Calf Implants

What is Calf Implant Surgery?

Calf implant surgery is a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure involving the implantation of medical-grade silicone to the leg muscles for improved appearance. The procedure is sometimes referred to as calf augmentation and is the correction of lower leg muscular imbalance.

Treatment Process

The patient has a meeting with a calf implant consultant to talk about their calf transformation needs. The consultant assesses the patient's suitability for surgery by discussing medical history, illnesses, previous operations, medication use and the reasons why calf implants are desired.

The person is informed of all possible complications and risks, any known side-effects and the benefits and costs of calf implant surgery, and the consultant will also answer any questions. The implants will be custom-made to suit the individual's unique calf contours in shape, definition and size.

Recommendations are made for calf implant surgery and once the patient consents to treatment the date of surgery is set. Guidance is provided in preparation for treatment, such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol intake and not to take any blood-thinning medications. The surgery usually involves an overnight stay in hospital.

On the day of surgery a course of antibiotics may be started to prevent any risk of infection. A general anaesthetic is usually administered for pain-free treatment. The surgeon makes a tiny incision behind the knee in order to implant the medical-grade silicone calf implants. Either the leg muscle or sutures are used to retain the implants in the right position on top of the calf muscle.

Absorbing sutures are used for sealing the site of incision which is about 2.5 - 5 cm. The operation duration may differ according to the individual case and will be approximately 1 to 2 hours. The patient's vital signs are monitored overnight and once recovered from general anaesthetic and surgery, the individual is discharged and can return home. The patient is given post-operative guidelines and should be accompanied by a family member or friend.

Recovery Time

Some swelling and bruising may be present along with discomfort for a few days. Painkillers are provided for comfort and the individual is expected to be able to start walking as normal within a week of the operation. It is recommended to keep the legs raised for about two days.

For at least six weeks no vigorous physical or sporting activities should be attempted, so that full healing may occur without the risk of implants shifting out of position. Follow-up appointments will be booked to monitor healing and the patient should follow the consultant's recommendations for recovery.

Potential Risks

Surgical risks include scarring, infection and bleeding, although surgeons are educated to minimise such risks. The tiny incisions made behind the knee are minimal and keep scars out of sight. Complications may include rupturing of the silicone implants, but this is not common and if it does occur the implants can be reinserted. Expected side-effects include swelling and bruising that soon fades with healing.

Results of Calf Implant Surgery

Calf implant surgery gives volume to the calf muscles for enhanced appearance. Knowing one's legs look good can boost self-esteem and improve quality of life, especially since patients receive natural, strong looking calf muscles. Individuals having calf surgery often feel a greater sense of confidence to wear shorts and show their legs.

In some cases, regardless of how much exercise is done, the calf muscles may still not develop proportionately. Having calf implant surgery corrects this and allows the individual to have a balanced and healthy looking physique.