Lipo Leg Makeover

A leg liposuction makeover to contour the thighs, calves, and ankles is an effective way for patients to achieve a slimmer leg silhouette. Liposuction has been used for many years in aesthetic procedures. The technique that dislodges and suctions fat away is typically associated with the removal of unwanted fat from the abdomen. However, liposuction can be used to great effect in other areas of the body.

Genetics, age, and lifestyle choices can mean our legs accumulate a disproportionate amount of fat. It can restrict our wardrobe choices, limit our mobility, and cause uncomfortable chafing. Apart from causing discomfort, excess leg fat can also cause self-consciousness, and may even result in us trying to hide our legs at every opportunity. A loss of body confidence can be difficult to live with, but luckily there are ways to remove stubborn fat permanently. Thankfully, surgeons have refined liposuction techniques to provide striking, confidence-boosting aesthetic results.

At Advanced Body Sculpting Institute, patients in Denver and surrounding localities can achieve the leg aesthetic they want. Expert plastic surgeon Dr. Zuhlke can guide you through the process and formulate the most effective treatment plan for your needs. Call (303) 708-8770 or fill out our online form to book your personal lipo leg makeover consultation.

Before & After Photos

Before and After Photos

About Leg Fat

Adipose tissue is the medical name for fat. It is found in all areas of the body, but is often not distributed optimally. For women in particular, excess fat can accumulate in the abdomen, on the thighs, in the upper arms, the buttocks, and the ankles. In fact so-called “cankles”, where the calf and ankle are not well-defined, are incredibly common. One of the main reasons for this is the effect that hormones have on fat distribution. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, is one of the main driving factors of where fat is localized. But, “thicker” legs also have other contributing factors, such as heredity and age. In fact, diet can even affect our leg fat. One study showed that women with high fat, high calorie diets store an increased proportion of dietary fat in leg fat compared with men (1)(2) Thankfully, liposuction is an incredibly effective way to remove fat from the ankles, calves, and thighs, allowing patients to rid themselves of this troublesome tissue permanently.

Liposuction Treatment

Liposuction has been used in cosmetic procedures for many years. It is a proven, safe way for patients to change their body contour and rid themselves of stubborn fat in areas resistant to diet and exercise. It’s less invasive than conventional cosmetic surgery, with small incision sites as access points to remove the problematic fat. Using a suction tool called a cannula, a surgeon dislodges the fatty tissue from its surroundings and permanently removes it.

Leg fat can be tough to shift, even though we may be eating and living right. But although liposuction removes fat, it is not a weight loss procedure. All patients who receive liposuction treatment, including those who opt for a lipo leg makeover, should be within 30% of their normal body mass index (BMI). (5)

What is Lipedema?

Liposuction is the main surgical intervention for lipedema. Lipedema is a condition that almost exclusively occurs in women. It can develop around times of hormonal change such as pregnancy and is resistant to diet and exercise. It causes large amounts of fat to accumulate in the lower body. Scientists believe this is due to hyperplasia (an increase in the reproduction rate of cells) and hypertrophy (cell size increase).(3)(4)  The main indicator of lipedema is a buildup of fat in the legs, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes arms. Other signs of lipedema include:

  • Textured skin
  • Pain in the affected area
  • Easily bruised skin
  • Blocked lymphatic pathways (lipo-lymphedema)
  • Mobility problems

Liposuction enables patients to manage lipedema, reducing uncomfortable symptoms and allowing those with the condition better quality of life.

Benefits of a Lipo Leg Makeover

A lipo leg makeover:

  • Is a straightforward, in-office procedure
  • Permanently removes unwanted fat
  • Results in a slimmer leg profile
  • Alleviates discomfort
  • Allows for wider wardrobe choices
  • Has minimal downtime

Candidates

People with excess leg fat who want to address the issue with a liposuction procedure may benefit greatly from a lipo leg makeover. Patients may wish to choose liposuction for the legs and ankles as a standalone procedure, or combine it with other treatments to enhance their overall appearance. Although liposuction is a straightforward treatment, it is not for everyone. You may not be able to get liposuction if you have these conditions:

  • Severe cardiovascular disease
  • A severe blood clotting disorder
  • A BMI over 30% above average
  • An active infection in the area

Those with lipedema may be more likely to have varicose veins. If you have varicose veins in your legs, these will need to be treated before your lipo leg makeover can take place.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Zulkhe invites every patient to come in and discuss the procedure they want in person. If you are interested in the lipo leg makeover and what it can do for you, please schedule an appointment to discuss your needs with us. After we take a few details about your medical history, and find out exactly what you’d like to change, we can schedule your lipo leg makeover on a day that best suits you.

Preparation

To prepare for liposuction:

  • If you smoke, stop smoking at least a month before your surgery
  • Stop taking aspirin-based medications (NSAIDs) two weeks beforehand
  • Plan to take between 1-2 weeks off work with your employer
  • Arrange transportation to and from our office
  • Fill your prescriptions ahead of time
  • Follow dietary restrictions in the hours before your procedure (where indicated)
  • Choose loose-fitting, comfortable clothing on your day of treatment

Procedure

Leg liposuction is performed while you are under general anesthesia. Once we have administered the anesthesia and it has taken effect, Dr. Zulkhe will thoroughly cleanse the areas and make the first small incision for the cannula. For every area of the legs, he will make a strategic cannula placement incisions. He will then remove the necessary amount of fat from your legs, focusing on contouring the thighs, calves, and ankles. Once this is complete, he will suture the incision points before wrapping both legs with compression bandages.

Recovery

Follow Dr. Zulkhe’s post operative instructions closely. These include:

  • Taking pain medication exactly as prescribed
  • Not taking aspirin-based medications until otherwise directed
  • Refraining from smoking until you have fully healed
  • Wearing a compression garment as directed
  • Avoid strenuous activities, pools, baths, saunas, and hot tubs

After your surgery, you should expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Some patients will bruise more readily than others. To manage pain, take the medication prescribed by Dr. Zulkhe and aim to rest as much as possible. Get up and walk around a little every few hours and carefully increase your daily activities over time. Take great care when putting on and taking off clothing, and when showering.

Results

The speed at which you will notice your final results will depend how quickly you heal and how much fat has been removed from your legs. Most patients see their final results once swelling has resolved after 1-3 weeks. Slimmer, sleeker thighs and calves and reduced fat in the ankles allows patients more freedom to wear what they want and can give a 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Abdominal Liposuction – If you experience abdominal fat that won’t shift, no matter how healthy your lifestyle is, then an abdominal liposuction procedure could help. An important aspect of the Mommy Makeover, abdominal liposuction can also be a standalone procedure to help men and women to contour their body.

Hip and Waist Liposuction – The “snatched” waist is a popular aesthetic trend that accentuates the natural curvature of the body. Augmentation through hip and/or waist liposuction can help you look your best in form-fitting clothing and effectively removes fat to form an “hourglass-like” figure.

EmsculptEmsculpt is an advanced treatment that burns fat and builds muscle simultaneously. Using HIFEM (High-Intensity Focused ElectroMagnetic) technology, Emculpt rapidly contracts large groups of muscles to shape and tone the waist, buttocks, and other areas of the body. This can provide you with an enviable sculpted, toned body

Cost of a Lipo Leg Makeover in Denver

The cost of your lipo leg makeover will depend on your individual requirements. For an accurate estimate, and to discuss your needs further, please book a personal consultation at Advanced Body Sculpting Institute. Call our Englewood office at (303) 708-8770 or fill out an online form to inquire.

You can also stay informed about our liposuction services by reading our blog.

FAQ

Is liposuction a way to get rid of cankles?

Poor definition in the calf and ankle area, commonly referred to as “cankles” can be addressed with liposuction. Although nothing can change the natural musculature of your calves, liposuction can significantly reduce the amount of fatty tissue in the area.

Can thigh liposuction help me with chafing?

Yes! Depending on your body type and the amount of fat removed, liposuction can minimize thigh rubbing for more comfortable movement.

Can I get a thigh gap from liposuction?

Many people who get leg liposuction note that the reduction in the amount of fat in their thighs created a larger thigh gap than they had previously. Book an appointment to speak to your provider about your expected results.

References

  1. Frank, A. P., de Souza Santos, R., Palmer, B. F., & Clegg, D. J. (2018). Determinants of body fat distribution in humans may provide insight about obesity-related health risks. Journal of Lipid Research, 60(10), 1710–1719. https://doi.org/10.1194/jlr.r086975 
  2. Santosa, S., & Jensen, M. D. (2008). Why are we shaped differently, and why does it matter? American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 295(3), E531–E535. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.90357.2008 
  3. Peprah, K., & MacDougall, D. (2019). Liposuction for the Treatment of Lipedema: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines. In PubMed. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545818/ 
  4. Jo, J., Gavrilova, O., Pack, S., Jou, W., Mullen, S., Sumner, A. E., Cushman, S. W., & Periwal, V. (2009). Hypertrophy and/or Hyperplasia: Dynamics of Adipose Tissue Growth. PLoS Computational Biology, 5(3), e1000324. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000324 
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