How is High Definition SmartLipo for the Calves Different from Traditional Liposuction?

There are a number of things that make High Definition SmartLipo (HDS) to the calves different from regular liposuction to the calves.

First, I almost always use SmartLipo, which is liposuction with the additional step  of using a small fiber-optic laser which is inserted directly into the subcutaneous fat. This both melts fat directly and also heats up the skin, so that there is greater skin tightening. This is always done in the office. I am able to do this in a very comfortable fashion for the patient. There are no IVs involved, only oral medication.

CAN THE CALVES ALWAYS BE IMPROVED?
The answer is yes, fat can usually be reduced. However, many women have larger muscles and larger bones than they want and the amount of fat that contributes to this can sometimes be significant and sometimes very little. You can usually tell by feeling the upper and lower calves whether there is a significant amount of fat contributing to the fullness.

WHAT MAKES HDS TO THE CALVED DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR SMARTLIPO?
Normally, when I do Smartlipo to the calves, I use one small incision to the in the posterior, superior medial aspect. This is where most of the fat is located and I can almost always reduce the fat in this area and get some nice skin tightening to this area as well.

When I perform HDS, I will use several very small incisions lower leg and usually medial knee area. After marking the lower leg carefully, I will fully numb the area. Thereafter, I will use progressively smaller cannulas to sculpt the calves and lower legs, including around the muscles of the lower leg, to greater highlight them. I may even have you contract your muscles to help highlight your muscle definition, or even stand up, to see if things change with gravity. In the final step, I will use SmartLipo to further refine the calves – the laser will both melt fat and tighten the skin. These additional incisions allow me to access areas around the entire lower leg, that I would not normally be able to reach.

At the conclusion of the procedure, we will place you in a comfortable, snug lower body garment that needs to extend to the ankles. You can take it off to shower the next evening and daily. However, I want it worn the rest of the time, for at least 4-6 weeks and sometimes longer. It would be wise to get 2 garments since you will need to wash it daily.

You will continue improve for 6 months. The lower legs, because of the gravity, are more likely to swell. For the next several weeks, when you sit down, it is best if you also elevate your legs on a chair. When you go to sleep, try and elevate your feet in 2-4 pillows. When you are relaxing on the couch, do the same thing. You ideally want your legs elevated above your heart.

WHO IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR SMARTLIPO TO THE  CALVES?
The ideal candidate will have good skin tone, which usually means they are less than 55 years old (of course, this will vary from person to person, so this is a guideline). They will do best if they are within 20% of their ideal weight, though heavier individuals should still benefit significantly. Of course, you should be in reasonable health and not a smoker. Smoking interferes with wound healing – you should quit all nicotine products for 4 weeks before and after surgery

IS THERE A COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HDS AND TRADITIONAL SMARTLIPO?
HDS takes me a lot more time than traditional Smartlipo and requires both greater expertise and specialized equipment. Therefore, there will be a higher charge.

Have other questions about High Definition SmartLipo or other cosmetic procedures? Call us at 703-406-2444 to schedule your complimentary, private consultation with me. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have!