What are Calf Implants?

Calf implants are medical implants inserted into the calves to fill them out, shape them, and create more definition. There are a number of reasons why a patient may opt to receive this cosmetic procedure. As with all surgical procedures, there are risks associated with calf implants that should be weighed before proceeding with the surgery, and it is advisable to meet with several surgeons to find one who will be a good fit.

Getting calf implants starts with a surgical consultation. The surgeon meets with the patient to talk and take some measurements so that correctly sized implants can be ordered. During the conversation, surgeon and patient can discuss why the implants are being requested and what the desired outcome is. On the date of the surgery itself, the patient is placed under anesthesia and lies face down while the surgeon makes a space for the implants and then inserts them.

This is an outpatient surgical procedure. Patients may be given general or regional anesthesia, depending on the case and the preferences of the physician. It usually takes around two weeks to recover from calf implant surgery, during which the calves will feel swollen and tender. The calves also usually appear misshapen because of the swelling and inflammation associated with the surgery. Special care recommendations can include keeping weight off the legs and elevating the calves to reduce swelling.

People sometimes use calf implants to create an appearance of muscle definition and tone. This may be done to supplement a body building regimen if the calves do not develop as desired. In addition, implants can be used to rebuild calves damaged in an accident or as a result of an infection. Certain congenital disorders can also result in misshapen or asymmetric calves that a patient may choose to treat with calf implants.

Calf augmentation is a specialty surgery service. Not all surgeons offer it, and those who do have varying degrees of experience. When meeting with a surgeon to discuss calf implants, patients may want to ask to see the surgeon's portfolio and discuss previous surgical outcomes. It is also important to ask about risks and aftercare so that patients can be fully prepared before they go into surgery. During the surgical evaluation, patients should be sure that their surgeons are aware of their complete medical history in case there are any contraindications that could make surgery dangerous.