Calf Augmentation:

Overview:

Calf augmentation is a procedure performed to enhance the lower portion of the leg. In people with a shrunken lower leg, as a result of injury or disease, an implant can be inserted in the calf to help minimize the resultant deformity. Despite the fact that actual leg function has not been improved, the authors consider this reconstructive surgery as the goal is to help restore a more normal appearance.

Some people have a naturally thin or underdeveloped calf, and despite exercise or diet, this leg remains small. These patients may request calf augmentation for pure aesthetic or cosmetic reasons

Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?

In general, candidates for Calf Augmentation are:

• People whose weight is relatively stable
• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic

Procedures:

Calf augmentation is an outpatient procedure. This means that you’ll have the surgery at either your surgeon’s office or at a hospital, but you are able to go home the same day.

According to our experience, calf implant surgery takes about an hour and a half to complete. This doesn’t count the preparation time before surgery, as well as recovery from the anesthesia. In all, you should expect to dedicate an entire day to your procedure.

Before the actual procedure, an anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia. This puts you to sleep during the surgery so you won’t feel any pain. The anesthesia is administered locally with a mask, or intravenously via needles in your veins.

During the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will make incisions into the calves and then insert the silicone implants. The skin is then stitched back together.

Preparation and Recovery:

Preparation:

You may be asked to:

• Get a blood test
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding
• Stop taking recreational drugs, such as cocaine

Calf Augmentation surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, ambulatory surgical center or a hospital; This is for your safety.

Recovery:

During your recovery from Calf Augmentation surgery, dressings/bandages may be applied to your incisions following the procedure.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for the surgical site(s)
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon

If you experience any shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Risks and Complications:

Every surgical procedure has risks. Thigh lift surgery risks include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Poor wound healing
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Major wound separation
• Asymmetry
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fatty tissue under the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Persistent pain
• Skin discoloration and/or swelling
• Skin loss
• Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
• Unfavourable scarring
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Possibility of revisionary surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your operation. It is important that you address all your questions directly with us.

Further Information:

Another option for larger calves is a procedure called fat grafting. Rather than inserting implants in your calves, fat grafting involves transferring soft skin tissues from another part of the body, such as the thighs, to the area.

In some cases, calf implants are used in conjunction with fat grafting for more precise body contouring.

Fat grafting is not as invasive and requires less anesthesia. For the best results though, your surgeon might recommend both procedures together.

FAQ