Calf Implants

Calf implants are a surgical treatment to increase the shape and size of your calf. Calf implants are also called calf augmentation. This surgical treatment of the calf is of use especially when intensive exercise to enlarge the muscles of the calf bears no fruits. Calf implants are sought after to treat deformities that result from nerve diseases and remove factors of muscle deterioration. Some of such calf-related deformities are polio, spina bifida and clubfoot. Calf implants use soft or solid silicone implants to treat these problematic body areas.

People Who Seek Calf Implant

Men as well women go for calf implants for various reasons. Men usually seek this surgical treatment for the bulkiness of their calf muscle. Women seek the treatment for anatomical balance purposes when their become more bulky than the thighs. A calf implants benefits bodybuilders to develop the structure of their calf muscles. Muscle-developing workout bears little results in case the muscle belly is in close proximity with the ankle and knee. Building calf muscle is difficult for individuals with high insertion (high muscle belly) as the area lacks striated muscle. It is a difficulty also for individuals with low insertion. Individuals with low insertion can build muscle but lack proper definition of the muscle type. Calf implants benefit both groups of persons.

Procedure

The surgeon enlarges the size and enhances the shape of the calf muscles placing solid or soft silicone implants in the pockets that overlie the gastrocnemius muscles. The calf muscle is present with two heads. One head is towards outside the upper portion of the leg and another head is towards inside the upper portion of the leg. The calf implant surgery is executed by making small openings in the creases at the backside of the leg.

The size of an implant depends on the length of the legs. So, the surgeon measures the legs at pre-operative stage. An anesthesia is administered to the patient to keep him or her unconscious during the surgery. The surgeon makes an incision in the fascia that is the front part of the gastrocnemius muscle. Then, the doctor uses a special tool to make a pocket between the underlying muscle and the fascia. Intensive care is needed to control bleeding. The surgeon then, inserts the implant into the pocket. The same procedure is followed with the second leg. At last, the surgeon closes the incisions with stitches. The surgeon also examines the operated leg or legs to ensure the successful completion of the surgery.

Risks

It is natural to expect that calf-implanting surgery involve some risks, as there is almost no surgery without risks. Risks of this surgical treatment include:

Recovery

Recovery period is divided into long-term cosmetic surgery and short-term surgical recovery. Vigorous activities like running, bicycling and weight lifting are strictly prohibited at the post-operative stage. Normal walking after three or four days of the surgery is advised for the patients. As the skin stretches, incisions disappear. Intake of a scar lessening or preventing medication for two or three weeks is recommended. Patients without complications return to normal activities after one or two months following the surgery.