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Body Contouring
 Plastic surgery calf augmentation
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Calf Augmentation / Calf ImplantsWhat Is Calf Augmentation?
Calf augmentation is a cosmetic plastic surgery which increases the size of the calves, enhancing the muscle and adding definition. The fetish for sexy, curvier and muscular calves has led men and women to pursue calf augmentation. To maintain a proper balance of the lower legs with rest of the body, calf augmentation/calf implants are accepted surgical procedures.
Calf Augmentation - Gaining Popularity
Calf augmentation is fast becoming one of the popular cosmetic procedures, as it is not always possible to gain through diet and regular exercise. Thus surgery becomes a viable option to get those curvy, sexy and muscular calves. Calf augmentation has gone beyond gender bias - in women the calves symbolize an alluring and sexy look, whereas in men it is a sign of machismo. Bodybuilders seek out calf augmentation/calf implants in order to balance out their body shape for competition. Calf augmentation can also help some conditions that are caused by genetics or by severe developmental conditions.
Calf Augmentation - The Reconstructive Purpose
Some patients with genetic deformities may also choose calf augmentation in order to rebuild the appearance of muscle. Some of the conditions that can be aided by calf augmentation include poliomyelitis, spina bifida, and clubfoot. Poliomyelitis is a condition caused by a viral infection that leads to paralysis in the lower legs, leading to muscle deterioration. Spina bifida is a birth defect that may cause one calf to wither away, so calf augmentation can balance the legs’ appearance. And clubfoot can cause the calf muscles to develop abnormally, so calf augmentation can aid in fixing the appearance of deterioration.
Calf Augmentation - Precautions
Like other cosmetic plastic surgeries, calf augmentation also prescribes that only healthy candidates undergo surgery. Non-smokers have the chance of quicker recovery, so quiting smoking for few days is not a bad idea. At the initial consultation the surgeon will go over the medical history of the patient to determine candidacy. Of course, some health problems may preclude a patient from undergoing the calf augmentation procedure. The legs will be measured to determine the proper implant size. And a discussion of the possible risks and complications will also occur between patient and physician.
Calf Augmentation - Risks & Complications
Calf augmentation is not devoid of risks & complications, though expert surgeons and proper surgical procedures should nullify the risks. The specific calf augmentation/calf implant risks can be - asymmetry, changes in sensation in the leg and foot, and nerve and/or vessel damage. It may also include infection, numbness, implant slippage and bleeding. In case of slippage and asymmetry, surgery may need to be redone.
Calf Augmentation - Proper Consultation Before Surgery
Though the number of calf implant surgeries are picking up, not many surgeons are well versed in this cosmetic plastic surgery. So, it is better to check up the credentials of the surgeons. Referrals from other patients and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are more reliable. The ASPS will help a candidate to determine the physician’s reputation and legal standing. If the surgeon performs a calf augmentation at least once a month, then they can usually be considered very qualified.
Calf Augmentation - Calf Implant Procedure
Calf augmentation is performed by placing silicone implants in either side of the calf area-depending on the goals of the patient and surgeon. Since the calf is comprised of two muscles on top of each other, the implant can slip in between. There is an outer covering to the muscle called the fascia, and a hole is made in it in order to push the implant through to sit on top of the underlying muscle. If the surgeon is pleased with the result, then the leg is stitched up and the next leg is done.
Calf Augmentation - Recovery Period
Recovery of calf augmentation surgery is divisible into two parts - the reconstructive part and the cosmetic part. The first part of calf augmentation recovery involves the patient recovering from the trauma of surgery. Depending on the rate of healing in the patient, this can take as little as a week, but may extend longer. The calf augmentation patient is allowed to walk, but when sitting the patient needs to elevate the affected calf or calves in order to reduce swelling. There may be some pain within the first few days when the dressings are still on the wounds. It will take some time after the calf augmentation before walking returns to normal-usually around three weeks.
At about three weeks after calf augmentation in the second phase of recovery (also known as the cosmetic phase) the skin begins to stretch and become accustomed to having the implants in the legs. Some bruising may appear at the incision sites, but it fades quickly. Some surgeons provide medications that may lessen the severity of scars at this point. No strenuous activity is allowed at this point in calf augmentation recovery. As discomfort and swelling lessen, the patient may try more and more activity. Around a month or two after calf augmentation, the patient can return to all normal activities.
In brief, calf augmentation/implants recovery requires certain conventions for early recovery like dressing the calves and keeping legs elevated for a week to help reduce swelling. It generally takes two months to recover the calf implants surgery and enjoy unrestricted activities.
Calf Augmentation - Benefits
All in all, calf augmentation is very helpful in balancing muscle deterioration or a genetic predisposition to thinner calves. Calf augmentation/calf implants complement the overall look of a person. It is a very safe procedure that can help a person feel much more confident, but finding the right physician makes all the difference in the result.