Calf Augmentation
At Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates, we are dedicated to helping patients in Nevada achieve their aesthetic goals and improve their confidence. Calf augmentation surgery is one of the most gratifying body contouring procedures and can help men and women who are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their calves.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons have earned the trust and respect of male and female patients from the Las Vegas area and beyond, based on the stunning and natural-looking enhancements they consistently achieve. To learn more about improving the shape of your legs with calf augmentation, please contact us for a complimentary consultation.1
What Are Calf Implants?
Calf implants are a type of prosthesis made from medical-grade solid silicone or silicone gel and are available in different shapes and sizes. Calf augmentation surgery using calf implants can enhance the appearance of the calf muscle and create a better proportion in the legs. Calf implants can also be used in reconstructive surgery for patients who suffer from diminished calf muscles due to a health condition or as a result of an injury. At your consultation appointment for calf augmentation surgery, your plastic surgeon will explain the options for different sizes of calf implants.2
Calf Implant Surgery
During the calf implant procedure, the patient will be placed under general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon will create an incision in the back of the knee (popliteal crease). This incision placement can create a less visible scar. Calf implants are typically placed subfascially, which means that they are inserted just underneath the fascia membrane which covers the gastrocnemius muscle. They can also be placed subcutaneously (below the skin), or below the calf muscles (submuscular). Your surgeon will create a pocket to place the silicone implant that will be sized and placed precisely to achieve your desired results. Typically the medial, or inner head of the muscle is augmented, but implants can be placed in both the inner and outer heads of the calf muscle. This outpatient procedure takes approximately two hours to complete for both legs.
Calf Augmentation Recovery
Calf augmentation patients will be instructed to limit their mobility after surgery and will be directed in light walking after the first few days. Specialized plyometric-type shoes that place pressure on the balls of the feet are helpful during the initial healing process to make walking easier and less painful. Mild swelling, bruising and discomfort can occur in the days after surgery and can be treated with medication. You will need to avoid strenuous activities, including running, bicycling, or weight lifting for approximately 6 weeks after surgery.
Planning Your Calf Augmentation Procedure*
Average Procedure Time:
1 – 1.5 hours
Average Recovery Time:
1 – 2 weeks
Post-Op Consultation:
2 months
*Your treatment plan at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates will be customized to meet your needs and your individual experience will vary depending on a number of factors. All information provided on this page is an estimate of typical time and cost and does not represent an offer or guarantee of pricing or availability. Please schedule a consultation appointment to discuss which options may apply to you.
Is Calf Augmentation Right For Me?
The only way to know for sure if calf implants are right for you is to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon, but you may be a candidate for this cosmetic surgery if you:
- Are in general good health
- Work out regularly, but have not been able to achieve the calf muscles you desire through exercise
- Would like to emphasize your calf muscles to add proportion to your leg size or shape
- Seek to correct asymmetrical calves or correct the appearance of lower leg deformities
- Desire a dramatic increase in the size and shape of your calf (typically bodybuilders)
FAQs About Calf Augmentation
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Is calf augmentation painful?
Some swelling and bruising following calf augmentation are normal and subside after several days. You’ll be provided with pain medication to manage any discomfort. Elevating the legs as often as possible during the initial recovery period will help reduce swelling.
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Is calf augmentation safe?
Yes, calf implant surgery is considered safe, has a low complication rate, and a short recovery.3 While complications are rare, as with any surgical procedure there are some risks that include adverse reaction to the implant, anesthesia risks, bleeding, blood clots, capsular contracture, infection, muscle spasms, changes in skin sensation and/or color, and sensitivity.4
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How much does calf augmentation cost?
The cost of calf augmentation can vary depending on several factors, including the type of implant and the patient’s unique surgical plan. For example, some patients require liposuction and fat grafting in addition to an implant to achieve their desired result, which can affect the overall cost. The best way to determine the exact pricing is to schedule a consultation.
Contact Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates
The skilled and experienced plastic surgeons at our Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada offices provide personalized care to meet or exceed patient expectations. Contact us if you have any questions about aesthetic plastic surgery to enhance your calves, or would like to schedule a consultation.
1 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Safety and Efficacy of Subfascial Calf Augmentation. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28234831/. Accessed January 25, 2023.
2 Melita D, Innocenti A. Surgical Calf Augmentation Techniques: Personal Experience, Literature Review and Analysis of Complications. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2019;43(4):973-979. doi:10.1007/s00266-019-01347-z. Accessed July 20, 2020.
3 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Safety and Efficacy of Subfascial Calf Augmentation. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28234831/. Accessed January 25, 2023.
4 Cleveland Clinic. Calf Implants. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23253-calf-implants. Accessed January 25, 2023.
This content has either been authored or reviewed and approved by the doctors at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates.