Calf implants are silicone-based implants implanted into your calves surgically. Calf implants, often known as calf augmentation, are used by individuals who want to increase the size of their calves. 

An implant can be implanted in the calf to help minimize the deformity in people who have a shrunken lower leg as a result of injury or disease.

Some people have a naturally thin or undeveloped calf that remains small despite exercise and diet – calf implants/augmentation may be requested by these patients for purely aesthetic or cosmetic reasons.  

Am I a good candidate for calf implants?   

You may be a good candidate for calf implants if you:   

• Wish to emphasize the bulk of the size of your calf muscles  

• Desire a lower leg more proportionate to your thigh   

• Are a bodybuilder who has reached a calf development plateau with exercise and is unhappy with the definition of your lower leg 

• Want to correct lower leg defects resulting from injury, disease, or birth conditions  

Step One – Anesthesia  

Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be given during this procedure to keep you comfortable.  

Step Two – The Incision   

At the back of the knee, an incision is made through the skin and fascia (a film of connective tissue that covers the muscle). 

Because there aren’t many nerves or arteries in this location, after your surgeon locates the tibial nerve, the procedure can proceed without fear of encountering other nerves or arteries. 

A snug pocket (large enough only for the implant) is made between this fascia and muscle, into which the implant will be inserted.  

Step Three- Closing the Incision   

The incisions can be closed with sutures, skin adhesive tapes, or clips.  

Step Four – See the Results   

The results from your calf implant surgery can be seen almost immediately, although there will be significant swelling and bruising.  

Depending on the complexity of your surgery, the total procedure normally takes two to three hours to perform from start to finish. 

Compression bandages will be given to you by your doctor, which you must wear for two weeks after surgery. You must avoid exercise and keep off your feet as much as possible throughout these two weeks. Any bruising and inflammation after the procedure will start to fade after a few weeks and will eventually disappear.

You’ll need to elevate your legs as much as possible for the first two weeks after surgery to ensure proper healing. As a result, you’ll need assistance getting up to go to the bathroom, and you’ll need to gradually work your way up to walking around the house in the first two weeks, and you will experience some stiffness.

You should be able to walk normally again a few weeks following the procedure. After eight weeks, the bruising will fade, your scar will begin to heal, and you should be able to resume normal activities. Until this point, avoid intense leg exercises like jogging, biking, or lifting weights with your legs.

Calf implant surgery has long-term results, but they aren’t permanent. After a few years, silicone implants may need to be replaced because of natural wear and tear. 

The cost of calf implants in Canada can range between $7,500-10,000+.  

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with calf implant surgery. Some risks include:   

• Nerve or vascular damage  

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia  

• Hematoma  

• Infection  

• Numbness/changes in skin sensation  

• Scarring  

• Implant slippage  

• Calf Asymmetry  

14/14 people who have undergone calf implant surgery have rated the procedure “Worth It” (100%)    

– Source: realself.com