Calf Augmentation: A Single Institution Review of over 200 Cases

Abstract

Introduction: Over the past several decades, there has been increased interest in creating a fuller-appearing and more well-defined calf region. The primary method for augmentation is use of a semirigid silicone prosthesis as it produces reliable results and an aesthetically pleasing calf contour. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of patient charts was performed to identify patients who had undergone calf augmentation from 2007 through 2011. The charts were reviewed for patient satisfaction, size of implant, and observed complications. Results: A total of 202 calf augmentations were performed over the 5 years studied. The overall satisfaction rate was 92.1% (186/202). Patients who were unsatisfied with the procedure were primarily dissatisfied with the amount of augmentation achieved or by hypertrophic scarring. Conclusions: Calf augmentation is a procedure that can nicely enhance the physique in a reliable fashion. The overall satisfaction rate is excellent as long as care is taken to ensure that the right implant is chosen to meet the patient's expectations, that meticulous attention is paid to dissection of the pocket to minimize implant migration, and that a layered closure is used to minimize hypertrophic scarring.

Aesthetic Contouring of Calf Hypertrophy with Radiofrequency Volume Reduction

“…In Western countries, many efforts have been used to augment the calf for muscular aplasia and hypoplasia caused by conditions such as poliomyelitis, congenitally deformed feet, posttraumatic paralysis, and congenital muscular hypoplasia. [16][17][18] However, Asians, including Taiwanese, tend to have short and thick calves. Furthermore, certain occupations and sports result in well-developed calf muscles.…”