Calf implants boost the size and shape of the calf by inserting soft, solid silicone implant in a pocket that overlays the existing gastrocnemius muscles.

Calf Implant Surgery in Denver

Calf Implants Surgeon

Underdeveloped calf muscles may be present simply because of:

1- genetic predisposition by being unable through exercise to get as much volume gain as can be accomplished in other muscle groups or it simply isn’t as much as you’d like,

2- birth defect such as “club foot”, or

3- some traumatic injury that retarded full calf muscle development. In any case, in both women and men, there is nothing more attractive than a well-shaped calf and lower leg.
If the back of the lower leg has sufficient soft tissue with enough ability to stretch and relax, soft silicone implants can be inserted to augment the existing muscle (gastrocnemius). This muscle (illustration) is composed of two heads or segments, one shorter and one longer. At Grossman Plastic Surgery ®, where we have performed many calf implants, Dr. Grossman and Dr. Capraro prefer using 2 fusiform-shaped implants, rather than the implant design that uses a single broader implant.

Surgery & Anesthesia
At Grossman Plastic Surgery ® our surgeons prefer to do this procedure under general anesthesia. An incision is placed in the natural crease behind the knee. Through this 1 ½- 2 inch incision, each of the two muscle bellies is isolated and an opening is made through the covering (fascia) over the muscle. Through this opening, a space is carefully created on top of the muscle itself and an implant is placed in this location – one for each muscle belly. With the implants in place, the pocket is loosely closed and the rest of the wound closed. A waterproof dressing then covers the incision, followed by a compressive support stocking over each calf.

Course after Surgery
It’s important that for the first week after surgery to keep the legs constantly elevated except for getting up to use the toilet. The most serious post-operative risk, besides infection, which is extremely rare, is of severe swelling or bleeding in the muscle space. This kind of swelling can create enough pressure that risks the blood supply to the muscles themselves, a complication called “compartment syndrome”. While quite infrequent, it’s severe enough to be considered a surgical emergency that requires implant removal. Therefore, strict adherence to keeping the legs elevated for the first week, followed by gradual return to full activity is very important. We recommend that following week 1, walking should be the maximum activity for the legs and running and lower extremity weight training be resumed only after 4-6 weeks from surgery.