Calf Augmentation
• Why is calf augmentation done?
• When is calf augmentation done?
• What type of implants is used in calf augmentation?
• Who are the best candidates for calf augmentation?
• What are the risks and complications associated with calf augmentation?
• What are the preoperative procedures involved in calf augmentation?
• How is calf augmentation done?
• What are the post operative symptoms and procedures in calf augmentation?
• What are the recuperative guidelines to be followed?
Why is calf augmentation done?Calf augmentation is a cosmetic surgery done to increase the size of the calves by enhancing the calf muscle and adding definition.
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When is calf augmentation done?
  • Cosmetic reasons
    • To emphasize bulk, in men
    • To provide curvier legs that are in proportion to the thighs, in women
  • To repair congenital and physical defects
    • Polio Disease (Poliomyelitis) - A disease that can leave one partially or completely paralyzed in the lower legs, where calf augmentation can help give more balance to the calf muscle area.
    • Spina Bifida – a rare genetic birth defect that affects the complete development of the nervous system and can affect one’s mobility. Calf augmentation can help correct conditions where the calf muscle is smaller than one on the other leg because of nerve damage to bring about a more balanced leg appearance.
    • Clubfoot - a birth defect that results in the foot being twisted out of position, with the heel and toe being turned inward, which can sometimes cause one calf muscle to be smaller than the other. Calf augmentation can aid in creating the natural anatomical balance in this case.
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    What type of implants is used in calf augmentation?The implant is primarily made of silicone.
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    Who are the best candidates for calf augmentation?
    • Candidates who wish to improve their external appearance
    • Candidates who wish to repair their congenital or physical defects
    • Candidates who are physically healthy, psychologically healthy and have realistic expectations from the procedure
    • Candidates who seek improvement rather than perfection
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    What are the risks and complications associated with calf augmentation?

    Though complications occur in very rare cases, they may include

    • Bleeding or infection
    • Reactions to anaesthesia
    • Asymmetry due to shifting of implants
    • Change in sensation of portions of the leg and foot
    • Nerve and vessel damage
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    What are the preoperative procedures involved in calf augmentation?
    • During the initial consultation, a thorough discussion on the expectations of the patient is understood
    • The patient may seek a copy of the manufacturer’s brochure for the implant
    • Photographs are taken for further comparison after procedure.
    • The doctor discusses and advises on options of anaesthesia, implants, type of facilities and cost with the patient.
    • The doctor provides guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications
    • The legs are measured at a pre-operative office visit and the appropriately sized implants are ordered and prepared sterile.
    • The patient must arrange for transportation and assistance to leave for home after the surgery.
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    How is calf augmentation done?
    • The patient is given either a local or general anaesthesia before the surgery and is made to lie on his stomach
    • Incisions are made in the natural crease located on the back of the knee to create a pocket large enough to fit the implant.
    • The implant is then inserted and placed above the muscle.
    • The procedure is repeated for the other leg and after affirming the symmetry of both legs, all the incisions are closed using sutures.
    • The person is returned to a face-up position and is taken to recovery.

    The procedure is completed in one hour.
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    What are the post operative symptoms and procedures in calf augmentation?

    The surgery is mostly done on an outpatient basis except for rare complex cases where a short stay in hospital is required after surgery.

    • The patient may experience some degree of pain and discomfort. Medication is prescribed to provide relief from any discomfort.
    • There may be temporary swelling, slight bruising, a shiny appearance in the calves, and tightness of skin, which usually fade about 2-3 weeks after surgery.
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    What are the recuperative guidelines to be followed?
    • Patients should keep the legs elevated for about the week following surgery to help reduce swelling
    • Patients should stay in bed for the first day or two.
    • The dressings are removed after 1-2 days after which light walking around the house is encouraged, and quick daily showers can be resumed.
    • Work that is not too strenuous and allows for leg elevation can be resumed towards the end of the first week of recovery.
    • The patient may be able to return to work in 7-10 days
    • The patient must not do excessive walking for a few days.
    • A special scar prevention/lessening medication is begun about two to three weeks following surgery.
    • No vigorous activities such as weight lifting, bicycling, running, etc. should be performed for two- three weeks.
    • Patients can return to normal walking in 2-3 weeks time.
    • Patients are able to return to their full physical activities within 4-6 weeks.

    The scars though firm and pink for the first six weeks may gradually fade away after several months.
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