Calf Enlargement

There are many patients, both men and women, who seek improvement in the contour of their calves. This is not a surgery specific to models or body builders.

I am constantly seeing patients who have significant concerns and complaints about their legs. I see exactly what they see. I understand why they can be so frustrated. Surgery for enlargement of the calves is safe and very predictable in properly chosen patients. I can help you with this process, and there are several good options.

The features consistently bothering patients are very thin legs, lack of any muscle definition in the calf region, and unevenness and asymmetry from side to side. This is usually a result of what you are born with but occasionally is a result of polio, wearing a cast, or an orthopedic problem. Patients with normal contours sometimes just want to be larger. The part of the body that causes concern in this case is the skin and fat directly over the calf muscles (gastrocnemius), sometimes called the “gastrocs.” The underlying muscle size and contour, the amount of fat over this area, and the degree of skin elasticity are factors that are brought to bear in evaluating this condition. This area is related to the knees above and ankles below, so I will coordinate all of the features of your anatomy with your expectations, formulate a plan with you, and guide you through this process. Calf enlargement and contouring is created by careful placement of implants or fat grafting. Surgery involves a light general anesthetic, and is performed where I do surgery, which is in a hospital setting. The surgery is safe and predictable. There is very mild swelling after surgery. The stitches are all dissolvable. You can return to work in as little as seven to ten days, and to some physical exercise in the third week.

The surgical procedure and results of calf enlargement depend on VERY careful selection of patients, how much stretch is possible in your calf skin, how large an implant can safely be placed, and how well you can follow postoperative instructions. Occasionally your anatomy may suggest that fat grafting will work better. The categories of calf enhancement surgery I offer in my practice are:

• Calf Implants: This has been the gold standard for years. A three-inch incision is made in the crease behind the knee, and an implant is inserted on each side directly over the corresponding muscle. The implants are specifically shaped or can be carved to be just like your muscles. The implants are usually two different sizes. You need to be at bed rest for two days and then use a walker for about one week.
• Fat Grafting of the Calves: This is similar to fat grafting in other areas. The fat is put directly over the muscles and maybe below to blend in. The grafting works well in this area in properly chosen patients and is permanent. Please read more details in the Fat Grafting section.