Calf Implants, also called Calf Augmentation

Definition: Calf Augmentation is a very popular procedure, which will create cosmetic fullness in the lower leg and can help those men and women who, even after extensive muscular development, can’t achieve the calf muscle toning they desire. This is a procedure designed to increase the size and shape of the calves through surgical insertion of artificial implants into the calf. The implants are made in a variety of sizes and are constructed of solid silastic. The consistency is firm yet rubbery and comparable with firm muscles.

Is it right for me?
Calf implants can make your legs look as if they have been working out. They add both mass and definition to the calves. Men typically undergo calf augmentation to emphasize bulk. Women undergo this procedure for anatomical balance, so that the lower leg is more proportionate to the thighs. Calf augmentation can be performed for cosmetic reasons, but can also be done to correct congenital and physical defects. Here are some of the conditions that calf augmentation can correct. Polio Disease (Poliomyelitis): A disease that can leave one partially or completely paralyzed in the lower legs. Calf augmentation can help give more balance to the calf muscle area. Spina Bifida – a rare genetic birth defect that affects the complete development of the nervous system and can affect one’s mobility. Calf augmentation can help correct conditions where the calf muscle is smaller than one on the other leg because of nerve damage. This can bring about a more balanced leg appearance. Clubfoot - a birth defect that results in the foot being twisted out of position, with the heel and toe being turned inward. In certain cases, the condition can affect how calf muscles develop and end up with one muscle smaller than the other. Calf augmentation can aid in creating the natural anatomical balance one desires.

Surgery: General anesthesia is used and it takes about two hours. Incisions can be placed behind the knee in the crease and these become imperceptible. The space is made exactly in the right place for the implant. This is above the lateral or medial gastrocnemius muscle or both. These muscles are usually very small. The tough ligament above the muscle (the fascia) in incised to prevent too much pressure. The implants do not have a tendency to migrate or move around. The only dressing is an elastic ace wrap. No drains.

Risks: Inherent risks and complications include hematoma, infection, inflammation, seroma and asymmetry. Also be advised there are risks of anesthesia. All forms of cosmetic surgery carry some degree of risks and complications. Risks for calf implants include infection and bleeding. Another possible complication is implants shifting and causing the results to appear asymmetrical.

Side Effects: It is typical to feel some degree of pain and discomfort after undergoing surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate the pain. Some bruising and swelling is to be expected following surgery, but this is only temporary. The scars from this procedure are small and usually well hidden in the skin fold behind your knee.

Recovery time: The down time for this procedure is difficult to determine as each case is individual. However, on those with an office job with little walking and a lot of sitting, the time off is about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your individual needs. For those who are required to do physical labor, the time off is about 3 weeks. You can't walk around a lot nor walk up stairs at first when you have this type of implant. You also should elevate your legs as much as possible for the first week and wear a type of support hose for 3 weeks. Normally, you may return to exercise and other activities after 6 weeks. The result is essentially permanent and does not diminish over time.