Calf Implants: Your Questions Answered

Posted on 19. Nov, 2009 in Surgical Procedures

There are many reasons why people choose to have calf implants plastic surgery. It may be that they have had great difficulty gaining muscle mass in the area or it may be to offset the effects of a degenerative muscle disease. In any case, just as with other plastic surgery procedures, calf implants are invasive.

Here, you will find a list of questions that you may have about the procedure. You will also find answers to the questions. If you read this and still have concerns, make sure to go over them with your surgeon before you agree to any procedure.

What materials are used in calf implants? Depending on the reason for the implants, doctors make use of several different materials. When the surgery is used to correct a medical condition or an injury, the material is something fairly solid, like silicon, which is actually created to mimic the muscle that is not there, based on the other leg muscle or a mold.

In the event that the implant is used to boost a small muscle, the implants are simply made to lie on top of the existing tissue.
How is the surgery preformed? Thankfully, doctors are able to complete the surgery without large incisions. Usually, the cut is made behind the knee, so scars will be mostly unnoticeable. Then, the implant is placed. The procedure does not take very long at all. In most cases, the surgery will last about two hours for two legs.

What can I expect from recovery? When you first are done with the surgery, you will most likely feel some stiffness and minor pain. Your legs will swell and experiences some reddening. During the recovery period, you will need to elevate your legs to help with the swelling.

It will only take a few days before you will be able to resume walking and normal activity. Your doctor may advise you to avoid strenuous exercise for a longer period of time.

Are the implants permanent? The material used for implants is permanent, but you may choose to have them removed as you age. The older you get, there will be more of a chance that the implants will show since your regular muscles will shrink and sag.

If you think that calf implants may be of great benefit to you, then consult your doctor for further information. While the risk is minimal, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of negative effects, such as infection. Make sure that all of your questions are answered before you have the surgery performed.