Türkçe Many women desire long and shapely legs. Besides genetic predisposition, this requires physical exercise, a healthy diet and regular skincare. If that does not help, surgical methods may offer an alternative. However, bones can neither be straightened nor elongated. The only possible way is more attractive contouring.
Frequently asked questions about leg contouring:
What is leg contouring?
Leg contouring is a procedure whose goal is a well-shaped leg from the buttocks down to the ankle. The procedure involves liposhaping (link), dermal fillers and – if requested or required – silicone implants.
Who is a good candidate for leg contouring?
Everyone who is not satisfied with the shapes of their legs. Often fat deposits form on the lower buttocks, on the inside of the thighs and in the knees. They make legs look short, stocky and un-shapely. In some persons, fat accumulates everywhere in the leg. Fat deposits under the knee, and thick ankles are further problem areas. The fat tissue can be reduced by liposuction (link). Other patients complain about too thin shanks. Here, silicone implants help to augment the calf and create a more muscular appearance. Slightly curved legs can be optically straightened with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers.
How is the procedure performed?
Various procedures exist. They are applied according to individual needs.
Liposhaping: Fat deposits on the lower buttocks, the thighs and in the back of the knees are removed. The optical result is longer and more regular legs. The excess fat below the knee and in the ankles is suctioned out with the aid of thin cannulas. The fat is then purified, concentrated and re-injected as dermal filler, mainly below the knee and in the calf to correct asymmetries.
Gluteal implants: Slim legs are beautiful, thin legs less so. Silicone implants are used to augment thin shanks. The implants are inserted through a small incision in the back of the knee. Muscular calves increase the shank-ankle contrast. Bodybuilders in particular prefer silicone implants for the calf.
Thigh tightening: With advancing age and after massive weight loss, the skin on the inside of the thighs loses its elasticity and begins to sag. Here, excess skin is removed with a vertical incision.
Dermal fillers: The patient’s own purified fat tissue or HA are injected for contouring purposes. A Macrolane brand filler lasts about 1 year.
Are there non-invasive methods for buttock tightening?
Regular physical activity, weight control, lymph drainage massage and radio wave treatment may achieve a certain degree of improvement.
What to do and what not to do before treatment?
Three weeks before an invasive / surgical treatment patient must stop smoking and taking aspirin. In the last week, patients must stop taking any anticoagulant (“blood-thinning”) medicine.
The following substances are also prohibited:
• pain killers such as Apranax, Voltaren and Vermidon (alternative brand names are Minoset and Novalgin)
• multivitamin tablets containing ginseng, ginkgo biloba and coenzyme Q,
• green tea, herbal products containing linseed, sour cherry stalks, tomato seeds
• all diet products.
Does the procedure require anaesthesia?
The operation is performed in a clinic under general anaesthesia or under sedation.
How long does the procedure take?
Leg contouring procedures take about 1-4 hours.
Is the procedure painful?
Calf implants can be a little uncomfortable and can cause some pain. Liposhaping may also cause some discomfort. However, the effect is not so strong as to prevent the patients from going about the regular lives.
What happens after the operation?
Patients are usually discharged the same day. They can take a bath after 2 days. After liposhaping, they have to wear a corset for 3 weeks. Liposhaping of the shanks and insertion of calf implants must be supported for 3 weeks by varices socks. Liposhaping can cause rather long-lasting swelling in the shank and ankles. Patients are advised to stand as little as possible in the first few weeks and put up their legs whenever possible. After 3 weeks physical activities are permitted; they should, however, not involve running. After 6 six weeks, you are free to exercise as you please. To achieve better contouring results, LPG, radio wave treatment and lymph drainage massage after the 2nd week are helpful.
What problems can occur after the operation?
The most serious, though very rare, complication during liposhaping is pulmonary emboli. To prevent any incident, we encourage patients to get up and move as soon as possible. Wrong application of liposuction can result in deformeties like rippling and depressions in the skin. With implants, there is the risk of capsular contracture or slipping which may cause asymmetries, and the implant may become visible from the outside. Also, the incision on the back of the knee may remain visible. There is always a small risk that the body rejects the dermal filler. Patients are therefore advised to use branded products that are absorbed by the body over time.
Is the result of leg contouring permanent?
A portion of the injected fat is absorbed. The new shape is, however, lasting. The improvements achieved with silicone implants are permanent. HA injections are absorbed by the body in about one year. To maintain their new shape, patients must watch their weight, do sports and look after their skin.