Body

What is the so-called “culote”? How can it be corrected?

This is the deformity caused by the localized accumulation of fat on the upper and lateral thighs (trochanteric region or hip-joint) resembling the shape of riding pants. This effect can be corrected by liposuction. In severe cases, trochanteric dermolipectomy (removal of skin plus fat) may be indicated.

 

How are the scars?

In cases of trochanteric liposuction, the scars are punctate and well camouflaged. In severe cases, the final scar will be relatively evident. It will be located in the hip area until the beginning of the thigh.

 

Thin Legs (Leg Belly Atrophy)

Why do some people have thin legs or calf atrophy?

Thin or stunted legs (hypotrophy) can be congenital or acquired. Congenital cases are always bilateral, that is, both legs are symmetrically thin. In cases where only one leg is thin, the cause can be traumatic or infectious (infantile paralysis, for example).

 

What are the basic surgical procedures for this type of problem?

The treatment for the atrophy of the calf is done with a textured silicone prosthesis (compressibility, elasticity, resistance and softness) similar to muscle tone.

Anesthesia can be general or epidural. A 4 to 5 cm incision is made in the popliteal cavity (upper and posterior part of the leg near the knee flexion bend) and the silicone prosthesis is placed in the calf muscle store (internal twin muscle or soleus) by through a small opening (incision) made in aponevrosis (fibrous membrane that lines or surrounds the muscles).

 

What are the results? Could there be some kind of problem?

The result is good and definitive. Eventually, rupture of muscle aponevrosis may occur, when the material included undergoes some displacement. There may also be a rupture of the silicone capsule, which does not usually have major consequences.