Metamorphosis Clinic

Calf Augmentation

Calf augmentation, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a man or woman's calfs for a number of reasons:
To enhance the contour of a man or woman who, for personal reasons, feels that his or her calves are too small.
As a reconstructive technique following a condition such as polio which can result in very underdeveloped calves.

By inserting an implant beneath the enveloping sheath of the muscles of the calf, surgeons are able to improve the definition as well as bulk of the calf muscles. If you're considering calf augmentation, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure--when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask your surgeon if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure.

The best candidates for calf augmentation
Calf augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for calf augmentation are men and women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

Types of implants
A calf implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone.

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
Calf augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation may cause some swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding continues, another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and remove the accumulated blood.
A small percentage of patients develop an infection around an implant. This may occur at any time, but is most often seen within a week after surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted.
You may also notice small patches of numbness on the back of the calf near your incisions. These symptoms usually disappear within time, but may be permanent in some patients.
While the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your physician to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of calf augmentation.

Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your muscles.
Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Your surgeon should also explain the type of anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.

Preparing for your surgery
Your surgeon will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

Where your surgery will be performed
Your surgeon may prefer to perform the operation in an office facility, a freestanding surgery center, or a hospital outpatient facility. Occasionally, the surgery may be done as an inpatient in a hospital, in which case you can plan on staying for a day or two.

Types of anaesthesia
Calf augmentation can be performed with local anesthesia, so you may be awake during the operation but many patients would rather have a sedative to make them drowsy and relaxed.

The surgery
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease behind your knee. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.
Working through the incision, the surgeon will create a pocket, beneath the sheath or envelope of the muscle. Most patients have only the inner bulkier muscle belly enhanced (medial gastrocnemius) but other patients (particularly body builders) want to have the outer less bulkier belly enhanced (lateral gastrocnemius). The naturally entails the insertion of two implants on each side.
You'll want to discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives with your doctor before surgery to make sure you fully understand the implications of the procedure he or she recommends for you.
The surgery usually takes one hour to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may be applied over your lower legs to help with healing.

After your surgery
You're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor.
You will be advised to rest for a couple of days with your legs elevated and after that, you will gradually be able to return to normal walking within a week or two.
Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your calves may take three to five weeks to disappear.

Getting back to normal
You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.
Follow your surgeon's advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your calves will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.
You are advised not to do any strenuous leg exercises for about six weeks following the procedure.

Your new look
For many men and women, the result of a calf augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their shapely calves.
Your decision to have a calf augmentation is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success.