Calf augmentation improves the shape and volume of the leg.
Calf implants seek to remodelate the shape of the leg, specially the inner aspect. We look for a curve and volume similar to what you could get with muscular work out.
First consultation free. Online consultation for overseas patients also available.
Patients seek calf implants to define the lower leg if it cannot be achieved by exercise alone, or to correct a muscle imbalance resulting from physical or birth defects . We can correct the volume and the look of a leg affected by poliomyelitis or talipes echinovarus.
Its great advantages are:
- Volumize and reshape the leg contour as desired, usually in a single procedure.
- The implant is placed under the gastrocnemius muscle. The edges of the silicone implant are not seen.
- Add mass and definition for the bodybuilder who is looking for more muscle development.
- To reconstruct the leg if there is a gross asymmetry with the normal, as after neurological diseases or echinovarus disease.
Fat grafting can be option to reshape the leg, but it does not give any projection and there is a risk of losing some volume in the long run, due to the natural changes in weight. This is why we prefer implants to give volume and contour. We use fat transfer to provide a better contour and to give some volume to the lower third of the leg and ankle. The lower third of the leg cannot be treated with calf implants.
In some patients, we can balance the thigh as well by placing an implant under the gracilis muscle or using fat grafting, in order to correct the hollowness of the inner thigh.
When is indicated a calf implants surgery?
Calf augmentation is indicated for those persons who:
- Do not get the volume and convexity desirable for the muscle despite doing exercise.
- Has any kind of congenital malformation.
- Had neurological or orthopaedic diseases.
What is a calf augmentation?
Semi-solid, fusiform and non-rigid calf implants are used under the gastrocnemius muscle. Before, we placed them over the muscle, under the fascia, but in this position they can be seen in the long term. In patients with severe atrophy, the technique may be different.
Under the muscle the implant is simply not seen and the look is absolutely natural.
In severe cases where we have a great atrophy, we have to do two stages. In the first stage we create the space by using a tissue expander. This is like a balloon that is inflated progressively until we have the space and volume needed. At the second stage, the expander is withdrawn and substituted by the definitive silicone implants. In these cases, implants are much bigger (350-400 cc)
The incision is located in the crease at the back of the knee. Alternatively, autologous fat obtained by liposuction and treated with the Coleman system can be used to fill the area. The fat gives a good contour but does not give projection. To achieve projection to the muscle and increase by 2-3 cm, the prosthesis is a much better method. Fat transfer, however, is very useful for the lower third of the leg and ankle, since the implant cannot be placed in these areas.
It is performed with local anesthesia and sedation, epidural, or general anesthesia, as appropriate
Postoperatory and recover from calf augmentation surgery.
After the operation, the most common thing is to spend the night in the clinic and return home the next day.
It is necessary to rest for a couple of days, and restart work activity in 4-7 days.
It is common to notice changes in sensitivity in the treated area, as well as the appearance of bruises and swelling in the feet and legs, which will disappear in a few weeks.
Gymnastics or other exercise involving intense activity of the calves should not be practiced during six weeks following the intervention. By doing so, a scar called capsule is produced by the body and isolate the prosthesis, which becomes fixed and not move.
The scar may remain red for months and sometimes hyperpigmented.
