The shaping of legs with calf implants has evolved slowly but surely to become a frequently requested operation. It was originally developed to correct unilateral defects caused by poliomyelitis, bowlegs and other deformative conditions, but is currently an operation for healthy men or women who wish to enhance the size and form of their calves.

Candidates. Calf implants are performed in both sexes with equal success. The greatest motivation for this surgery is the patients' desire to obtain a form or volume that they have been unable to attain even with concentrated exercise. Women with thick thighs and knees and comparatively slender calves may be treated with a combination of implants and liposuction. Patients whose legs are extremely thin throughout have a different problem that an implant would not be able to remedy entirely, particularly at the level of the ankles.

Surgery. The procedure may be performed in an outpatient clinic or in the hospital. It is generally performed with local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or localized block of the legs. The incision is made in the concavity behind the knee, opening a sack beneath the leg fascia and inserting the implant to simulate the corresponding muscle. Although some surgeons use solid implants, we prefer soft silicone gel implants.

Postoperative care. Following an hour of surgery and three hours of recovery, the patient is sent home. Although some patients experience little discomfort, those who have pain in the operated area are prescribed analgesics and tranquilizers The legs remain bandaged with a special dressing and the patient must reduce all activity for the first 48 hours. Movement is gradually increased as tolerated and within 8 days the patient may resume their regular daily activities.

Before and after photos calf augmentation surgery with silicone gel implants