Some people have poorly developed muscles on the back of the leg (belly of the leg) and cannot increase it even with targeted weight training. There are also cases where there are volume asymmetries in this zone. In both situations, the solution is the calf augmentation procedure.
Calf augmentation can be done in different ways, with surgical and non-surgical solutions. With regard to surgical interventions, the increase can be achieved through the placement of calf prostheses or the injection of fat collected from the patient himself. In terms of non-surgical interventions, we can increase the volume of the calves through the application of cross-linked hyaluronic acid.
Non-Surgical – Hyaluronic Acid Filler
This procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia and takes about 20 minutes. It consists of the application of hyaluronic acid through a cannula and, therefore, there are no incisions or sutures.
After the procedure, a bandage with an elastic bandage is placed around the treated area and rest is mandatory that same day. However, the next day, you can resume your professional and social life normally.
Surgical – Fat filling
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia in approximately two hours. Does not require hospitalization. Before filling the area, it is necessary to perform liposuction in another area of the body to obtain the fat that will be used to fill the calves. Through a small incision of approximately 1 centimeter, a cannula is introduced that will suck the fat located there. The extracted fat is treated and will be applied, with a cannula, to the calves through a small incision in that area.
The procedure requires rest for two days. After this period, you can resume your professional activity as long as it does not require much physical effort. Physical exercise can only be resumed after one month.
Surgical – Placement of prostheses
In cases of placement of calf prostheses, the procedure is done in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia and takes about an hour and a half. The procedure consists of introducing calf prostheses through an incision in the inner area of the knee. The prostheses are made of silicone and are specifically designed to improve the contour of this area. After the application of the prostheses, the suture is made and an elastic compression strap is applied.
In cases of filling with hyaluronic acid, the procedure is quite simple and there are no contraindications. After the procedure, you should take some care, such as performing regular massages and using a compression bandage on the site for two days. The procedure is not painful and, as such, there is usually no pain or discomfort associated with it.
In surgical cases, however, taking antibiotics is mandatory , as well as resting for the first two days with lower limbs elevated and pills with elastic stockings. It is also mandatory to abstain from physical exercise for at least one month, given that, in the case of augmentation with prostheses, there is a risk of them moving.
Both surgical procedures do not require hospitalization, only observation for a few hours is required. After the surgery, the patient goes home with the compression strap and, after 2 days, the drainage sessions will start at the clinic, twice a week.
At Clínica Baptista Fernandes, all drainage sessions are included in the cost of the surgery, as the recovery process is essential for the success of the calf augmentation. That’s why we have a team of therapists specially trained to carry out the drainage and, if necessary, ultrasound sessions and LED light therapy for a quick and healthy recovery. In addition, each patient receives direct contact from the doctor who performed the surgery so that they can contact him to clarify any doubts.
