Calf Implant

If you want rugged, well-defined calf muscles, like those that you see on champion runners and soccer players, but cannot seem to achieve it no matter how much you exercise, then you may want to consider boosting the appearance of your calves using cosmetic surgery. Calf implants significantly improve not just the look of the calves themselves, but of the entire body, making it look more proportional and athletic. This is particularly true for those who suffer from skinny legs, bowleggedness, club feet or other defects in calf development. Artificial sculpting of the lower leg through implants does not, of course, improve the strength or durability of the leg. It is mostly for cosmetic purposes, or to correct disabilities in the calf region due to genetic disorders.

Calf implants are generally of two material types – solid silicone and silicone gel. Silicone gel implants are prone to the formation of a hard capsule of tissue around them that may cause deformity and pain, although this is not a common occurrence. Solid implants, on the other hand, have a tendency to stick out beneath the skin, producing an edge that can be felt and even seen. They can also be sculpted or crafted before insertion into a shape that best suits the patient. Some patients prefer asymmetrical implants that have a larger upper section compared to the lower section, which creates a more dramatic look. This form of implant is normally chosen by bodybuilders and other individuals for whom a dynamic cut is desired, but cannot be obtained through weight training or physical activity alone. Most implants are symmetrical throughout with a narrow profile that provides a more natural curve in comparison with the upper thigh.

Once the implant is selected, it is normally inserted through an incision made in the natural crease of the inner knee region, into a pocket that is created to fit the implant comfortably. The implant may be placed just above the muscle calf muscle in what is called a subfascial procedure, or deep within the muscle itself. Subfascial insertion is more common because it is less complicated and results in faster and less painful recovery time. However, the implant is itself prone to shifting, and the patient may be able to feel the perimeter of the implant through his skin, which can be unsettling. Moreover, subfascial implants are not as aesthetically pleasing, because they tend to define the shape of the muscle region more prominently. Implants placed within the muscles themselves, although more difficult and time-consuming, result in a more authentic-looking calf muscle, as the newly defined shape will be determined more by the muscle tissue that forms itself around the implant. This tissue formation also contributes to holding the implant securely in place. Since the procedure is performed on both calves, care is taken by the surgeon to ensure that the look is both natural and symmetrical between the legs.

The recovery time for a calf implant surgery has been pegged as several weeks, to allow for the formation of new tissue and the settling of the implant in the leg where it will be permanently lodged. Body builders, who place substantial stress on their legs, may require an additional recovery period. Patients of calf surgery report feeling like they have exercised their legs intensely, which lasts for about two weeks. Most people who have undergone this treatment can return to work in about seven to ten days, before which they are advised not to run or walk excessively.

The risks for this procedure are few and complications, such as infection or bleeding, are rare. Sometimes, the implant will shift, causing an imbalanced appearance, which must be corrected through revision surgery