Big or small, most of us take the proportionate shape of our lower legs for granted. However, deformities of the calf are not uncommon. Undersized, asymmetrical, or misshapen calves can cause extreme embarrassment and damage self-confidence. These men and women will often avoid wearing shorts, skirts, and swimwear; hiding their disproportionately small calves under clothing. Whether a genetic deformity or the result of trauma, calves that look ‘different’ can cause a lifetime of distress. If you or someone you know is struggling with the appearance of their legs, turn to Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Paul Vitenas offers several aesthetic enhancement procedures for the calf, adding long-term volume and definition to the lower legs.
Calf Augmentation at Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery
Calf augmentation is an innovative procedure designed to enhance the fullness of the lower legs, restoring healthy volume below the knee. This process can involve either a silicone implant and/or a fat grafting technique. Using one or more silicone implant within the targeted area, Dr. Vitenas can increase the calf shape both medially and laterally, as needed. By enhancing the shape and definition of each calf, Dr. Vitenas can provide dramatic results, restoring a patient’s self-esteem. With the long-lasting, natural-looking results, no one will know a surgical procedure was performed.
Calf Implants Can:
- Add emphasis to a small calf muscle
- Create a proportionate shape/size for the lower leg
- Improve leg definition
- Correct lower leg defects that result from injury, disease, or birth conditions
The ideal candidate for calf augmentation will be in overall good health, seeking to improve the shape and definition of their lower leg. Potential patients should understand the desired calf implant procedure and have realistic expectations for their final results. Anyone interested in calf implants should be a nonsmoker, as nicotine products can cause complications and delay wound healing.
Prior to scheduling a calf implant procedure, a confidential consultation will be scheduled with Dr. Vitenas. After reviewing your medical history and a brief physical exam, Dr. Vitenas will explain the treatment options, including the placement of calf implants. Before and after photographs of his recent patients will be available. If the calf augmentation technique is right for the patient’s needs, a personalized, surgical treatment plan will be created.
The Calf Implant Procedure
Dr. Vitenas performs all of his calf augmentation procedures in his private surgical suites at the Houston Surgery Center, located in the Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery building. Depending on the techniques involved and level of correction desired, the calf augmentation procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes one hour to complete.
Dr. Vitenas will begin by making a small incision along the crease behind each knee, in a well-concealed location. Next, a small, snug pocket will be created beneath the fascia (connective tissue ), covering the gastrocnemius muscle. He will then place the appropriately sized silicone implants within the medial or lateral compartments, creating the desired fullness and shape. Finally, sutures are placed along the incisions and a compression garment is put in place to ensure proper healing.
At the Houston Surgery Center, Dr. Vitenas’ private surgical suites include the latest in cutting-edge technology, ensuring the safest and most satisfying results. A board-certified anesthesiologist will be on hand to administer the anesthesia. Following the outpatient calf augmentation procedure, patients will begin their healing process in one of the Houston Surgery Center’s comfortable recovery bays, closely monitored by the nursing staff.
Calf Augmentation Results and Recovery
The recovery from calf augmentation will take from one to two weeks. While everyone heals at their own rate, most people find they are feeling good enough to return to work in seven to ten days. Initially, the calves will be tender, swollen, and bruised. Compression stockings will need to be worn for at least a week, sometimes longer, helping to keep swelling to a minimum.
When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the calf augmentation is considered a safe technique. However as with any surgical procedure, there is always the small chance for complications to occur. Although rare, complications associated with calf implants can include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, nerve damage, and scarring.
Schedule Your Calf Augmentation Consultation In Houston
Dr. Paul Vitenas is a board certified plastic surgeon, with 30 years of cosmetic surgery experience. Throughout his practice, Dr. Vitenas has developed his own surgical techniques, consistently bringing patients unmatched aesthetic results. Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery is conveniently located between the Houston Galleria and Greenway Plaza. To find out more about Dr. Vitenas’ calf augmentation techniques, contact Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery at (281) 484-0088. Our patient coordinator is available to answer your questions and to assist in setting up a free, confidential consultation with Dr. Vitenas.
Calf Augmentation FAQ:
Q – What is calf augmentation?
Calf augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to create shape and symmetry of one or both of the calves. The technique can include either silicone implants or semi-invasive fat grafting. The benefits of calf grafting are long-lasting.
Q – Am I a good candidate for calf augmentation?
Almost anyone, unhappy with their calf shape or symmetry, may make a good candidate for calf augmentation. Potential patients should be in overall good health, understand the calf augmentation procedure, and hold realistic expectations for their results.
Q – Where will my calf augmentation be performed?
Dr. Vitenas performs all of his calf augmentation procedures at the Houston Surgery Center, located in the same facility as Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, at 4208 Richmond Avenue.
Q – Where will the incisions be made during my calf augmentation?
The incisions for calf augmentation with a silicone implant are located along the crease behind the knee, well-concealed in the natural anatomy. Fat grafting will also require several small incisions along with the fat donor area.
Q – If fat grafting is part of my calf augmentation, where does the tissue come from?
Calf augmentation can be performed several ways, sometimes using fat grafting. In this case, fatty tissue will be removed from other areas of the body through liposuction, including the abdomen or thighs. Once the fat has been cleaned and processed, the living fat cells will be ready to reinject into the lower legs, creating the desired calf shape.
Q – What is the recovery time required with a calf augmentation procedure?
Recovery generally takes one to two weeks, following a calf augmentation procedure. Compression stockings will need to be worn for one or more weeks.
Q – When can I return to work after my calf augmentation?
Most patients are feeling good enough to return to work one to two weeks after their calf augmentation procedure. In four to six weeks, more strenuous exercise and vigorous activities can be resumed.
Q – What are the potential risks of a calf augmentation?
When performed by a board certified, experienced plastic surgeon, the calf augmentation procedure is considered a safe and trusted procedure. However, as it is a surgical technique, there is always a rare chance for complications to occur, these can include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, and nerve damage.
Q – What is the cost of calf implants?
The cost of calf implants will depend on the type of correction performed and the individual patient. On average, the technique will start around $8,500. This price includes all of the physician’s fees, the anesthesiologist’s cost, operating room, and follow-up appointments. During an in-person consultation, the exact price of a calf augmentation will be determined. For those patients who do not live in the Houston area, an online consultation can be arranged with Dr. Vitenas, as well.
Q – Is financing available for the calf augmentation procedure?
Yes, Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery accepts cash and all major credit cards. We also offer the option of medical financing through CareCredit and ALPHEON Credit. Contact our office for more information.
