CALF IMPLANTS

This 35-year-old Miami plastic surgery patient came to our office for a consultation regarding the asymmetry of his legs. He had a polio infection as a child growing up in rural South America. As a result, his left leg muscles did not develop properly. What he wanted to achieve was more symmetry between legs by means of enlargement of his left leg with calf implants.

Clinical evaluation in our Fort Lauderdale plastic surgery office demonstrated poorly developed calf muscles due to paralysis in the childhood. This was particularly visible in the inner aspect of the left calf although the outside aspect was underdeveloped (atrophic, hypoplastic) as well (left).

We discussed calf augmentation with silicone implants to add bulk and improve shape of the left leg muscles. I have suggested starting with correction of inner aspect of the leg rather than correcting both inner and outside leg in the same time. This will give as a chance to evaluate result correcting the more visible deformity and it will not place patient at risk of side effect of calf implant surgery (compartment syndrome).

Surgery was done under general anesthesia in our office surgery center. A small 7cm. incision was placed in the knee crease and silicone implant was placed on top of the muscle to create bulk and improve shape.

Before calf implant surgery (left) and 6 months after calf augmentation with silicone calf implant (right).

Back view of the patient before calf enlargement surgery (left). Notice significant difference in the shape and muscle definition between right (normal) leg and underdeveloped left leg as a result of childhood polio infection and muscle paralysis.

One year after calf implant surgery image demonstrates improvement in overall bulk and contour of left leg (right).

Patient was offered to have implant replaced with a larger implant to achieve more symmetry but he was happy with current result. Notice barely visible scar hidden in the crease; it will continue to improve and fade.

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