The calf aesthetic surgery is usually performed to volumize the thin calves. If volume gain is needed on a limited scale, fat grafts can be used to augment the calf. With liposuction, the fat tissue is taken from the abdomen and waist circumference and the fat tissue can be implemented to the calf where it is needed. In some cases, adipose tissue is preserved under special conditions. If the first fat tissue is absorbed, the stored fat is used. This process can be repeated several times. With this way, stable and good looking appearance of the calf can be achieved. The calf prostheses can be used if a larger and more significant change is desired in calves. The calf prostheses can be different in terms of their shapes and sizes. Like breast prostheses, calf prostheses are made from durable but very soft silicone. They do not explode or leak unless there is a penetrating injury. The prostheses are placed under the calf muscle fascia with a small incision in the wrinkles behind the knees. The calf augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. The operation usually takes about one and a half hour. If you’re not a bodybuilder, normally a calf prosthesis is enough to get a beautiful calf on each leg. In bodybuilders, 2 prostheses are placed per calf to enlarge the 2 heads of the calf muscle. In females, calf enlargement can be performed with liposuction on the inner aspects of the knees and thighs. The fat that is obtained from these sites can be used for stem cell transfer, facial fat graft or hip lifting and augmentation.
Walking with a pair of crutches is recommended for the first week after surgery. If the surgeon allows, the patient can go home after surgery. Usually hidden sutures are used and these sutures are absorbed. In the first week, the special firming corset is worn. Then in the subsequent 3 weeks, a tight long socks like varsity socks are worn. Patients with calf augmentation should keep their legs high for 5-7 days after the procedure. Patients should avoid exercise for 8 weeks postoperatively. They can usually return to work approximately in 2 weeks.
Every surgery poses potential risks. Although serious complications are rare, the following risks should be known: there may be marked scarring, especially in skin-prone people, pain for 1 to 4 weeks, bruising, loss of sensation on and around the surgical site, prosthetic edges may be apparent, asymmetry may occur, fluid accumulation (seroma and hematoma) can be observed, infection, bleeding, compartment syndrome, nerve and vascular damage, skin necrosis, shift of the prosthesis may occur, a capsule may occur.