Calf Implants

Heavy smokers or heavy drinkers who are unwilling to quit are not good candidates for calf augmentation through calf implant surgery, as in any surgical procedure. Smoking and heavy drinking can have a negative effect and create dangerous outcomes on the body's healing process, thus on the results of the system itself. Other contraindications include patients suffering from morbid obesity, heart disease, lung disease or diabetes.

While preparing the calf implant surgery, patients need to avoid smoking at least a month before the procedure. Omega 3 capsules, anti-inflammatory medicines, blood thinners such as aspirin, and herbal teas also need to be avoided for at least 2 weeks before the procedure is set to begin.

Calf implant surgery is quite similar to any implant surgery. Patients and surgeons decided about having two implants in one leg or just one implant in each before the surgery. The patient’s legs are measured and necessary medical tests have been applied. Based on the measurements, implants are ordered and sterilized in order to insert during the surgery. 

Calf augmentation through calf implant surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, but in some cases, intravenous sedation can also be used. Once the anesthesia kicks in, calf implant surgeons create small incisions generally in the creases behind the knee. A special type of instrument is used at this stage, to create a pocket between the fascia and the muscle tissue underneath. The pocket must be big enough for the implant to fit in but small enough so the implant will be secured. The surgeon will then check the patient’s legs, with the implants in place. If the desired position and result is achieved, the incisions are stitched back together. If not, the surgeon can make little adjustments. The area is then wrapped in bandages and a compression garment is applied. Sometimes drains can be placed as well, in order to facilitate healing and the removal of unwanted fluids from the surgery area.

During the first 12 hours of the calf implant recovery period, the patient's legs must be kept in an elevated position. Surgeons will give the compression bandages that patients will need to keep on for two weeks post-surgery, according to the ISAPS (The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). During the second week of the calf implant recovery period, patients can return to minimum physical activity and work (if the job requires minimum effort). 

Heavy lifting, standing and/or walking for long periods need to be avoided for at least 3 weeks after the calf implant surgery. Most patients take 3 weeks off work for this procedure to get a comfortable recovery period. Patients also need to follow the doctor's instructions carefully. The legs need to be massaged daily in order to avoid capsular contracture. 

Calf implants surgery risks and complications can include: 

● Seroma 

● Capsular contracture 

● Infection of the operation area 

● Unfavorable scarring 

● Excessive bleeding

● Skin Discoloration 

● Asymmetry

● Rupture or misplacement

● Revision surgery

Calf implants surgery side effects can include: 

● Bleeding 

● Bruising

● Pain which can be soothed with painkillers 

● Discomfort 

● Swelling 

● Temporary numbness

● Side effects from the anesthesia

Calf implant surgery reviews set the average success rate at 97,2%.

After around two weeks, patients will notice less bruising and swelling and feel their skin begin to adjust to the implants. The results of this procedure are visible immediately, but it will take some time for the legs to heal and reach their final form and contour.