When it comes to how your body looks, it’s all about proportion. If your nose looks too big, it might be because your chin is small. If your thighs seem overly large, it might actually be that your calves are underdeveloped or on the small side.
While you might not spend that much time thinking about your lower legs, they actually have a big job do to. They help you stay upright and let you walk, run or ride a bike. They also play a role in creating aesthetic balance in your body. If your calves are undersized, you might feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your legs.
Although calf implants might not be as popular as breast implants or body-enhancing procedures such as the Brazilian Butt Lift, they can do a lot to improve appearance and self-esteem for the right person.
What Are Calf Implants?
Like other implants, calf implants are typically made of silicone. There are two types of calf implants available: silicone gel and solid silicone. Silicone gel implants are softer and come in either symmetrical or asymmetrical sizes.
Solid silicone implants are firmer and can be cut and shaped by the surgeon prior to placement. One notable drawback of solid silicone implants is that their edges can become visible if the implant is placed close to the surface of the calf.
During surgery, calf implants are typically placed either within the fascia or within the muscle. When the implant is placed within the muscle, it is usually more secure and is less likely to shift after surgery.
The size of the implants you’ll need will depend on the size of your legs and your goals. People who are looking to create a very well-defined calf might choose a set of asymmetrical implants rather than symmetrical ones to create a more pronounced calf “muscle.”
Signs You’re a Good Candidate for Calf Implants Calf implants can be appropriate for either men or women. If you’re not happy with the size and shape of your lower legs, you might want to consider calf implant
surgery. You may be a good candidate for the surgery if:
- You’re in good overall health.
- You have realistic expectations.
- You have the time to rest up and recover after surgery.
- You can follow instructions from your surgeon.
You’re considering calf implants for yourself, not because someone else is pressuring you to have surgery.
What to Expect During Calf Implant Surgery
Calf implant surgery is a relatively short procedure that usually takes about one hour to perform. During the procedure, you’ll most likely be under general
anesthesia and you won’t feel anything or remember what went on during the surgery.
To start the surgery, your plastic surgeon will make an incision in the crease at the back of the knee. They’ll then create a pocket beneath the fascia and place the implants into the pocket.
Once the implants are in place on both sides, the surgeon will close the incisions and slide a compression garment over the lower legs. The compression garment will help to hold the implants in place and will help speed up the healing process.
What to Expect After Calf Implant Surgery
Since it is a surgical procedure, getting calf implants means you’ll need to prepare for a bit of downtime during recovery. Many people find that they can go back to work after about a week, but some people need a full two weeks for their initial recovery.
During that first week after surgery, you’ll want to wear compression stockings to help keep swelling down and to help with healing. Some people find that they benefit from wearing compression stockings for more than a week.
Calf Implants vs. Fat Grafting
If you’re looking to augment the size of your lower legs, you don’t necessarily need to do so with implants. Fat grafting is another option to enhance the shape and size of your calves. If you have an adequate amount of excess fat in another area of your body, your plastic surgeon might be able to harvest some of it, purify it, and then inject it into the calves to increase their size. In some cases, fat from your own body can be used along with silicone implants to enhance your results.
Dr. Paul Vitenas, a Houston, Texas-based board-certified plastic surgeon offers patients calf augmentation options with either implants or fat grafting at his practice. To learn more and to find out if you’re a good candidate for calf implants, call 281-484-0088 to schedule a consultation today.