Calf implants

The shape of the calves is above all linked to the curvature of its muscle, the "sural triceps", which is actually made up of two muscles, the soleus muscle and the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle or gastrocnemius twins.

Enhancing calves through weight training is often difficult, with the ultimate risk of also building up thighs and not altering the proportions of the leg and lower limb.

If calf muscles are constitutionally underdeveloped, and increase very little after intensive muscle training, Dr Christelle Santini offers two surgical solutions for calf reshaping: calf augmentation with calf lipofilling or leg reshaping with calf implants.

The installation of calf prostheses for aesthetic purposes is not reimbursed by health insurance. In the case of an underlying pathology (clubfoot, poliomyelitis sequelae, etc.), partial reimbursement by social security and/or your mutual insurance company is possible: Dr. Santini will tell you about this and explain how to request prior approval from the consulting physician.

Before surgery, Dr. Santini performs a thorough clinical examination to determine the best solution.

She'll listen to you to understand what you want to achieve, particularly in terms of shape and volume.

She also analyzes the condition of the skin, your silhouette and the possible existence of areas of excess fat necessary for lipofilling (an alternative to calf implants for small volumes).

A Doppler ultrasound may be requested to assess the condition of the leg muscles, arteries and veins.

Together with the patient, the surgeon defines the patient's expectations and suggests the size and shape of prosthesis best suited to the desired result, but also to local anatomical particularities.

Medical photographs are taken and an estimate is provided.

An anesthesia consultation with a pre-operative blood test is prescribed.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. It lasts from 45 minutes to 1h30 and generally requires an overnight stay in hospital.

Once the contours have been identified on the skin, Dr Santini makes the incisions, so that the scars are as inconspicuous as possible.

She most often chooses the popliteal crease (behind the knee), to loosen the membrane enveloping the calf muscles (muscular aponeurosis of the posterior compartment of the leg). She will then form a pocket in which to slide the calf prosthesis.

These are usually cohesive silicone gel implants with a smooth envelope, varying in length and volume.

Their form is chosen in advance, during the first consultation.

Depending on the desired volume and shape, Dr Santini can fit one or two prostheses per leg.

In cases of major calf atrophy (sequelae of poliomyelitis, clubfoot, or constitutionally very thin calves, etc.), it may be difficult to fit 2 prostheses at the same time, as the skin is not sufficiently elastic.

In this case, a single prosthesis is placed initially, followed by a second one 3 months later, to give the aponeurosis and skin time to relax.

Dr Santini takes particular care with positioning, to ensure optimal harmony and symmetry before closing the wound and applying a pressure dressing.

After leg implants, compression is applied using compression stockings, which are worn for 30 days.
Walking is possible from day one.

Wearing small heels of around 3 or 4 cm is recommended to relax calf muscles and make walking less uncomfortable.

For the first few weeks, there is swelling and bruising of the calves and ankles.
The threads used are absorbable.

Preventive treatment against phlebitis is often prescribed by injection.
Sport can be resumed after 2 to 3 months.

Regular medical check-ups are carried out over several years.

Unlike breast implants, there is no time limit beyond which implant replacement is mandatory, unless a rupture of the implant shell is diagnosed. This is exceptional and without risk, as the cohesive gel cannot infiltrate the tissue.

• A night at the clinic for a calf implant
• 7 to 14 days of professional downtime
• Final result between 3 and 6 months

What should I do before a calf implant procedure?

• 1 to 2 consultations with your plastic surgeon, including the taking of medical photographs.
• Delivery and signature of the estimate, respecting the 15-day legal delay between the first consultation and the calf implant.
• Mandatory anaesthesia consultation, blood test.
• Phlebological check-up as required for calf implants.
• Choice of calf prosthesis (shape, size...).

How is calf augmentation with implants performed?

• General or epidural anesthesia.
• 1h to 1h30 of intervention.
• Overnight hospital stay most often after calf implant.
• Delivery of a card with the references of the calf prostheses fitted.

What is the post-operative course of the calf implant?

• Wear compression stockings for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Anticoagulants for 15 days to prevent the risk of phlebitis.
• Follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon 7 to 10 days after the procedure.
• The threads used for calf implants are absorbable.
• No sports after calf augmentation for 3 months.
• Walking recommended.
• Allow 7 to 14 days off work after calf implants.
• Final result after 6 months
• Follow-up consultation to monitor calf prostheses for one year, then every two years.