What is Calf Implants?
Calf Implants or Calf Augmentation is the enhancement of the lower leg by the insertion of an implant. Calf Augmentation can improve the size or shape of thin lower legs by adding volume and achieving a more muscular look for men and women.
Sometimes the shape of the calves doesn’t fit to the rest of the body’s proportions and exercising appears not to help much. Implants can add fullness to the lower legs that are thin and not muscular. Additionally, implants may be used for people with muscle imbalance as a result of physical or congenital condition such as polio or spina bifida.
Calf Implants falls within a category of general cosmetic Body Contouring procedures which also includes thigh lifts, tummy tuck, buttock lift and arm lift which can be achieved through a combination of excess skin removal, fat removal (including liposuction), adding of size through implants or fat transfer.
The Calf Augmentation Procedure
The surgeon may start by performing an incision in the crease behind the knee. After that, a pocket is created and the solid silicone implant(s) you and your surgeon have agreed on during consultation are placed on the muscle in an attempt to make the musculature look stronger. Depending on the desired outcome, up to two implants are inserted in either one or both legs. The incisions are finally closed with sutures and the lower leg is wrapped with a bandage. The entire procedure normally takes between one to two hours.
The Recovery Period of Calf Implants
You are likely to experience some swelling and bruising and the calves may feel tight; however, any discomfort may be relieved with medication. You may also be advised to keep your legs elevated to reduce swelling. In addition to that, your calves may feel a little stiff but as the affected areas heal, you will gradually feel better. However, you should allow yourself enough time to rest and recover. You may be urged to start walking short distances to allow your muscle and skin to adapt to the implant. After two or three days the dressings may come off and you may be allowed to take showers again. You may walk longer distances every day and after one week you may expect to feel significantly better. Heading back to work should be possible after approximately one week, but this strongly depends on how you feel, what progress you have made and the nature of your work and journey to work. Strenuous activities, e.g. lifting and running should be avoided for four to six weeks. Finally, following your surgeon’s advice will help you get back to normal as soon as possible.
What to bear in mind with Calf Implants
In most cases calf implants are inserted under general anaesthesia which means you are unconscious during the procedure and don't feel any pain. In preparation for the surgery your doctor may provide you with guidelines on diet and drugs. In addition to that, you may be advised to stop smoking and drinking alcohol several weeks before as well as after the procedure since this could slow down the healing process. If you do not stay in hospital after surgery, you may arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital and give you a helping hand. This is simply because of possible after effects of anaesthesia which can impairyour ability to drive a car. As with any surgery, some complications, including bleeding, infection, reaction to anaesthesia or muscle damage are possible. The procedure may also leave permanent scars but these shouldn't be visible due to their position in the crease behind the knee.
Cost estimates
Costs may vary greatly depending on your surgeon, the hospital and if you are staying overnight. However, the price range is between £1,500 to £4,000 in the UK.
You may also want to see Thigh Lift, Upper Arm Lift, Liposuction, and Buttock Lift.