Calf implants are placed in order to increase the size of the calves to make them more full and muscular. It involves making a small incision behind the knee and placing a pliable rubber implant next to the calf muscle, making the calf muscle bulge out more. The appearance is often quite natural, even during exercise, and it is often possible to return to all normal activities.

This surgery can usually be performed as an outpatient, and you can go home immediately after the operation. It can be done under local anesthesia, but most people choose to have sedation, to make them drowsy and more comfortable during the surgery. It generally requires approximately one hour per calf. The incision for placing the implants is quite small, and is in the thin skin behind the knee; pain after the surgery is therefore quite tolerable. There is discomfort in walking for a few days, similar to the muscle ache felt after a vigorous workout. During the surgery, of course, the area would be numb, and it would not hurt at all.

All surgery has some potential risks, including the risks of bleeding, allergy to the anesthetic, and infection. In this surgery, serious complications are quite rare.

All surgery has the risks of scarring, bleeding, and infection. The health risks from these are relatively minor in this surgery, although any of these problems could necessitate removal of the implants.

Your calves will be pretty sore for the first few days after surgery, and you may want to stay home from work.
Most normal activities can be resumed within a few days, although your legs will be stiff and sore. You should avoid strenuous use of the legs for at least 6 weeks in order to give things a chance to heal up properly.
What benefit could I expect from the surgery?

If you are self-conscious about your calves, then this surgery can open up many new possibilities for changing your image, and can allow you to show off your legs in shorts, bathing suits, etc. As with most cosmetic surgery, the benefit you derive will depend upon the change in attitude that you will have about yourself as a result of the surgery.

The results are often quite long lasting, but you should view this as a temporary augmentation. You may have some problems with the implants or with your legs in the future, which would necessitate removal of the implants. (With age, the circulation in the legs gets less, and you will probably want to remove the implants if you start to have problems with your circulation).

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result.

The best method of determining your personal options is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Makki. He will be able to answer specific questions related to your situation.

Please don’t hesitate to call for any questions that you might have