Costs
Costs for this procedure vary, depending on the doctor,
the location, and the difficulty of the specific case.
Please call our offices at 310.575.1500 for an
exact quote. Our prices are very competetive and you
can be sure that you're getting the very best surgeon
with Dr. Cheski. Our on staff surgical consultants can
best help you to determine the cost for this procedure.
The Procedure
Calf implants are placed in order to increase the
size of the calves to make them more full and muscular.
It involves making a small incision behind the knee
and placing a pliable rubber implant next to the calf
muscle, making the calf muscle bulge out more. The appearence
is often quite natural, even during exercise, and it
is often possible to return to all normal activities.
There are risks with any surgery, however, and these
are best discussed with your doctor.
Does it hurt?
Fortunately, the surgical incision for placing the
implants is quite small, and is in the thin skin behind
the knee; pain after the surgery is therefore quite
tolerable. There is discomfort in walking for a few
days, similar to the muscle ache felt after a vigorous
workout (like a marathon). During the surgery, of course,
the area would be numb, and it would not hurt at all.
How long does surgery take?
Surgery generally requires approximately one hour per
calf.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
This surgery can usually be performed as an outpatient,
and you can go home immediately after the operation.
Do I need to be put to sleep for the surgery?
The surgery can be done under local anesthesia, but
most people choose to have sedation, to make them drowsy
and more comfortable during the surgery. Discuss your
preferences with your surgeon.
Is it safe?
All surgery has some potential risks, including the
risks of bleeding, allergy to the anesthetic, and infection.
In this surgery, serious complications are quite rare.
Other Risks/complications?
All surgery has the risks of scarring, bleeding, and
infection. The health risks from these are relatively
minor in this surgery, although any of these problems
could necessitate removal of the implants. In addition,
the implants are made up of synthetic materials, and
you will need to discuss with your doctor any health
risks associated with that material.
How long do the results last?
The results are often quite long lasting, but you should
view this as a temporary augmentation. You may have
some problems with the implants or with your legs in
the future, which would necessitate removal of the implants.
(With age, the circulation in the legs gets less, and
you will probably want to remove the implants if you
start to have problems with your circulation.)
Is there much scarring?
The scarring from this operation is usually quite minor
and well hidden. If you are prone to bad scarring, however,
such as keloids, then you should discuss this with your
doctor.
How long until I can go back to work?
Your calves will be pretty sore for the first few days
after surgery, and you may want to stay home from work.
You will need to discuss this further with your doctor.
How long before I can resume normal activities?
Most normal activities can be resumed within a few
days, although your legs will be stiff and sore. You
should avoid strenuous use of the legs for at least
6 weeks in order to give things a chance to heal up
properly.
What benefit could I expect
from the surgery?
If you are self-conscious about your calves, then this
surgery can open up many new possilbilities for changing
your image, and can allow you to show off your legs
in shorts, bathing suits, etc. As with most cosmetic
surgery, the benefit you derive will depend upon the
change in attitude that you will have about yourself
as a result of the surgery.
What are the alternatives?
Most people considering calf augmentation have already
tried the various excercises available to try to build
up the calves, but if you have not, then you should
try this first. Steroids have been used by some, but
are not recomended by most health authorities, due to
the side effects.
Special Instructions
As mentioned above, it is very important to make sure
that there is no infection or bleeding in the leg after
the surgery. You must therefore be very careful to protect
the calves and keep them clean, and follow your doctor’s
instructions very carefully.
Example Photos
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This information is only intended as an introduction
to this procedure and should not be used to determine
whether you will have the procedure performed.
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