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Calf Implants
 
Many people find it difficult to develop their calf muscles, even with extensive, targeted exercise. For some individuals, no matter what they do, their lower legs remain thin and undefined.

Other people have had an illness that has caused the leg muscles to appear deteriorated or under-developed. Even bodybuilders sometimes find that the well-defined calves they desire cannot be produced by exercise alone, and they elect to have calf implant surgery in order to produce a better-balanced lower body.

The calf implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In the case of disease or injury, custom implants may also be made from a mold of the calf muscles. Most implants are made of pliable, but solid materials, such as silicone. They are placed above the calf muscles to enhance their appearance, giving the legs more definition and shape.

If you’re considering calf implant surgery, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a plastic surgeon who is board certified or has completed a residency program that includes instruction in this procedure.
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What are some of the most common benefits of calf implant surgery?
After calf implant surgery, the legs can appear more shapely and defined. This can create a greater feeling of confidence, particularly in clothes such as shorts and swimsuits. For bodybuilders and others, calf implants can bring the calves into better proportion with the rest of their bodies. For those who have suffered from a disease or injury, the surgery may help create a feeling of victory over the disease, bringing an end to negative feelings of being abnormal or different.
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What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, you’ll be able to talk to your doctor about the changes you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, its risks, limitations and costs.

It is important that you tell your surgeon if you are prone to heavy scarring, such as keloids. Be sure to ask all the questions you have about the surgery, and ask to see photos of the doctor’s recent patients, before and after surgery.

Also ask for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask your doctor below.
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How is calf implant surgery performed?
An incision is made below the crease behind the knee. In this position, any scar that remains after the surgery will most likely be well concealed; however the scar will be visible to someone who looks for it. The implant is inserted, and the incision is closed with sutures (stitches).
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How long does the surgery take?
The length of the procedure varies, but generally takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour per side.
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Will I need to stay in a hospital?
If you have no medical problems, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, either in your doctor’s office or in an outpatient clinic. It may be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, local anesthesia with deep sedation, or general anesthesia. The longer the procedure is expected to take, the more likely that general anesthesia will be recommended. You may be allowed to return home within a few hours of the surgery, and spend the night in the comfort of your own home. However, if you have other medical problems, concurrent procedures, or a lengthier procedure performed under general anesthesia, it may be necessary to spend the night in the hospital so your recovery process can be monitored by a medical staff.
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How much pain is there?
If the procedure is done with a local anesthetic supplemented by a light sedative, the pain experienced is minimal, although you may feel pressure or movement. More sedation will further reduce sensations, and general anesthesia will eliminate all sensation during the procedure.
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What can I expect after surgery?

Immediately following the surgery the calves may feel stiff and sore. There is little discomfort associated the incisions because they are small. Medication and ice packs may be used in the first few days to reduce discomfort and swelling. However, some swelling and bruising is to be expected.

It is advisable to rest the legs and keep them elevated during the week following the surgery. As walking begins, there is some discomfort. It is very important to keep the legs clean in order to prevent infection. It is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions to prevent complications.
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What is the recovery period like?
Normal physical activities may be resumed a few days after the surgery. However, in order to allow the body time to heal, vigorous activities such as exercise should be delayed until about six weeks after the surgery. Ask your doctor for more information about your particular situation.
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What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
If you are self-conscious about your calves, this procedure may open up new possibilities for a positive body image. It can allow you to confidently show off your legs in shorts and bathing suits. With time, the scars will most likely fade until they are completely unnoticeable.
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How long do the results last?
The results of this procedure are generally quite long lasting, but there may be some problems, such as the circulatory problems that sometimes come with age -- eventually necessitating the removal of the implants. With age the muscles begin to shrink and the outline of the implants may occasionally become visible many years later.
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Ideal candidate:
In general, the best candidates for calf implants are:
  • Men and women who would like to have more developed looking muscles
  • In good physical health
  • Psychologically stable
  • Realistic in their expectations for the outcome
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he / she considers you an ideal candidate for calf implants.
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Other important information:
Most people considering calf implants have already tried different exercises to shape the calves. If you have not exercised to build the calf muscles, you should try this first.

This procedure is often performed in conjunction with liposuction in the ankle and leg, to create a thinner and more defined look.
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Risks:
Significant complications from calf implants are infrequent. As with any surgical procedure, however, there is always a possibility of infection, or reaction to the anesthesia.

In rare cases, there may be bleeding. Rarely, before recovery is complete, the implants shift. During the recovery, there is also a risk of the implant becoming distorted as the body heals around it. In very rare cases, the implant may weaken the nearby muscle.
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Choosing a doctor:
It is very important that you select a physician adequately trained and experienced in liposuction techniques. We strongly recommend that you consider choosing a surgeon who is board certified or board eligible, as determined by the American Board of Medical Specialties. See our Physician Locator feature to find a surgeon in your area, including detailed profile information on many of the listed doctors. Also read How to Select a Plastic Surgeon for a more detailed discussion on choosing the right doctor.
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Questions to ask your doctor:
  1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
  2. Where is the surgery performed? How long will the procedure take?
  3. Am I good candidate for calf implant surgery? Why or why not?
  4. What kind of anesthesia is used?
  5. How much does it cost?
  6. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
  7. What percentage of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
  8. Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
  9. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
  10. May I have the names and contact information for several recent calf implant patients? (Follow up to get first-hand information on the procedure and the surgeon.)
  11. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
  12. What should I expect post-operatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
  13. Who will be assisting during the surgery? What are their qualifications? (Does the plastic surgeon perform the entire surgery?)
  14. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
  15. Do you offer patient financing?
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Be sure to:
  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
  • Tell your doctor if you have any problems with scarring, such as keloids.
  • Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
  • Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
  • Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.
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How do I finance this procedure?
Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing was available. With iEnchance's patient financing options, money no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our on-line application you can qualify for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.
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Calf Implants Cost
The national average of 2007 surgeon fees for calf implants was $3,206 (Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Regional averages: New England states: $3,075 Middle Atlantic states: $3,103 North Central states: $2,896 South Central states: $3,185 and Mountain/Pacific states: $3,330. These fees do not include anesthesia, operating room facility, hospital stay, and other related expenses
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Facts:

*Top 5 Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Breast Augmentation: 356,000
2. Liposuction: 341,000
3. Blepharoplasty: 195,000
4. Rhinoplasty: 152,000
5. Abdominoplasty: 147,000

*Top 5 Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Botox: 2,464,000
2. Laser Hair Removal: 1,281,000
3. Juvederm/Restylane: 1,263,000
4. Chemical Peel: 592,000
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing: 571,000

* Data collected from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
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