but otherwise have stable body weight.
-Your surgeon will recommend that you stop taking certain medications.
-You may also need to get certain lab tests before your procedure.
-Make sure to have someone drive you home afterward.
-Before your liposuction starts, your doctor might mark the areas of your body that will be treated and also take photos.
-Stop smoking 4 weeks before the surgery.
This procedure will typically be performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will select the appropriate technique based on your treatment goals, the area of your body to be treated.
It involves using a cannula and negative pressure to suck out fat. As a cosmetic procedure, it is believed to work best on people with a normal weight and good skin elasticity.
The procedure may last up to several hours, depending on the extent of fat removal.
You might not have to stay in the hospital depending on the type of surgery you had. But you should expect bruising, swelling, and soreness for at least a few weeks.
It’s best to avoid the direct sun, the first few days after having a procedure.
The surgeon may leave your incisions open and place temporary drains to promote fluid drainage.
You usually need to wear tight compression garments, which help reduce swelling, for a few weeks.
Wait a few days before returning to work and a few weeks before resuming your normal activities — including exercise.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Whether you’ve had a minor procedure or an all-out surgery, drinking six to eight glasses of water a day will help rejuvenate your skin from the inside out and flush any toxins from your system.
The resulting contour changes are generally permanent as fat cells are removed. However, body shape and contour may be affected by weight fluctuations, aging, pregnancy and other lifestyle factors.
After liposuction, swelling typically subsides within a few weeks. Results should be noticeable. As healing is gradual, so as results. Do wait for several months before you can get an accurate picture of the results from your surgery.
Do continue to keep up with a helahty and active lifetyle.
Possible side effects may include:
Contour irregularities.
Fluid accumulation.
Numbness.
Infection.
Lidocaine toxicity.