Calf Implants

THE CALF IMPLANTS

• Silicone semisolid gel implants are used exclusively. The latest in technologies are utilized including all anatomic shapes and textures (smooth or fuzzy). These allow the doctor to customize your surgery. Sometimes I use one implant over both the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscle, or one larger implant over both. It depends on your anatomy.
• These silicone implants have been used for at least the past 60 years in humans, do not leak and are not new or experimental. They have stood the test of time.
• The many new types of implant fillers such as soybean are still experimental and not yet approved by the FDA.

THE PREOPERATIVE FEATURES

• Lower legs that are small, uneven or asymmetric.
• Lower legs that are thin and out of proportion to the rest of the body.
• Desire for more shapely legs or more athletic or sensual body image.

THE PROCEDURE

• 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) is 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.
• This can be combined with other surgeries.

THE RECOVERY

• An overnight stay in the hospital is recommended because it is very painful to walk for about 2-4 days.
• You can shower on the second day after surgery.
• Moderate to severe pain for the first two days that is mostly gone by day 5-7 and mostly controlled by medications.
• You will feel very groggy for the first two days and weak for about ten days.
• Swelling is moderate for the first week after which it begins to disappear.
• Mild to no bruising.
• Resume very light walking and activities within the first week, and most by at least three weeks.
• No stitches to remove. They are all dissolvable.
• Off of work for five to seven days, occasionally two weeks.

THE RESULT

• Enlarged, full, contoured, athletic, balanced lower legs.
• The result is essentially permanent and does not diminish over time.

For before and after images of this procedure click here

Please call or contact the office for any further information or to schedule an appointment.