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Body / Calf Augmentation

Calf Augmentation

The aesthetics of the lower leg have been the subject of extensive study by artists and surgeons. In both men and women, lower leg definition requires a certain amount of fat and musculature. For some people, however, proper definition is only possible when created by calf augmentation with implants.

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How Can Calf Augmentation Help?

Calf augmentation has become extremely popular at Visage Clinic, with 60 percent of requests for the procedure coming from women and 40 percent from men. Calf augmentation can help:

  • Women who desire well-contoured legs
  • Men who want more muscle definition
  • Women or men with uneven calves due to poliomyelitis, clubfoot surgery or congenital conditions

Toronto plastic surgeon Dr. Marc DuPéré specializes in this procedure, offered by only a few North American plastic surgeons. He initially learned the procedure in 2003 from Dr. L. Carlsen – one of the world’s calf augmentation pioneers – and continues to refine his techniques after the teachings of Dr. Jose Abel de la Peña of Mexico.

Royal College-certified Dr. Marc DuPéré achieves graceful and natural-looking lower leg enhancement with calf augmentation procedures. Request a consultation or call our office at (416) 929-9800.

Dr. DuPéré’s Calf Augmentation Techniques

Calf implants come in various shapes and sizes. Like pectoral and buttock implants, calf implants are made of solid but very soft silicone. They do not rupture or leak.

The implants are inserted either under the calf fascia (for a muscular look) or under the posterior compartment fascia (for a full-length lower leg augmentation) via a small single incision within the creases behind the knees. The scar is easily hidden once healed.

Calf augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Unless you are a bodybuilder, one calf implant is normally required in each leg to achieve a sexy lower leg. Bodybuilders may desire 2 implants per calf to reproduce the 2 heads of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Women’s calf augmentation procedures may include liposuction to the inner knees, outer thighs and /or inner upper thighs. This harvested fat may be used for facial fat grafting, Brazilian buttock lift, and augmentation procedures.

Recovering from Calf Augmentation

A pair of crutches is recommended for the first week post-procedure. Most patients having only one implant in each leg can go home the same day. All patients receiving 2 implants per leg will need to stay at the surgery center for 24 hours and then 2 additional nights at home or a hotel with a nurse’s supervision.

Dr. DuPéré often leaves 2 drains in place for 3 to 5 days and removes any stitches after 5 to 7 days. You can resume showering after the drains are removed. Patients should use crutches initially and must initially wear a compression garment for 7 days and then compression stockings for 3 weeks.

  • Calf augmentation patients should elevate their legs for 5 to 7 days after their procedure.

  • Short walks will stimulate healing.

  • Patients should avoid exercise for 8 weeks.

  • Most can return to desk work in about 2 weeks.

Calf Augmentation FAQ

  • What are the common reasons for seeking calf augmentation?

    The common reasons for seeking calf augmentation include having naturally thin or disproportionate calves, difficulty achieving desired calf muscle growth through exercise alone, or correcting calf asymmetry due to injury or other factors such as Achilles’ tendon injury, previous surgery for club feet deformity or previous poliomyelitis viral infection.

  • How is calf augmentation performed?

    Fat grafting to lower legs has a poor fat survival so implants remain the best options for patients requesting calf augmentation. Calf implant surgery involves the placement of soft solid silicone implants into pockets created under the covering layer (called fascia) of the calf muscles.

  • Will there be visible scarring after calf augmentation?

    Calf augmentation with implants typically requires small incisions, which are strategically placed within the natural creases behind the knee and are well-hidden once healed.

  • What is the recovery process like after calf augmentation?

    The recovery period after calf augmentation varies depending on the chosen technique and size of the implants. Patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the calf area, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. It is essential to follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and avoid strenuous leg activities during the initial healing phase.

  • Are the results of calf augmentation permanent?

    The results of calf augmentation with implants are considered long-lasting. Implants are designed to be durable and are expected to maintain their shape for many years.

  • Can calf augmentation be combined with other procedures?

    Calf augmentation can be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as liposuction, etching or gynecomastia surgery, to achieve comprehensive aesthetic enhancement. Dr. DuPéré will assess your unique body proportions and goals to create a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of procedures for optimal results.

  • Are there any risks or complications associated with calf augmentation?

    Calf augmentation is generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. DuPéré. However, like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, including infection, implant shifting, or peri-implant fluid formation (seroma). Dr. DuPéré will discuss these risks with you during the consultation and take every precaution to ensure a safe and successful outcome.

  • How can I get started with calf augmentation?

    To explore calf augmentation options and determine if you are a suitable candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. DuPéré. During this appointment, you will discuss your calf concerns and aesthetic goals, allowing Dr. DuPéré to recommend a personalized treatment plan that achieves beautifully sculpted and proportionate calves, enhancing your overall lower leg appearance.

Who is a Candidate for Calf Augmentation?

Calf augmentation is an ideal solution for individuals seeking to enhance the appearance of their lower legs by adding volume and definition to the calves. Suitable candidates for this transformative procedure typically include those who desire more sculpted and proportionate calf muscles, either due to genetics, age-related volume loss, congenital anomaly (club feet), trauma (Achilles tendon injury), infection (poliomyelitis) or the desire to improve the balance and symmetry of their lower body.

Suitable Candidates:

  • Thinner or Underdeveloped Calves: Candidates with naturally thin or underdeveloped calf muscles may find calf augmentation beneficial to achieve a more defined and balanced lower leg appearance.
  • Desire for Enhanced Muscle Definition: Individuals who engage in regular exercise and strength training but struggle to achieve the desired calf muscle definition may opt for calf augmentation to complement their efforts.
  • Balance and Symmetry: Some candidates seek calf augmentation to address asymmetry in their lower legs, achieving a more harmonious and proportionate overall body silhouette.
  • Realistic Expectations: It is important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of calf augmentation. While the procedure can significantly improve calf contour, individual results may vary based on factors such as existing muscle structure, fascial tightness and skin elasticity.
  • Good General Health: Candidates should be in good overall health and have no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery.
  • Commitment to Aftercare: Following calf augmentation, candidates should be committed to following post-operative instructions, engaging in a gradual return to physical activity, and attending follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Can Women and Men Both Get Calf Augmentation Procedures?

Yes, both women and men can undergo calf augmentation to enhance the appearance of their lower legs. Calf augmentation is not limited to a specific gender and is an option for individuals of any gender who desire more defined and sculpted calf muscles.

Women often seek calf augmentation to achieve a more balanced and proportionate lower body silhouette, especially if they have naturally thinner or underdeveloped calf muscles. Many ladies come to VISAGE with the concerns of thin lower legs, think ankles and the concerns that their legs appear bowed; for those ladies a long implant is recommend that will augment the entire inner side of the lower leg.  This procedure can help women enhance their calf contour and achieve the desired level of muscle definition, complementing their overall physique.

Similarly, men may choose calf augmentation to address issues of calf symmetry and achieve a more sculpted and muscular appearance in their lower legs. For some men, despite regular exercise and strength training, gaining calf muscle definition can be challenging. Men often seek a more muscular look so implants that will augment the upper half of their lower legs are chosen.  Calf augmentation offers a solution to achieve the desired calf shape and improve the overall aesthetics of the lower body.

During a personalized consultation with Dr. DuPéré, both women and men can discuss their specific goals and concerns related to their calf appearance. Dr. DuPéré’s expertise in calf augmentation (since 2001) ensures that each individual receives a tailored treatment plan, resulting in beautifully enhanced and proportionate calf muscles.

Regardless of gender, candidates for calf augmentation should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure and be in good general health. Dr. DuPéré and his compassionate team work closely with each patient, guiding them through the process and helping them achieve their desired calf contour. With calf augmentation, individuals of all genders can enjoy a boost in confidence and attain the shapely lower legs they desire.

Your Calf Augmentation Consultation with Dr. DuPéré in Toronto

During a personalized consultation, Dr. DuPéré will attentively listen to the candidate’s specific goals and concerns related to their calf appearance. A comprehensive evaluation of the calf muscles and lower leg anatomy will be performed to determine the most suitable calf augmentation approach. Dr. DuPéré’s expertise in calf augmentation ensures that each candidate receives a customized treatment plan, leading to beautifully sculpted and proportionate lower legs.

If you desire to achieve more defined and sculpted calf muscles to enhance the appearance of your lower legs, calf augmentation by Dr. DuPéré may be the perfect solution. Schedule a consultation today to explore the possibilities of achieving balanced and shapely calf contours, boosting your confidence and achieving your desired look.

Risks and Complications

Every surgery comes with potential risks. Though serious complications are rare, Dr. DuPéré educates all calf augmentation patients about risks such as: scarring, pain for 1 to 4 weeks, bruising, loss of sensation over the surgical site and around the scar, palpable and/or visible implant edges, asymmetry, opening of the wound, implant exposure, fluid accumulation (seroma and hematomas), infection, bleeding, compartment syndrome, nerve and vessel injury, skin necrosis, liposuction-related risks, clotting, implant migration, capsular contracture and general anesthesia-related issues.