Procedure
Calf Augmentation in Cyprus
Placement of silicone implants over the gastrocnemius muscle to increase the contour of the lower leg. Performed for cosmetic reasons where the calf is constitutionally thin, and reconstructively where atrophy follows injury or disease.
Procedure facts
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Anaesthesia
- General
- Hospital stay
- One night
- Pre-admission tests
- Blood tests
- Downtime
- 1 week
- Driving
- 1 week
- Exercise
- 6 weeks
- Final result
- 1 month
Overview
The calf can be disproportionately thin relative to the rest of the lower limb. Most often this is constitutional and entirely normal; it can also follow specific conditions such as poliomyelitis or club foot. The atrophy may affect one calf or both.
What calf augmentation does
Calf augmentation enlarges the lower portion of the leg, for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.
Where injury or disease has left a shrunken lower leg, an implant reduces the visible deformity. It does not improve the function of the leg, but it changes how it looks.
Some patients have very thin or underdeveloped calves that stay small despite intensive exercise and specific diets. For them the operation is entirely cosmetic, and the result is a calf that is more contoured and more proportionate to the rest of the leg.
The operation is performed on both men and women.
What the surgery involves
The usual technique is placement of silicone implants. The procedure is done under general anaesthesia. It is normally an outpatient procedure, though whether an overnight stay is needed is decided case by case.
The implant is placed over the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle through a small incision in the popliteal fossa, behind the knee. In some cases two implants are used on one side, one for each head of the muscle.
Implant selection matters. There are numerous types and sizes, and the choice is made at the pre-operative consultation.
In selected cases fat grafting — autologous fat transfer using the patient’s own tissue — is combined with the implants. The implant remains the component that produces the defined change in calf contour.
Calf augmentation is often combined with a thigh lift or with body contouring.
The implants
The implants are solid silicone, a durable material with the feel of firm rubber. They are not designed to require replacement. Results are typically permanent, though implants can be removed or exchanged for a different size at any point.
Recovery
Recovery takes two to three weeks. During that period light activity such as walking is usually permitted, in moderation at first.
Routine activity resumes within four to eight weeks. Running, cycling and weight training can usually be resumed at six weeks.
Compression stockings, bandaging and leg elevation reduce fluid collection, limit swelling and discomfort, and help healing.
Who it suits
Patients with injury or physical impairment affecting the area between knee and ankle are candidates for calf augmentation, as are patients with club foot or the sequelae of polio.
People with very thin calves may have the operation for aesthetic reasons alone.
Candidates should be in good general health, have realistic expectations, and be able to take the time to rest and recover afterwards.
Risks and considerations
Calf augmentation carries the general risks of surgery alongside risks specific to a limb implant. Swelling and bruising are marked in the first weeks, and walking is deliberately limited early on to protect healing. Risks specific to the implant include movement of the implant, infection around it and, uncommonly, the need to remove or exchange it. Firmness of the tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture, and asymmetry between the two legs are the other considerations. As with any operation on the leg there is a risk of blood clots, so early gentle movement is guided carefully. Implant size and position are planned to the individual leg at the consultation.
Questions patients ask
Are calf implants safe?
Calf augmentation is safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in body surgery. Following the pre-operative and post-operative instructions is part of that.
Do calf implants have to be replaced?
The implants are solid silicone and are not designed to be replaced on a schedule. They can be removed, or exchanged for a different size, at any point. There is a small risk of the implant shifting out of position, which is uncommon.
Are calf implants suitable for very thin legs?
Where the lower legs are unusually thin, calf augmentation improves the contour and balances the leg with the rest of the body. Whether one or two implants are used on each leg depends on the shape of the muscle and on what you are trying to achieve.
What do calf implants feel like?
Once healing is complete, patients are not able to feel the implants in the calf.
Do calf implants look natural?
The lower leg looks more contoured and more proportionate to the rest of the leg. Implant selection is the part that determines whether the result reads as natural, which is why sizing is discussed in detail before surgery rather than decided in theatre.
Can I run with calf implants?
Running is safe from six weeks after surgery. Once healing is complete, patients return to their normal activities and to their training routine.
How many implants are placed in each leg?
Depending on the case, either one implant is placed or two, one for each head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The choice is made at the pre-operative consultation.
Where it is performed
- Surgery in Cyprus
- The Surgery Center 3i, Strovolos
- Surgery in Athens
- Iatriko Athinon, Marousi Mediterraneo Hospital, Glyfada
Where yours takes place is agreed at the consultation.
How we quote
A quotation follows consultation, because what it costs depends on what the operation actually involves for you — the technique, the time in theatre, and whether anything is being addressed at the same time. We do not publish price lists and we do not quote before examining you.
Arranging a consultation
Book a slot in the clinic diary directly, or send the details of what you are considering and we will reply with the times we have.