Calf Implants
To enhance and create more shapely lower legs.
About Calf Augmentation
Calf implants have been available for many years. They were designed initially for body builders who were unable to achieve the desired bulk and definition proportionate to their bodies. To some body builders, the calf muscles are one of the hardest muscle groups of the body to develop.
Calf implants are not just for cosmetic enhancement, but are also used in the correction of injury or muscle deformities. Calf implants are used in the treatment of diseases such as Polio, Spina Bifida or a Clubfoot, where calf muscle wastage has occurred in either one or both legs.
Many women now are choosing to have calf implants to enhance and create more shapely lower legs. Calf implants can create definition in women where as men usually have calf implants to create bulk.
The calf implants are made of solid but soft silicone. They are soft but firm and once inserted they can feel like the legs of well-exercised and developed calf muscles.
You need to be measured and sized appropriately by Mr Briggs prior to surgery. Not all manufactured calf implants fit everyone. In some cases, the calf implants may need to be custom made if the patient requires a unique size or design. If this is the case, a mould of the leg is usually taken prior to the implant being constructed. The measurements need to be specific and in proportion to the rest of your body to achieve optimum results.
Body builders will often request the biggest; this may not be the best, as each patient will have individual requirements. Symmetry and balance with the overall body is a very important factor when evaluating the patient.
You may require one implant per calf or two depending on the requirements and the implant manufactured. Your consultation
During your consultation your surgeon will ask you about your wishes and desires for the outcome of your surgery.
The ideal candidates for calf implants are those:
- Who have underdeveloped calf muscles
- Who want to improve the shape of their lower legs
- Body builders - where exercises has failed to develop calf muscles
- Where contouring with liposuction is not an option
- Affected by injury or diseases eg. Polio, Spina Bifida or Clubfoot
- Wanting to correct bow legs?
- With asymmetry of the lower legs
- Wants to increase the attractiveness of the calf contour.
Your operation: what to expect
Calf implants can be performed as day surgery. A general anaesthetic is normally the choice of anaesthetic. You may wish to consult with Mr Briggs if you prefer local anaesthesia with sedation.
If your surgery is for correction of a deformity or injury, you may wish to stay in hospital, as Private Health Insurance will cover this procedure if it is not deemed 'cosmetic'.
Prior to the procedure Mr Briggs will draw all over your legs as in previous consultations. This is to ensure final measurements and positioning of the implant/s.
A small incision is made at the back of the knee (in the posterior popliteal crease). The underlying tissue is raised off the existing muscle and the implants are placed on top of the existing calf muscle (Gastrocnemius muscle).
The procedure takes approximately one / two hours to perform.
There will be internal stitches that are inlayers. Most surgeons use dissolvable stitches in this procedure to ensure that the final result will eventuate in a fine scar.
When you wake from the surgery you will be in compression stockings. You will be laying semi upright and your legs will be elevated higher than your body. This is very important to aid in reducing the post-operative swelling.
Drain tubes may be present and will be removed within 24 / 48 hours of surgery.
In some cases tissue expanders are required temporarily to allow for gradual stretching of the skin and tissue. They are removed after several weeks and replaced with the implants. If the degree of enlargement is not excessive (in most general cases), permanent implants are inserted immediately in the initial procedure.
Usually a 2.5 / 4cm incision is made at the back of the knee in the creases just below the knee joint (posterior popliteal crease).
After Your Surgery
You will require a companion to assist in transporting you home. It is important not to wear totally flat shoes as this can put pressure on the calf muscles and increase your pain and discomfort.
You will be wearing compression stockings that will be required to be worn for up to four weeks, as discussed with Mr Briggs.
Most people describe the pain as being 'stiff and sore' similar to a strained muscle. Mr Briggs will assist with any discomfort with prescribing oral pain medication. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to decrease the risk of infection.
On arriving home from the surgery you must sit or lie with your legs elevated higher than your body. 'Bed rest' for two to five days may be required. You are, however, able to go to the bathroom and shower normally, albeit briefly.
You must follow Mr Briggs' instructions regarding bed rest and elevation of your legs. The reasons are that movement can increase the risk of infection and bleeding. The implants may shift if too much exertion is placed on the lower legs. It will also increase your pain levels.
Drain tubes, if present, will usually be removed within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
It is important to keep the wounds clean to prevent any contamination and risk of infection.
Support tape may be applied to the suture lines; the sutures will dissolve over time, usually around three weeks post-surgery.
If your work is not physical, you will require two weeks off. If your work entails physical or strenuous labour, you may require three weeks off. It is important to avoid the climbing of stairs initially.
The compression stockings may be required for up to four weeks.
Normal strenuous exercise can be resumed at six weeks. This is to ensure that the implants are securely positioned.
More To Consider
Remember that surgery is not an exact science. Your own body can change the course of healing. You may even require adjustment surgery. Never look at cosmetic as a completely risk free venture. Research your options and become well informed. Mr Summerville-Briggs will discuss the most common associated risks.
Complications That Can Occur Include:
- Infection - which may be treated with antibiotics. In the case of severe infection, the implant may need to be removed. Re-augmentation may not be possible for up to sim months.
- Implant displacement - this may occur if strenuous exertion is placed on the muscles too early.
- Bleeding - in rare instances further surgery may be required to assist in the removal of a haematoma.
- Dissatisfaction with the surgical result.
- Muscle weakness - rare.
- May need to be removed later in life if you develop circulatory disease.
Benefits of the procedure:
- Increased confidence
- Increased self-esteem
- Improve and enhance lower leg shape
- Increase bulk and projection
- Restores proportion
- Corrects calf muscle wasting deformities
Breakdown of Surgical Costs
There are several aspects to costings for cosmetic surgery.
1. The surgeons fees
These fees are fixed for each procedure.
2. The anaesthetic fees
These are generally based on an hourly rate.
3. The hospital fees
These vary widely depending on the complexity of the procedure, the length of the procedure and whether a hospital stay is required.
4. Medicare & Private Health Funds
Additionally, certain procedures attract a Medicare item number. If a Medicare item number is applicable then a health fund will usually contribute towards your fees, depending on your policy and level of cover.
Prices will vary as they depend on an individual's circumstances
Please contact my office if you wish to obtain an estimation of fees and my staff will endeavour to give you a fair idea of what costs may be involved. Finalisation of costs of some procedures however may require a consultation, examination and determination of the applicability of a Medicare item number.
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