No one likes to have twigs for calves. Whether due to a physical defect or simple genetics, having thin, shapeless calves affects the way we think about our legs. To improve the shape and appearance of our legs, Dr. Richard Silverman can place calf implants to give your legs the shape you want.
What Is Calf Augmentation?
Calf augmentation, or calf implant surgery, is a surgical procedure that increases the size and improves the shape of the calves. During calf augmentation surgery, Dr. Silverman places implants just beneath the fascia (the thin membrane covering the calf muscle) through an incision in the crease behind the knee.
Patients usually opt to have this procedure if their efforts to enlarge their calves with exercise have proven fruitless, or if they have a muscle imbalance due to physical injury or birth defects.
Calf Implant Before And After Photos
19-year-old male who presents with underdevelopment of the right calf musculature as a result of a club foot. He had reconstruction for his club foot in 1996. He notes no functional issues, but he’s bothered by the asymmetry in his calf muscles. Treated in a staged manner with placement of a lateral implant and a medial expander initially, followed by replacement of the expander with a permanent solid silicone implant several months later.
Benefits Of Calf Augmentation Surgery
The primary benefit of calf implant surgery is to improve the appearance of the lower legs. However, calf surgery can also help treat medical conditions that effect the legs. Additional benefits of calf surgery include:
- Adding contour to the lower legs
- Balance uneven calves
- Fill out legs
- Improve confidence
- Help patients who are unable to define these muscle
- Minimal scarring
- Long-lasting results
Candidates For Calf Implant Surgery
The goal of calf augmentation is to add shape and definition to the calves. These are typical situations where a person would consider this procedure with Dr. Silverman:
- To emphasize the bulk of the calf muscle
- To make your lower leg more anatomically proportionate with your thigh
- If you want to correct lower leg defects from injury, disease, or from birth defects
- If you’re a bodybuilder and you’re not satisfied with your calf development
If you feel you may benefit from calf augmentation surgery, don’t hesitate to schedule your consultation with Dr. Silverman today.
The Calf Augmentation Procedure
Calf augmentation with Dr. Silverman is usually an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. The patient lies face down on the operating table, and an incision is made at the back of the knee. The incision will go through the skin and the fascia membrane covering the gastrocnemius muscle.
Care has to be taken to locate the tibial nerve, but otherwise there aren’t many arteries or nerves to deal with in this area. A pocket is created to snugly fit the implant under the membrane atop the muscle. Then the incision is closed. Because the incision is made in the natural crease behind the knee, the scar is not really visible.
Patient Reviews
- Dr. Silverman is definitely the best in his field. He genuinely cares about his patients and matching their needs with his extreme talent and skill of plastic surgery. I have seen him a few times and am seeing him again soon. It is clear he takes pride in his work and his patient’s results. If you are considering a procedure with him, I would suggest it 100%!
He has changed my life!- J.K. - Dr. Silverman has a wonderful, personable approach and I felt like all my questions were answered clearly, honestly, and gently. – M.L.
Where Are The Calf Implants Placed?
Calf implants are most commonly placed just beneath the membrane covering the muscle (subfascial placement) and less commonly either just under the skin (subcutaneously) or within the muscle (submuscular). Subfascial placement is more frequent because the procedure is less invasive and makes for a faster, easier recovery, while still providing reasonable soft tissue coverage. Subfascial placement can sometimes allow the implant to rotate and be visible as an implant, but this is not common, as it is with subcutaneous placement, which is rarely performed. This is because there is less tissue covering the implant.
When the implant is placed in the muscle, the procedure is more difficult. There is greater discomfort and more recovery time, but the aesthetic result may be better in some cases. This is because the calf muscles cover the implant. The risk to nerve and muscle, however, make this option less desirable.
What Are Calf Implants Made Of?
Calf implants are made of medical-grade silicone. They can be solid silicone or silicone gel (similar to breast implants but firmer), but in the USA, only the solid implants are available. Implants are available in symmetrical sizes that work best for average people, or asymmetrical sizes where the patient hopes to add dramatic volume and shape to the calf (usually bodybuilders). If you prefer a more specialized shape, Dr. Silverman can custom-carve solid implants before insertion.
How Long Do Calf Implants Last?
Your calf implants are permanent. They should not need any maintenance, in most cases. You’ll be happy with your shapelier calves for the rest of your life.
Calf Augmentation Recovery
For the first day or two after surgery, you’ll need assistance when walking to the bathroom. You’ll need to keep your legs elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling and discomfort. Usually on the second day after your surgery you can remove your dressings and walk around the house. You’ll walk like Frankenstein for the first week or so, but you should try and walk greater distances.
After two weeks or so, you’ll be able to walk normally. The skin will stretch by this point and any shininess on the surface should disappear. Bruising should resolve around this time. Activities such as running, biking, and weightlifting will need to wait probably for two months after your surgery, although this can vary.
Risks Of Calf Implant Surgery
Calf augmentation, as with any other surgery, comes with it’s own set of risks and complications. Complications associated with calf implant surgery include:
- Damage to nerves
- Scarring
- Bruising/swelling
- Infection
- Implant rejection
Dr. Silverman will explain all of the possible risks and side effects associated with the procedure during your consultation.
Schedule A Calf Augmentation Consultation In Boston!
If you would like to learn more about Calf Augmentation surgery, please call (617) 965-9500 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rick Silverman. You can also send our team an email contact form by going to our contact page. Our practice serves Boston, St. Worcester, and the surrounding Massachusetts area.
