LEG CONTOURING
CORRECTION OF LEG CURVATURE
Correction of leg curvature can be achieved in two ways;
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants may be inserted, or the area may be thickened by injecting fat tissue or a tissue cocktail. However, due to possible complications, silicone implants are not preferred in our clinic.
Tissue Injection (Fat or Tissue Cocktail)
In our clinic, we correct these curvatures as desired by performing tissue injection with fat or a tissue cocktail. This technique and its results were published in the American Journal of Plastic Surgery in recent months and were presented with great success. Since this thickening is achieved only with the patient’s own tissues, the risk of foreign body reaction is eliminated. Unlike silicone implants, this method does not damage bones or muscles. Another advantage is that with 2–3 repeated tissue injections, we can achieve the desired thickness and shape in the targeted areas, which is considered a significant benefit.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
In recent years, there have been major developments in laser technology. One of the innovations in laser technology is laser lipolysis. With laser lipolysis, it is possible to eliminate moderate fat accumulation without serious risks and in a painless way.
Who Is a Candidate for Laser-Assisted Liposuction?
Laser-assisted liposuction is applied in patients who have resistant fat accumulation in the whole body or in multiple areas, together with laser lipolysis. In this way, skin sagging and irregularities that may occur with classical liposuction are reduced, providing better results.
Which Areas of the Body Can Be Treated with Laser-Assisted Liposuction?
It can be applied to all body areas with moderate fat accumulation, including regions where body contouring with classical liposuction is difficult and prone to sagging, such as the inner arms, under the chin, neck, upper abdomen, back, and ankles.
What Is Laser-Assisted Liposuction?
When laser lipolysis was first introduced, in patients with mild or moderate fat accumulation, the fat was broken down by the laser but left in the body without suction. During patient follow-up, it was observed that if adequate exercise was not performed, some of the released fat was not fully metabolized by the body and accumulated inside intact fat cells.
Therefore, in patients with moderate fat accumulation, after laser lipolysis, the released fat must be aspirated and removed from the body using fine cannulas. Unlike standard liposuction cannulas, these do not scrape the fat, thus preventing unnecessary trauma. Their holes are round, allowing the suction of liquefied fat. They are also much thinner (1.8–2 mm) than conventional liposuction cannulas.
How Is Laser-Assisted Liposuction Performed?
First, the target area is cleaned. A 1–2 mm incision is made. A 1 mm diameter cannula (a thin metal tube) through which the laser fiber passes is inserted under the skin. This cannula is as thin as an injection needle. Laser pulses are delivered to the fat layer, breaking down fat cells. The released fat is then aspirated and removed from the body with a fine cannula. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the size of the area and the amount of fat.
The procedure is painless. Both sedation and local anesthetics are applied to the area, so no pain is felt during the operation.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes for each area.
Is There Pain After the Procedure?
There is no unbearable pain after the operation. Depending on the size of the treated area, patients can rest for 1–2 days and then return to their social life.
What Should Patients Do After Laser-Assisted Liposuction?
After the procedure, a corset should be worn for about 10–15 days. Gentle massage is recommended starting from the 10th day.
Are the Results Immediate?
Results are visible immediately, but the ideal appearance is achieved within a few months. The effect of laser lipolysis is permanent, as the number of fat cells is reduced during the procedure. Since the number of fat cells is fixed from puberty onwards, it does not increase.
What Are the Side Effects?
Mild swelling may occur. Bruising related to the anesthetic injection may be seen. Other than that, there are no serious side effects or risks.