Placing prosthetic implants in the calves corrects overly thin calves, commonly called "chicken legs." The procedure involves placing a flexible silicone gel implant that contours atrophied calves by recreating the shape normally created by the muscles.
1. Principle of calf reshaping
Implants are placed inside the sheath of the calf muscle (called the gastrocnemius muscle). A 3 cm incision is made behind the knee (in the popliteal fossa). The implants are then inserted into the pocket created under the muscle's fibrous membrane, without cutting the gastrocnemius muscles.
Depending on the patient's original anatomy and the desired volume, the surgeon will insert one or two implants per calf.
The implants are made of silicone gel and are designed to withstand the tension exerted in this part of the body.
2. Recovery after calf implant placement
The procedure generally lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes.
Postoperative pain is generally limited and can be relieved with standard painkillers. As with any procedure, it is normal to notice edema (swelling) and bruising in the calves and ankles. A feeling of tightness in the calf is generally felt for a few days. Edema in the ankle may persist for one to three weeks.
Some discomfort while walking is felt but gradually fades after a week and disappears completely after the third week following the procedure. Daily activities can be resumed normally after a week.
While complications related to implant placement are rare, it should be considered that this is a surgical procedure that carries the risks inherent to anesthesia and the medical act itself (see Risks in surgery). Implant placement carries the risk of capsular contracture (the fibrous capsule contracts around the implant). A touch-up procedure would then need to be considered to release the capsule or, if the patient wishes, to remove the implant.
Smoking increases the risk of surgical complications in any type of surgery. Stopping smoking 6-8 weeks before the procedure eliminates this additional risk. If you smoke, talk to your doctor, surgeon and anesthesiologist, or call a smoking cessation helpline to help reduce risks and give yourself the best chances.
3. Results of calf reshaping with implants
The final result of the procedure can be assessed after 3 months.
Since implant placement requires a 3 cm incision at the top of the calf, a discreet scar appears behind the knee. It loses its pink color after three months and gradually fades to match the skin tone.
Since the silicone gel has a consistency very close to that of body tissue, the presence of the implants is barely perceptible to the touch.
