Dry Liposculpture of the Calves and Ankles-A Novel Technique for Sculpting the Lower Legs.

[BACKGROUND] Liposuction of the calves and ankles was historically described as a "taboo" procedure and linked with higher postoperative pain and unpleasing aesthetic results.

[OBJECTIVES] This study presents a Novel technique for dry liposculpture of the calves and ankles using a tourniquet, as a safe and less painful procedure, which achieves better aesthetic results.

[METHODS] This single surgeon, retrospective study included 70 women who underwent surgery based on the technique described. Details regarding the surgical outcomes and pain levels were collected, and patients completed 2 years of follow-up.

[RESULTS] A mean of 1395 cc fat was aspirated from both legs, combined, and the mean duration of surgery was 98 minutes. No major complications were observed, and postoperative pain levels were low. Pre- and post-surgery pictures were evaluated by 8 certified senior plastic surgeons for aesthetic results.

[DISCUSSION] The findings suggest that dry liposculpture is suitable for reshaping the calves and ankles.

[CONCLUSIONS] This technique is safe, with precise and satisfactory aesthetic results, low levels of postoperative pain, and may take less time to perform than wet liposuction.

[LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV] This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .