Ankle Liposuction

Do you think you have “cankles”?

Many patients come to Dr. Rajagopal at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center in search of a procedure that will help reduce the size of their ankles. Ankle Liposuction, or Cankle Reduction Surgery, which is increasing in popularity, can slim down the ankle area and part of the calf to create a thinner and more feminine look to the lower legs. The term “cankle” is commonly used to describe an ankle that is not much slimmer than itself adjoining calf.

Unlike other areas of the body, ankles do not normally respond well to diet and exercise. This can be very frustrating for individuals who are unhappy with the size of their ankles and are unable to change the contour of this area on their own. Many uncontrollable factors, such as genetics, pre-determine ankle and calf size.

Cankles can be caused by excess fat deposits that happen to settle in the lower legs. Dr. Rajagopal determines whether excess fat or muscle tissue is the cause of the patient’s undesirable ankle circumference. During cankle reduction surgery, Dr. Rajagopal uses liposuction to remove excess fat deposits from the ankle area. Fat removal via liposuction can be performed on the lower calf area as well, if needed, to achieve the desired look.

Some women, in particular women of Asian descent, naturally have wider calves and ankles due to muscle hypertrophy (an increase in the size of muscle cells) rather than from excess fat deposits. Individuals with excess muscle tissue around the ankles are not candidates for the liposuction based cankle reduction surgery detailed above.

Ankle Liposuction Before & After Photos

*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.

Q & A

How much does ankle liposuction cost?

Learn about financing options, discounts and cost of ankle liposuction on our costs page.

What can I expect after ankle liposuction?

For the most part, recovery is easy. You will return home the same day and are encouraged to walk the day after surgery. You will need to wear a compression garmet during the first week. It will take 4-6 months to see the final results. The pain resolves relatively quickly and can be treated with Tylenol or Aleve.

To find out more about cankle reduction surgery or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajagopal, please call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center at 415-392-3333. We are located at 490 Post Street, Suite 430 in downtown San Francisco near Union Square and Powell BART station.