Calf lipofilling is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reinjects the patient's own fat into the calves to correct a lack of contour. It is a fat cell autograft that achieves a lasting enhancement of the calf's contour.
\nLipofilling is a technique that re-injects autologous fat, meaning it uses the patient's own fat.
\nThe surgeon begins by identifying the fat harvesting areas as well as the reinjection sites.
\nThen, fatty tissue is harvested through a micro-incision using a fine suction cannula. The fat cells are taken from a discreet area of the body where there is a reserve, or even an excess, of fat cells (generally the abdomen, knees, inner thighs, or \"saddlebags\").
\nThe harvested fat then undergoes centrifugation for a few minutes to separate the cells to be grafted (intact fat cells) from the elements that should not be grafted (fat cells destroyed during harvesting, non-fat cells such as blood cells…).
\nThe fat is reinjected using micro-cannulas allowing for incisions of about 1 mm.
\nThe injections are performed in different planes and multiple directions so as to increase the contact surface between the grafted cells and the recipient (nourishing) tissues, allowing for good graft take.
\nThe duration of the procedure can vary depending on the amount of fat to be injected and the number of areas treated. It generally ranges between 30 minutes and two hours.
\nDepending on the patient and the procedure performed, simple local anesthesia or general anesthesia may be considered.
\nThe procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis.
\nPostoperative pain is very moderate in most cases.
\nIt is normal for edema to appear within 48 hours after the procedure. This will fully resolve within 5 to 15 days following the procedure.
\nBruising appears at the harvesting and reinjection sites. These bruises fade within 5 to 21 days.
\nSmoking 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.
\nThe result of calf lipofilling can be assessed once the edema and bruising have resolved. In the case of calf lipofilling, the edema takes longer to resolve. The result can be considered final after 3 to 6 months.
\nLipofilling achieves a lasting result because it is a genuine autograft of the patient's own cells. The grafted fat cells remain alive for as long as the tissues in which they were grafted. Over time, there can be a loss of 10 to 30% of the reinjected fat volume. The surgeon takes this phenomenon into account when assessing the amount of fat cells to graft. Several lipofilling sessions may be needed to achieve the desired contour.
\nXBody sessions may be indicated to optimize and enhance the result of calf lipofilling. XBody is a muscle electro-stimulation device particularly effective for reshaping the body's muscles, slimming the legs, tapering the thighs and reducing cellulite.
\n> See the before-after gallery dedicated to calf lipofilling
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