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Calf Augmentation
This surgical intervention consists of the implantation of silicone gel prostheses in the calves in order to reshape the legs and increase the calf muscles’ volume.
Usually it is performed in both limbs, striving to achieve symmetry, although in some cases (e.g. atrophy due to an accident, poliomyelitis, etc.) a single one is implanted. Prostheses can have an oval shape or an anatomical one, and the choice will depend on each patient.
INDICATIONS
This procedure is recommended for patients who have overly thin legs with linear (lacking curvature) calves.
ANAESTHESIA
Anaesthesia can be general or epidural.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
The surgeon measures the area where the prosthesis will be fitted with regards to its size and the patient’s anatomy; he marks it with a dermographic pencil and calculates the size of the pocket (space to be dissected to make room for the implant). A horizontal incision about 4 cm in size is created in the back of the knee. The implant is placed under the calf’s fascia, becoming part of the muscular structure and so following its movements in a very natural manner. The surgeon closes the incision layer by layer with intradermal suture. The procedure requires 24 hours of hospitalisation.
DURATION OF THE INTERVENTION
It is relatively fast, approximately 60 minutes.
RECOVERY
The patient is fitted with compressive garments and is allowed to stand early and without walking aids. Despite being allowed to walk after the procedure the patient must rest keeping her legs high to avoid excessive swelling.
If the patient’s daily job doesn’t involve physical effort or long distance walks she will be able to go back to her daily activity a week after surgery.
The patient must not take Aspirin or any other medication that includes salicylates in its composition for two weeks before the procedure and for two weeks after.
She must observe a certain degree of rest for a week with her legs kept raised for as long as possible. After being released from the hospital facility she can walk 4 to 5 times per day, slowly, about 10 to 15 minutes every time, and then rest with the legs raised to prevent the occurrence of venous thrombosis (extremely rare).
RISKS
Infection: is very rare as it is prevented through the use of antibiotics. Its occurrence usually means removing the prosthesis and waiting several months before performing a new implantation procedure.
Prosthesis displacement: due mainly to an excessive size of the pocket where the implant is placed.
Scar hyperpigmentation: can be due to the patient’s constitution, sunlight exposure, or the use of certain medications.
Hypertrophic scars and Keloids: the scar can be of low quality and be too thick and slow to whiten (hypertrophic). This depends on the patient’s physical constitution and age. A Keloid is a condition of the scar itself in which it displays a tumour-like excess growth. It is rare in white patients but is not unusual in black patients.
Capsular Contracture: as in the case of breast augmentation prosthesis a capsular contracture can appear with time, although they are very rare given the constant massage that the leg muscle applies to the implant while walking.
Venous Thrombosis: extremely rare.
