Liposuction on ankles is one of the more recent trends in the cosmetic surgery industry. At one time calf and ankle liposuction was thought to be a highly risky procedure with no guarantee of satisfactory results. Nowadays, however, advancements in surgical techniques have managed to put many of those issues to rest. A very skilled plastic surgeon can perform the procedure to create a slim, tapered, attractive calves and ankles.
As with any plastic surgery procedure, the initial consultation with the surgeon allows the patient to ask any questions she may have and the surgeon will take the time to assess the potential benefits and risks of the surgery to that particular person. The surgeon will perform a preliminary examination of the lower extremities to establish the suitability of the patient for the liposuction.
The assessment involves determining what type of legs she has – either circumferential legs or localized heavy legs. Circumferential legs have poorly defined fat distribution and the entire leg is considered to be fat. Localized heavy legs have ankles and lower calves with defined bulges above the fibular, tibial and ankle area.
To examine fat deposits the method used is the pinch test, during which the patient stands on a raised area, alternating between flat feet and rising up on the toes. The minimum pinch test result should be 2 cm for the calves and 1 cm for the ankles to warrant the surgery.
If you are considering this type of procedure, it is sensible to do some research first. Read about the surgery and what it involves and make sure you know what the potential risks are. If you have no previous experience with a plastic surgeon before, compare different clinics and surgeons. It is recommended that you use a surgeon who has specialist training in lower leg liposuction.