Skip to content You can get rid of cankles, but the right approach depends on what is causing them. For extra fat around the ankles, treatments like calf and ankle liposuction, BodyTite, or fat-dissolving injections may help reduce thickness in the area. Moreover, medical compression therapy is the proper treatment if cankles are caused by swelling.
Alongside these professional treatments, lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, good water intake, exercising with calf raises, ankle circles, and stair climbing can also make a visible difference.
The key to reduce cankles is combining the right method with consistent care. In this blog, let’s break down all options to help you get rid of cankles safely.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a medical diagnosis. While cankles are often cosmetic, swelling or changes in your ankles can sometimes signal underlying health issues. If you notice persistent swelling, pain, redness, or other unusual symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before trying any treatments.
Sometimes, cankles do not change with diet or exercise. This is common and normal. In these cases, medical and cosmetic treatments can help shape the lower leg and ankle area safely and in a controlled way.
This treatment removes extra fat from the lower legs and ankles. A doctor uses a thin tube to gently remove fat cells. This helps show a clearer gap between the calf and the ankle. The skin then sits better over the leg. Results can last a long time if your weight stays steady.
BodyTite uses warm energy under the skin. This heat melts fat and tightens loose skin at the same time. It is very helpful when cankles look soft or saggy. The skin becomes firmer and smoother over time. Small cuts are used, and healing is usually quick.
Fat-dissolving injections are used to treat small pockets of fat around the ankles. A trained clinician injects a special solution into the area. This liquid breaks the fat cells slowly. Over a few weeks, your body clears the fat away naturally.
This treatment works best for mild cankles, not large fat areas. Results appear slowly, which makes the change look natural. More than one session may be needed for the best result.
Lymphatic drainage helps when cankles are caused by fluid build-up, not fat. A gentle massage or soft machine moves extra fluid away from the ankles. This helps reduce puffiness and swelling in the lower legs.
The treatment feels relaxing and light. Many people notice their legs feel less heavy after each session. Regular sessions can help keep swelling under control, especially if you stand or sit for long hours.
Medical compression therapy uses special socks or stockings that gently press on the legs. This compression helps the fluid and blood circulate in the body, avoiding swelling and a thick appearance around your ankles.
Compression wear is helpful for daily swelling and tired legs. It can be worn during work or travel. Over time, it helps keep ankles slimmer and prevents fluid from building up again.Apart from cankles, if you are struggling with fat just under your skin, explore this guide on ‘How to lose subcutaneous fat?’ for safe treatment options.
Sometimes cankles happen because of swelling or fluid in the lower legs. Making simple changes in your daily life can help reduce this and improve the look of your ankles.
Eating too much salt can make your body hold extra water, which causes your legs and ankles to swell. Try to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals instead of processed or fast food. Reducing salt slowly can help your legs look slimmer over time.
It might sound strange, but drinking water actually helps remove excess salt and fluid from your body. Staying hydrated keeps your blood moving properly and can reduce puffiness in the legs and ankles. Try to drink water throughout the day instead of sugary drinks or alcohol.
Sitting or standing for a long time can make fluid stay in your lower legs. Take breaks often to walk, stretch, or do ankle circles. Even gentle movements help your blood flow and prevent swelling, which can make your ankles appear slimmer.
When you rest at home, lie down and lift your legs above heart level for 15–20 minutes. This uses gravity to help fluid travel away from your ankles. Doing this a few times a day can ease swelling and reduce puffiness over time.
Compression socks squeeze your lower legs lightly, helping blood and fluid move properly. This can prevent swelling and make your ankles look more defined. Wearing them while standing, walking, or traveling can be very helpful, especially if your legs tend to get puffy.
Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling improve circulation in your legs and can help reduce swelling. Over time, regular exercise also tones your calves and can give your ankles a firmer, healthier look. Make it a habit to move every day, even for 20–30 minutes.
Exercise is one of the best ways to shape your calves and make your ankles look slimmer. These exercises help strengthen your muscles, burn some fat, and improve blood flow. Doing them regularly can make a noticeable difference over time.
Stand straight and slowly lift your heels off the ground, balancing on the balls of your feet. Hold for a moment and then slowly lower. This can be done on flat ground, a step, or with light weights. Calf raises make your lower legs firmer and help create a clear line between your calf and ankle.
Sit on a chair comfortably and place your feet flat on the floor. Raise your heels as high as possible, then slowly lower them back down. Doing this several times strengthens the calves without putting stress on your knees, making your ankles appear more toned over time.
Sit or lie down and lift one leg slightly. Rotate your ankle slowly in clockwise and then counterclockwise circles. You can also point and flex your toes repeatedly. This improves ankle mobility and circulation and helps reduce fluid buildup that can make ankles look swollen.
Jumping rope is a fun, high-energy exercise that works your calves a lot. Even a few minutes at a time can help tone your lower legs and burn fat. Over time, this can make your ankles appear slimmer and more defined.
Simple walking or jogging every day strengthens your calves, improves circulation, and helps with overall fat burning. Even short 20–30 minute walks contribute to healthier, firmer ankles and help reduce puffiness caused by fluid retention.
Using stairs is a great way to work your calves naturally. Each step makes your calf muscles contract and stretch, which helps create better definition between your calf and ankle. Try using stairs at home, work, or a park daily for best results.
The right treatment depends on why your cankles appear and what result you want. Everyone’s legs are different, so one treatment does not suit all.
You should contact your healthcare professional if you have any:
Cankles can be reduced or reshaped with the right approach, whether through professional treatments like BodyTite, liposuction, or fat-dissolving injections, lifestyle changes, or targeted exercises. The right treatment for cankles is always decided on your needs and the underlying cause, and combining approaches often gives the best results.
If you are considering professional contouring, BodyTite at Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds offers a safe, minimally invasive option to slim and tighten the lower legs with natural-looking results.
01. Why do I have cankles if I’m skinny?
Cankles can be inherited. If your parents had thicker ankles, you might have them too. Bone size, ankle joints, and fat distribution also play a role.
02. What causes fat cankles?
Cankles may be caused by excess fat or fluid around the ankles. Key factors may be sitting or standing too long, high salt intake, genetics, poor circulation, medications, or certain medical conditions.
03. Does walking reduce ankle fat?
Yes, regular exercises like walking, calf raises, incline walking, or jumping rope help tone your calves and improve circulation. This can make your ankles appear slimmer over time.
04. How to get rid of fat near the ankles?
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing compression stockings can help reduce ankle fat and fluid buildup.
05. Is it possible to lose cankles?
Diet and exercise may help, but it’s often hard to fully remove cankles naturally. For lasting results, ankle or calf liposuction can reshape the area safely.
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Please note: Yorkshire Skin Centre now operates as Abela Medical Ltd. You may hear this name when we contact you, send emails, or process payments. We're still the same clinic, in the same location, with the same team looking after you.
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Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark Gorman is a consultant plastic surgeon and department lead at Salford Royal, specialising in facial plastics and complex reconstructive procedures. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including oculoplastic, nasal, ear, abdominal, and microsurgical reconstruction, with particular focus on breast, head and neck, and lower limb reconstruction.
With a non-surgical and surgical skillet, Dr. Gorman is known for using advanced techniques to achieve natural, harmonious results. His approach often integrates dermal fillers and fat transfer to enhance facial features in combination with a range of deep plane facelifts.
Beyond facial aesthetics, his specialties include high-definition liposuction, allowing for precise body contouring.
Dr. Gorman’s approach to plastic surgery is rooted in skill, combining technical precision with a deep understanding of aesthetics to achieve refined and personalised outcomes for each patient.Dr.Gorman is a key opinion leader (KOL) for major UK aesthetic companies, also has taught at BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons), bringing his expertise to the next generation of surgeons.
Additionally, he runs his own aesthetic training company, further extending his influence in the field.Dedicated to total well-being, Dr. Gorman created the Look Body Mind philosophy, which blends aesthetics and wellness for a holistic approach to beauty.Whether you’re looking for subtle enhancements or comprehensive reconstructive work, Dr. Gorman’s patient-centered care, grounded in precision, skill and an exceptional aesthetic eye, ensures that you will feel confident throughout your journey.
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Sophie brings over a decade of customer service expertise to her role as Receptionist at Yorkshire Skin Centre. With a strong foundation in retail management and the travel industry, she is recognised for her warm, approachable manner and professional attitude—ensuring every client feels welcomed and valued from the moment they arrive.
Highly organised and calm under pressure, Sophie thrives in fast-paced environments and seamlessly manages a wide range of front-of-house responsibilities.
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Herezel McCourt is a highly experienced Registered Nurse at Yorkshire Skin Centre, bringing over two decades of clinical expertise across diverse surgical and medical specialties. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Perioperative Practice from Huddersfield University, UK, and a BSc in Nursing from Cebu Doctors’ University in the Philippines.
Herezel has spent the majority of her career within the NHS, most recently as a Clinical Specialist in Ophthalmic Surgery at The MidYorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.
Her extensive background includes roles in operating theatres, anaesthetic care, ENT, urology, plastics, maxillofacial, orthopaedic, and podiatric nursing, among others.
Renowned for her professionalism, dedication, and compassionate care, Herezel is also a trained mentor, assessor, and ANTT trainer. She has led initiatives in recruitment, risk assessment, SOP development, and patient care pathway planning. Her leadership credentials are strengthened by a Level 3 Award in First Line Management and a strong commitment to staff development and peer support.
Herezel is a calm and supportive presence to both patients and colleagues, and her attention to clinical excellence makes her an invaluable member of the Yorkshire Skin Centre team.
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Rhea Levitt is a highly experienced Clinical Assistant at Yorkshire Skin Centre, known for her hands-on approach, warm personality, and commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. With a solid background in healthcare settings, Rhea brings valuable clinical expertise and administrative support to the team.
Her wide-ranging experience includes phlebotomy, wound care, ECGs, diabetic foot checks, B12 injections, and assisting in minor surgical procedures. She is also skilled in patient health monitoring, spirometry, and providing support during clinics such as coil fittings and cancer care.
Rhea’s well-rounded clinical knowledge is matched by her excellent organisational skills and a calm, compassionate approach to patient wellbeing.
In addition to her clinical duties, Rhea supports the practice by carrying out internal audits and ensuring best practices are upheld throughout the clinic. She plays a key role in maintaining smooth day-to-day operations and upholding the high standards that Yorkshire Skin Centre is known for.
Dedicated, professional, and always ready to help, Rhea is an invaluable member of the team who helps ensure that every patient receives attentive, safe, and seamless care.
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Raman holds a Bachelor of Science with Bachelor of Education (BSc, BEd) from India, a qualification that integrates scientific studies and teaching education, equipping her with a strong foundation in both fields. She is currently building her career in the UK healthcare industry, bringing her hardworking, compassionate, and friendly nature to the team.
With valuable experience in customer service and patient care, Raman plays a key role in managing day-to-day operations, handling bookings, and ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all patients.
Her dedication to excellence and passion for healthcare and client well-being make her an integral part of our team.
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Nichola is a highly skilled practitioner with a strong background in beauty and holistic therapies. She earned her Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification with distinction from the Yorkshire College of Beauty and further enhanced her expertise with Level 4 Specialist training. She is also CIDESCO-certified, an internationally recognized gold standard in beauty and spa therapy, ensuring clients receive the highest level of care and treatments.
With 18 years of customer service experience, primarily in the hospitality industry, Nichola deeply understands the importance of building strong client relationships. She is known for her hardworking nature, punctuality, and dedication to continuous learning.
Passionate about skincare and wellness, Nichola is committed to expanding her expertise in a leading skin clinic. She believes that the knowledge and experience she gains will be invaluable in delivering the highest standard of care to her clients.
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Please note: Yorkshire Skin Centre now operates as Abela Medical Ltd. You may hear this name when we contact you, send emails, or process payments. We’re still the same clinic, in the same location, with the same team looking after you.
Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC registered medical clinic. Led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetic medicine.
Dr Raj Thethi is a Northern Territory Regional Expert for an international dermal filler company called Teoxane. He also sits on their National UK Faculty. He is nationally recognised leader in the field of Aesthetics and a skilled trainer up..Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC registered medical clinic. Led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetic medicine.
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Dr Raj is the Founder and Clinical Director of the Yorkshire Aesthetic Clinic. With a successful career in aesthetics and a passion for patient care, Dr. Raj found that his expertise in facial aesthetics was a natural progression where he could showcase his warm and friendly demeanour alongside his exceptional skills.
Dr Raj specialises in advanced facial aesthetics, offering a wide range of treatments and skin procedures. With his extensive training and experience in both medical and aesthetic fields, he brings a unique perspective to delivering exceptional results.
Driven by his passion for patient satisfaction, Dr Raj established the Yorkshire Aesthetic Clinic. Located in a comfortable and welcoming environment, the clinic provides a luxurious and refined setting for patients seeking aesthetic treatments…. Read More
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Hi, I’m Sarah Coates. I’m a Senior Change Manager, Hogan accredited coach, proud mum of 2 beautiful boys and am blessed with incredible friends to get into mischief with!
As I headed towards my 40th birthday, my life changed in a way that I could never have imagined and I came off that roller coaster with a new lease of life, with an understanding of the importance of self care and a huge amount of gratitude.
I love to travel, have a passion for interior design and enjoy sharing all that life has to offer with my beautiful family and fabulous friends.
If I’m not at work, you’ll find me playing at the park with my boys, enjoying the sun in Ibiza, listening to music or at the bar with a glass of fizz!
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I am Senior Manager currently working for a small charity based in Leeds. My role is both professionally stimulating and challenging. No two days are ever the same. It includes aspects of advocacy, client rights, individual representation and inclusivity.
One milestone that resonates deeply is the creation of support groups, safe spaces where clients can openly share their stories. Witnessing the impact of these connections has fuelled my determination to improve the journey of others.
Through my own aesthetic endeavours , I’ve developed an unparalleled understanding of the emotional nuances tied to cosmetic treatments. This empathy allows me to offer sincere reassurance and guidance, especially during moments of vulnerability, in an era of aesthetic care that marries technical expertise with genuine human understanding and a person centred approach.
In my spare time I love the outdoors, enjoying hillwalking, taking part in sport, managing my bountiful allotment, and enhancing my cookery skills trying different cuisines (..no Masterchef yet).. and travel.
Consultant and General Surgeon
Dr. Khan earned her MD from Copenhagen University in 2003 and boasts over 20 years of medical expertise. Her early career was dedicated to dermatology and gynaecology across Yorkshire, and in 2011, she became a qualified GP from The Royal College of General Practitioners in London.
Dr. Khan’s commitment to women’s health is evident through her achievements. In 2012, she earned a Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health.
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Alana embarked on a career in nursing in 2008, following her comprehensive training and graduation. Since then, she has accrued a wealth of experience working in a variety of roles within both the NHS and private healthcare sectors. Known for her dedication and exceptional skills, Alana rapidly ascended into management, and for the past seven years, has been serving as a matron.
Throughout her career, she has consistently maintained her clinical competencies and academic studies. She initially earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, later advancing her studies to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Independent Prescriber. Her commitment to continuous professional development led to the completion of her full Master’s degree.
Alana’s passion for skin spurred her to further specialise in this field. In 2017, she pursued training in facial aesthetics, a decision that marked the beginning of a significant new chapter in her career. Since then, she has been affiliated with several leading skin clinics across the UK, where she has honed her expertise and built a reputation for excellence. Her extensive knowledge and experience in skin led her to become an expert medical trainer and since 2021, Alana has been imparting her knowledge at an award-winning training academy. Previously, she held the prestigious position of National Trainer for SKN Clinics, where she educated a variety of medical professionals, including plastic surgeons.
While Alana enjoys all aspects of skin, she has a particular fondness for medical-grade skin care, which she believes offers unparalleled benefits to patients. Her dedication to patient care and her professional knowledge and skills, make her a standout figure in this field. Through her work, Alana has positively impacted numerous lives, helping patients achieve their best skin health and aesthetic goals. In her trainer role, Alana is known for her meticulous approach and her ability to convey complex information in an accessible manner, ensuring that her trainees are well-equipped to deliver high-quality care. Her leadership and mentorship have been crucial in elevating the standards of practice within the industry.
Alana’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing and aesthetics. Her professional journey reflects a blend of clinical expertise, academic achievement, and a genuine passion for improving patient care. As she continues to advance her career, Alana remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of the field, continually enhancing her skills and knowledge to provide the best possible care to her patients and to train the next generation of skin care professionals.
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
With over 15 years of experience in the NHS, Mr Nikos Lymperopoulos specialises in reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. He graduated from the University of Athens Medical in 2009 and completed his basic surgical training in Liverpool. After earning a PhD with honours in DIEP clinical anatomy research in 2013, he completed advanced surgical training in plastic surgery across Yorkshire and Liverpool, including a cosmetic fellowship in the North West.
Mr Lymperopoulos further honed his expertise with two prestigious breast reconstruction microsurgical fellowships at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea and Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals in London. His extensive experience in breast reconstruction after mastectomy provides a profound understanding of surgical anatomy and aesthetics, benefiting procedures such as breast augmentation, reduction, and uplift. Additionally, he is highly skilled in abdominoplasty, often enhanced with liposuction or muscle repair, especially post-pregnancy.
Specialising in skin cancer treatment, he adeptly handles Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. He offers a comprehensive range of breast and body cosmetic surgeries, including breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer, breast reduction, uplift, tummy tucks, and liposuction. Combined procedures, such as “mommy makeovers,” are also available to restore post-pregnancy body contours.
Trained in both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation, Mr Lymperopoulos performs eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), as well as toxin and filler injections. Currently, he serves as a Consultant at Mid Yorkshire Teaching Hospitals, specialising in breast reconstruction and skin cancer surgery, and holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer position at the University of Leeds.
An advocate for education and research, Mr Lymperopoulos has over 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals and a PhD in microsurgical breast reconstruction. As an Education Lead, he developed “The Yorkshire FRCS (Plast) Course” to aid UK trainees in their exit exams. His innovative training simulator was awarded first place in Innovation at the BAPRAS meeting in 2021.
Blepharoplasty, also known as an eye lift, is a surgical procedure performed on the eyelids to improve their appearance. It can address concerns like:
Excess skin on the upper eyelids: This can obstruct vision and create a hooded appearance.
Bags under the lower eyelids: These can make you look tired or aged.
Drooping lower eyelids: This can also obstruct vision and contribute to a tired appearance.
Types of Blepharoplasty:
Upper blepharoplasty: This addresses concerns with the upper eyelids, removing excess skin and sometimes fat or muscle tissue.
Lower blepharoplasty: This addresses concerns with the lower eyelids, removing excess fat or skin and sometimes repositioning tissues.
Asian blepharoplasty: This addresses specific concerns related to the anatomy of Asian eyelids, creating a more defined crease.
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