Circumferential liposuction of calves and ankles.

Calf and ankle liposuction was performed on 110 patients for a total of 166 cases. Only 84% of these patients were satisfied with the results compared with 98% of those who underwent liposuction in other parts of the body. The author presents statistics and explains the criteria used to select patients for treatment. Selection is partly based on the preoperative thickness of subcutaneous fat. He also outlines the minimum amount of fat that should be reserved to avoid postoperative skin irregularity. The difficulties encountered during liposuction that are caused by the anatomical characteristics of the calves and ankles are discussed, and suggestions for solving such problems are presented. The author also describes special instruments he designed.