Calf Implants (Calf Augmentation) Sydney

Actual patient of Dr Benjamin Norris

  • An elective cosmetic procedure
  • No Rebates from Medicare and Private health insurance
  • Day procedure only

There are a number of reasons men choose to receive calf implants, also called calf augmentation, including a congenital defect (something you’re born with), asymmetry, or difficulty building muscle bulk in the calf.

A calf implant (calf augmentation) is an approved medical device for use in cosmetic surgery. Some additional risks are involved with any type of surgery that includes a foreign object. However, the results of calf augmentation surgery are tailored to your goals and natural features, provided you have realistic expectations about what can be achieved.

Patients considering calf augmentation should be in good health and not have any serious underlying medical conditions, particularly anything related to blood clotting.

What happens at the first calf augmentation consultation?

During your first calf implants consultation, Dr Norris will evaluate your calves to determine whether you require a medical prosthesis or would benefit from a less extensive procedure such as fat transfer. Photographs will be taken for your medical records, and your medical history will be reviewed before going into the specific details of the procedure.

This in-depth evaluation helps Dr Norris address the condition. He will take you through the specifics of how the surgery will be performed, where the incisions will be placed, and what approach will be appropriate.

You will be encouraged to ask questions and voice concerns during this time. There will be a frank discussion about the risks, complications, and consequences of having the operation, which will help you set realistic expectations about what can be achieved and what to expect during your recovery. At the end of this initial consultation, you should know what will be possible. Dr Norris will then provide you with a detailed quotation to review and will give you time to think about whether you want to go ahead.

If you decide to proceed with surgery, Dr Norris will see you again for a second consultation. During your second consultation, a date will be set for your procedure, and Dr Norris will tell you how to prepare for it. Patients are encouraged to stop smoking at least two months before their calf augmentation surgery. Certain medications and supplements will also need to be avoided before surgery. You should also use your second consultation to ask any additional questions that might have cropped up in your mind.

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How much does calf augmentation (calf implants) cost in Sydney?

The cost of calf augmentation starts at about $3,000, but this doesn’t include hospital and anaesthetist fees. Since many patients choose to pair this procedure with additional cosmetic surgeries, this can also affect the final cost. The best way to get a more accurate quotation is to schedule a consultation with Dr Norris. Since this is a purely cosmetic procedure, private health insurance or Medicare will not cover the costs.

How is calf implant surgery performed?

Calf implant surgery illustration 1-2

Dr Norris only performs calf augmentation surgery in fully accredited facilities. This procedure is performed under general anaesthetic by a fully credited anaesthetist, whom you will meet prior to surgery. You can expect the operation to take 1-2 hours to complete.

The type of implant used depends on the size and result you have discussed with Dr Norris. To insert the implant, an incision is made on the back of the knee over the natural crease. The implant is placed in a pocket between the fascia and the underlining muscle. The incision is closed with sutures and wrapped in compression bandages to reduce swelling and movement of the implant once inserted.

Patients will then be moved to a recovery room, where they will be monitored for several hours before discharge. If drains are placed under the skin after surgery, they are usually removed before the patient is discharged or the day after.

What happens after the surgery?

  • Calf implant patients can expect to spend about 4 hours in the hospital before they’re discharged.
  • Since your range of movement will be restricted, you won’t be able to drive. You will need to arrange for a friend or family member to collect you after surgery.
  • Dr Norris will send you home with detailed aftercare instructions and a prescription for pain medication.
  • Daily short showers are permitted, provided your waterproof dressings are dried adequately. Your first shower will only be permitted after two days.
  • Patients should sleep with their legs elevated to reduce swelling during the first two weeks.
  • You may also need crutches to get around for at least ten days.
  • Pain and discomfort peak during the first two days after the procedure, but your prescription medication will help alleviate this.
  • It’s not uncommon for patients to experience bruising, swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity. Swelling may vary from patient to patient but usually resolves after two weeks.
  • Scarring will be less noticeable since the incision is placed behind the knee.
  • Light exercise such as walking will be possible after two weeks. Your normal exercise routine will only be possible after six weeks.
  • You may return to work after one week unless it involves heavy lifting/bending or use of the lower body. You may need to be on light duties for up to 3 weeks.
  • A follow-up appointment will be booked for you on day three after the operation. This is to check your wounds and change the dressing.
  • Patients will need to wait at least two months before they will see the final results of their surgery. This will differ between patients.
  • Regular follow-up appointments will also be necessary to monitor the state of your calf implants. Calf implants are designed to last 10 – 15 years, after which they must be removed or replaced.

Possible complications

  • Haematoma – A collection of blood in the breast pocket. Which is either naturally absorbed into the body or sometimes requires further surgical drainage. Symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising, hot to touch, or itchy skin.
  • Infection – Most infections tend to occur within the first three weeks after surgery. If the incision lines are raised and red, the skin is itchy, and you’re experiencing a high temperature, you may need an antibiotic to treat the infection.
  • Scar Tissue – After calf augmentation surgery, you may experience hard lumps around the incision line. This is scar tissue building up after trauma to the area due to the implant being inserted. This will eventually settle and subside but might require steroid injections to eliminate the build-up of scar tissue.
  • Asymmetry – The calf implants vary in size, and a slightly uneven result can occur.

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