A common colloquial term used to describe the unsightly, thick combination of the ankle and calf, “cankles” illustrates the appearance of a lack of definition between the calf and ankle, usually due to the excess accumulation of fat cells or liquid retention at the ankle. Though not necessarily harmful to health, cankles can be an aesthetic annoyance. Luckily, specialized liposuction can offer a permanent, more aesthetically satisfying solution to those seeking to slim, sculpt, and shape their lower legs. Here’s everything you need to know about liposuction for cankles.
WHAT CAUSES CANKLES?
Cankles can form due to one or any of the following:
- Genetic influences
- Weight gain
- Changes in medication can adversely affect the body’s ability to regulate water retention, resulting in swelling between the calves and ankles
- Lipedema, lymphedema, and other lymphatic disorders
- Pregnancy
- Liver or kidney disease
If cankles don’t resolve from proper diet and exercise, specifically jumping rope, calf raises, plie squats, lunges, or other compound, resistance movements, cankle liposuction may be the ultimate antidote to the cankle conundrum.
WHAT IS CANKLE LIPOSUCTION?
Because liposuction is usually performed in the buttocks, hips, and thighs, specialized calf and ankle liposuction is typically less invasive than traditional liposuction. It is the custom extraction of the excess fatty tissue in the area where the calf and ankle meet, resulting in a more sculpted, refined aesthetic. Cankle liposuction is recommended for anyone whose rigorous diet and exercise regimens have proved unsuccessful in dislodging fatty deposits from that area. Here is how the specialized technique is performed:
- A local anesthetic is injected into the fatty tissue
- Small, horizontal incisions are made around calf and ankle areas
- A small tube (cannula) is inserted to break up fatty deposits, then suctioned out of the body by a vacuum-like device
- Incisions are closed-up with sutures and covered with compression bandages
Post-op recovery requires the patient to wear compression garments for several weeks to reduce swelling and help shape the area for much-anticipated final results. Light, low-impact exercises, such as walking are recommended within a few days of the procedure.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR CANKLE LIPOSUCTION?
If you’ve been living with cankles and no amount of diet or exercise seem to budge the stubborn fat from that specific region, you may be a good candidate for cankle liposuction. Here are other factors to help determine candidacy for cankle liposuction:
- Be between 15% and 30% of ideal, target body weight
- Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
- Have no underlying health conditions
- Be a non-smoker
- Have realistic body goals and expectations
(Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/cankle-surgery#why-people-choose-surgery )
If you’ve been struggling with unwanted, increased size in your lower legs and wish to slip into fashion-forward clothing like skinny jeans and ankles booties with ease and comfort, calf, ankle, or cankle liposuction may be the perfect solution your body’s been waiting for. Give us a call to set up a consultation with the world-renowned, Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon and liposuction expert, Dr. Jaime Schwartz, and get the gams you’ve been dreaming of.
