Calf Implants
Calf Augmentation is a procedure that can enhance the shape and size of your lower legs using special silicone rubber implants. Dr. Ljung can surgically place implants on the inner calf or outer calf in order to correct a patient’s shrunken or disproportionate lower legs.
Calf augmentation is a relatively uncommon surgical procedure in the United States. While it may be considered a cosmetic procedure by some surgeons, for others this surgery is purely reconstructive because it works to restore a normal appearance.
Who Can Benefit from Calf Augmentation?
You may be a good candidate for calf implant surgery / calf augmentation if you have small and disproportionate lower legs that do not grow larger with exercise and/or weight lifting. In many cases, candidates for this surgery:
- Exhibit lower legs that are naturally thin
- Desire enhanced contour for bodybuilding
- Have suffered a disease or injury that contributes to leg-body disproportion
Those with unrealistic expectations or serious medical problems are not considered good candidates for calf augmentation.
During a surgical consultation, Dr. Ljung will discuss the risks, benefits, costs and other aspects of calf augmentation. He will also answer your questions and determine if you are a suitable candidate for surgery. To approximate the expected results of your surgery, Dr. Ljung may help you simulate the expected results with special sizers wrapped within a long stocking.
How Calf Augmentation Works
Before surgery, your legs will be cleansed with antibacterial and shaved if necessary. Calf augmentation is performed under general anesthesia in most cases, with local anesthesia as an alternative option.
Dr. Ljung makes a small incision (about 4 cm) in the crease of the knee-pit. He then creates a pocket for the implant on top of the calf muscle. The silicone rubber implant is carefully inserted below the tissue to effectively enhance the shape of your calf. In some cases, calf augmentation will require gradual tissue expansion.
What to Expect After Calf Augmentation
After surgery, Dr. Ljung will typically advise bed rest for about 12 hours, during which time you may be advised to keep your legs elevated. Gauze and tape will be loosely wrapped around the incision site for approximately 1 week. Medications such as antibiotics and narcotic pain medications will be administered as necessary.
After the first week, you will be provided a special compression garment that will need to be worn on the implant area for 1 month or longer. This garment is designed to minimize swelling and promote skin contraction for a satisfactory aesthetic result. Recovery time is about 2 to 3 weeks and normal exercise of the legs can be resumed after about 8 weeks.
Possible Complications
Dr. Ljung takes precautions to minimize your risk of surgical complications. Nonetheless, you should be aware of the risks involved with cosmetic surgery and calf augmentation. Documented complications include hematoma, seroma, edema, scarring, changes in skin sensation, visibility of the implant, tightening of scar tissue, compartment syndrome, skin loss, and skin necrosis. Ask Dr. Ljung for more information if you are concerned about surgery risks.
Contact our office to learn more about calf implants / calf augmentation in Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC.
