Calf Implants: Reshape the Lower Leg Contour
New York

Too thin calves, commonly called "chicken legs", are those where the muscles are constitutionally undeveloped. As a result there is an imbalance between a rather well rounded thigh and a too thin leg.

Three muscles shape the calf and accent it:

• The gastrocnemius muscles These are two superficial muscles, located inside and outside the calf, which act as an extensor of the foot and slightly intervene when bending the knees.
• The soleus muscle: This is a deep muscle, partially covered on its upper part by the gastrocnemius muscles, which is used mainly to maintain body stability.

Calf muscles are very difficult to develop through playing sport. The solution to finding a well tapered leg is to place implants.

For people who do not want to have surgery, it is also possible to inject very volumizing hyaluronic acid (HYAcorp).

The calf implant placement is done under general anaesthetic with one overnight stay in hospital and lasts between 45 minutes and 1h30.

The prostheses consist of smooth shells filled with a highly cohesive silicone gel. They are very resistant and are designed to withstand the stresses exerted in this part of the body. There are calf implants of different shapes, oval or asymmetrical beads, and adaptable in length to the anatomy of each patient.

During the operation, the patient lies on his or her stomach. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision of four to six centimetres that is hidden in the knee flexion fold. As a result the scars are very discreet and almost invisible.

The practitioner places the calf implant in a space under the muscles. He can position one to two prostheses per calf depending on the anatomy of the patient and the desired volume. He then performs the sutures with absorbable stitches and applies a modelling dressing to each leg.

The pain is negligible and well managed by analgesics. It gradually fades during the first week. Some minor discomfort persists for the following weeks.

Bruises gradually disappear within a week but some swelling in the calves and ankles may persist for one to three weeks.

The patient must wear compression stockings day and night for one month to keep the calf prostheses in place. They must take anticoagulants to promote blood circulation and minimize the risk of phlebitis for two weeks after the calf augmentation.

The patient can resume daily activities after one week, work between one to two weeks after and sports after two to three months. It is not advisable to drive for the first ten days.

Results are immediately visible but become permanent after two to three months when the swelling is completely eliminated.

The calf implant is placed in such a way that the increase in volume can be seen from the front and in profile. As the silicone gel has a consistency very close to that of the tissues, the presence of the prosthesis is not very noticeable to the touch and the definition of the calves seems very natural. Implants can be worn for life or removed when the patient so desires.

Book an Appointment for Calf Implants 

A consultation is required for new clients.