Calf Implants

What is calf augmentation with implants?
Calf augmentation with implants is a surgical procedure performed to increase the volume and improve the contour of the lower legs by placing silicone implants within the calf area in patients with insufficient calf volume or underdeveloped calf tissues.

What is the purpose of calf augmentation with implants?
The purpose of calf augmentation is to increase the volume of the lower legs and create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing contour in patients who feel that their calves are too thin or insufficiently developed. Silicone implants are generally used to achieve a fuller and more proportional appearance.

Is calf implant surgery a difficult procedure, and how long does it take?
Calf implant surgery is generally not considered a difficult or excessively painful procedure. It is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes approximately 1 hour.

How is calf implant surgery performed?
During calf implant surgery, an incision is made within the natural crease behind the knee. A pocket is then carefully created within or around the calf muscle, depending on the surgical plan.

A silicone implant of the appropriate size and shape is placed into this pocket. The incision is then closed in layers. Compression garments or bandages may be used after surgery to support the treated area during the healing process.

What are the possible risks and complications of calf implant surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, calf implant surgery carries certain risks, including bleeding, bruising, swelling, asymmetry, contour irregularities and scarring. Implant-related complications may also occur in rare cases.

These risks can be minimized as much as possible through an appropriate surgical approach and by carefully following your surgeon’s postoperative recommendations.

Are there any side effects of calf implant surgery?
Calf implant surgery does not generally carry risks greater than those associated with other aesthetic surgical procedures. Temporary swelling, bruising, tightness, tenderness and changes in sensation may occur during the healing period.

Will there be scars after calf implant surgery?
Calf implant surgery generally leaves a scar approximately 5 cm in length within the natural crease behind the knee.

In most patients, the scar gradually fades and becomes less noticeable over time.

How long do the results of calf implant surgery last, and will I need another operation in the future?
The results of calf implant surgery are generally long-lasting and can be maintained for many years.

However, as with all implant-based procedures, future revision or replacement surgery may occasionally be required depending on the condition of the implant, changes in the tissues or the patient’s aesthetic preferences.

What should be done before calf implant surgery?
Before calf implant surgery, your surgeon will evaluate your leg structure, discuss your expectations and determine the most appropriate surgical plan. The surgery date will then be scheduled.

As with other surgical procedures, smoking should be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications, herbal teas, vitamins and weight-loss medications should generally be discontinued 1 week before surgery unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

Medications that are necessary for existing medical conditions should only be continued with your doctor’s knowledge and approval.

You will also be informed about how many hours you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.

Why is it important to stop smoking before calf implant surgery?
Smoking can significantly impair blood circulation and wound healing. For this reason, patients are strongly advised not to smoke for at least 15 days before and 15 days after surgery.

Smoking is one of the most important factors associated with delayed or poor wound healing.

How should I sleep after calf implant surgery?
After calf implant surgery, it is recommended to keep the legs slightly elevated by placing 1-2 pillows under the feet and additional pillows beneath the knees. This position can help control swelling and support the healing process.

After approximately 4 weeks, patients can generally return to their preferred sleeping position.

Why may high-heeled shoes be recommended after calf implant surgery?
Following calf implant placement, the calf muscles may feel tight or stretched during walking.

Wearing shoes or slippers with a slightly elevated heel may temporarily reduce tension in the calf muscles and improve comfort during the first few days.

As the muscles gradually adapt, the feeling of tightness usually decreases and elevated footwear is no longer necessary.

How is wound dressing performed after calf implant surgery?
As long as the surgical tapes applied during the operation remain in place, additional dressing is generally not required. A small amount of drainage or staining may occur around the dressing area.

The tapes are usually removed after approximately 20 days. After this period, additional dressing is generally unnecessary.

Your surgeon may recommend specific creams or scar-care products for the incision line.

When can I return to work after calf implant surgery?
The tissues generally begin to heal sufficiently within approximately 10 days after calf implant surgery.

In most cases, waiting approximately 14 days before returning to work and normal social activities is recommended.

When can I start exercising after calf implant surgery?
During the first 3 days after surgery, patients are generally advised to rest, take short walks at home and perform only light daily activities.

After the third day, short and careful walks outside may be possible. However, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided during the first few weeks.

Most sporting activities can generally be resumed after approximately 2 months, depending on the healing process and your surgeon’s recommendations.

Will I need to wear a compression garment after calf implant surgery?
After calf implant surgery, compression garments and bandages may be applied over the surgical dressing to provide support and controlled pressure to the treated area.

The duration of compression garment use will be determined by your surgeon according to your individual healing process.

Will the stitches need to be removed after calf implant surgery?
Absorbable sutures are generally used beneath the skin during calf implant surgery.

Therefore, removal of external stitches is usually not necessary.

Is calf implant surgery painful?
Some pain and tightness are expected after calf implant surgery, particularly during the first few days.

However, most patients report that discomfort decreases significantly within several days. When prescribed pain medication and other medications are used regularly as directed, postoperative discomfort is generally manageable.

When can I take a shower after calf implant surgery?
During the first few days after surgery, the incision areas should generally be kept dry.

In many cases, showering is permitted after approximately 9 days, depending on the condition of the wound and your surgeon’s approval.

Extremely hot or cold water should be avoided during the early recovery period.

When can I swim in the sea or a swimming pool after calf implant surgery?
It is generally recommended to wait approximately 2 months before swimming in the sea or a swimming pool.

When can I travel after calf implant surgery?
Short-distance road travel may generally be possible after approximately 5 days.

For a short flight lasting 1-2 hours, it is usually advisable to wait approximately 7 days after surgery.

How long should sexual activity be avoided after calf implant surgery?
Sexual activity may increase blood pressure and place additional tension on the leg muscles, which may increase the risk of pain or postoperative bleeding.

For this reason, it is generally recommended to avoid sexual activity for approximately 3 weeks after surgery.

When can I sunbathe or use a solarium after calf implant surgery?
Sunbathing and solarium use should generally be avoided for the first 3-4 months after surgery.

Excessive sun exposure during the healing period may affect the surgical areas and cause scars to become darker or more noticeable.

How much does calf implant surgery cost?
In order to provide accurate information about the cost of calf implant surgery, the patient’s concerns, aesthetic expectations, leg structure and individual treatment requirements must first be evaluated.

The final surgical plan and pricing information can be determined after a medical consultation.

If you have any questions regarding surgeries or would like to be evaluated by Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Fatih Söylemez, you can request an appointment via WhatsApp or Contact Form now.