Ankle Liposuction or Ankle Lipoplasty

Ankle Lipo is a cosmetic procedure to remove subcutaneous fat. It does not affect the muscle or bony structure. This procedure is not only useful for those with small localised fatty deposits, but also those with severely heavy legs.

To learn more about ankle liposuction in London, or to book a consultation with one of our consultants, please call 020 7901 8500 or fill in the contact form and we will respond to you by email or phone.

Oedema Vs Ankle Fat

Fat is present throughout the day and tends not to involve the feet. Oedema or extra fluid tends to increase during the day and in hot weather and during airplane flights. It also causes swelling of the feet, like lymphoedema, which is due to a deficiency in the draining of tissue fluid from the ankles.

Liposuction helps removes fat, but does not help oedema. Liposuction can reduce the amount of fat and therefore the opportunity for lympheodema to accumulate. It is sometimes used in conjunction with the wedge excisions of skin and soft tissue.

Is Ankle Lipo Right For You?

Ankle liposuction is safe when carried out by an experienced surgeon. It does not make oedema worse and can sometimes make an improvement by reducing the amount of tissue within which the oedema can accumulate. Patients with poor circulation and diabetes would need to be treated with great caution as healing can be reduced. Patients with cardiac or renal causes for oedema will not be helped.

As with any medical procedure, it is important to maintain realistic expectations regarding results ankle lipo, and these will be discussed at the consultation with the consultant.

About Ankle Lipoplasty

Liposuction of the ankles is one of the few areas where the fat can be reduced for the total circumference of the limb and is carried out through incisions in front of the ankle and either side of the achilles tendon at the back.

On the day of the surgery: Patients are asked to sign a consent form ensuring that patients understand the scope, nature, risks involved and the potential outcomes of the surgery. Patients being treated under sedation or general anaesthesia must avoid food for six hours before surgery and water for two.

During ankle liposuction: The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia or IV sedation. Three incisions are made around the ankle and the fat is aspirated through fine cannulae often using a tourniquet around the thigh to reduce bruising.

After ankle liposuction: The ankle is supported with tape and elastic support, usually tubi-grip, to cause compression and reduce bruising. The patient should try to keep the feet elevated for 12 hours post surgery, although a certain amount of walking is allowed. Simply standing should be avoided. There is some leakage from the incisions around the ankle for the first few hours and dressings in this area will need to be changed.The bandages will be removed a week later, but ankle support should be continued for the next few weeks until swelling has subsided.

Early results are encouraging, but improvement may continue for many months. There may be some slight bruising for this period of time.

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