Gorgeous Gams: New York Liposuction Strategy for Legs
You may have noticed that when it comes to liposuction, plastic surgeons often use the word “sculpting.” There’s a good reason! Recontouring subcutaneous fat takes not just skill and experience, but a bit of an artist’s touch as well. The objective is to remove unsightly bulges and rolls, while leaving a smooth layer of fat cells for a slimmer, natural look.
Legs present an interesting cosmetic surgery challenge given their length and various areas that may need attention. That’s why, for our patients in New York, liposuction for the legs requires that we take a step back and create a plan that takes the whole picture into account. Here are some of the possible sites and factors we evaluate.
Liposuction for the Thighs
Most people interested in liposuction have their thighs in mind as the target. For many, reducing and recontouring the saddlebag area is a priority. For some, flabby inner thighs are also an area of concern. Experienced, board certified plastic surgeons are usually adept at treating these areas, and most patients’ skin will tighten up effectively after the procedure.
The back of the thighs can often benefit from light fat removal as well, but here great care is needed. The goal is to remove enough excess fat to achieve improvement, but not so much that the buttocks may droop after surgery.
Contouring the Knees
We find that some of our New York liposuction candidates aren’t aware that their knees have gained some bulges over the years. It happens gradually, as fat deposits accumulate and skin loses elasticity. Fortunately, inner knees can usually look much better with liposuction performed through incisions that are no more than a nick or two.
Cosmetic Surgery for “Cankles”
When patients who are near their ideal weight have fatty calves, or “cankles,” the culprit is most often genetics. Body shape is passed down from parents to children as much as other characteristics such as short stature and skin color. That doesn’t mean you necessarily have to accept the appearance of your calves, however, if it’s a sore point for you.
When considering liposuction for the calves, it’s important to understand the tradeoffs. We make sure our patients know that while we can help them attain more shapely lower legs, recovery can be surprisingly lengthy. Due to limited circulation and other factors, swelling can take up to six months to resolve completely.
Liposuction After Weight Loss
If you’ve lost a great deal of weight, lax skin may be as much an issue for you as stubborn fat deposits. We’ll examine you carefully and work with you to create the right plan if this is the case. More than simple liposuction, you may benefit most from a procedure called a thigh lift. We’ll use strategic liposuction to banish any pockets of fat that remain, and we’ll remove excess skin and tighten up the upper legs. You’ll see a lifting effect that will restore shape and a youthful appearance across a large area.
A Final Word
Around the country and right here in New York, liposuction is always #1 or #2 in cosmetic surgery popularity. Because it is performed so often, it may be easy for a prospective patient to fall into the trap of thinking they’ll get a good outcome with just about any doctor. It’s just not true! We see plenty of patients seeking liposuction revision because their results include craters, lumps and ripples.
Do your homework. Arrange at least two consultation appointments with plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, have been in practice for a few years and have excellent reputations. Make sure they perform liposuction for hundreds of patients annually and truly enjoy the challenge.
If you’d like to talk with us, we’d be delighted. Give us a call at 212-570-6080.
