Calf Implant Surgery

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 a 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. As with any type of surgery that includes a foreign object, there are some additional risks involved. However, the results of calf augmentation surgery are tailored to your desires 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 clots.

What happens at the first calf augmentation consultation?

Dr Norris appreciates the courage required for many men to finally consult with a surgeon about a personal concern. Rest assured, you will be treated with the utmost sympathy and discretion throughout this process.

During your first consultation, Dr Norris will evaluate your calves to determine whether you require a medical prosthesis or would benefit from a less invasive procedure such as fat transfer. Anyone in the average physical condition and good health can be a candidate for calf augmentation surgery. 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 determine the best way to address the problem and create calves that will complement your profile. Dr Norris 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 any concerns you may have 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 have a very good idea of what will be possible for you. 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 at 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 your procedure. Patients are encouraged to stop smoking at least 2 months prior to their calf augmentation surgery as this will help encourage your recovery. Certain medications and supplements will also need to be cut out prior to 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, the costs will not be covered by private health insurance or Medicare.

How is calf implant surgery performed?

Calf implant surgery illustration 1-2

Dr Norris only ever performs calf augmentation surgery in fully accredited facilities. This is for your safety and to ensure optimum quality of care throughout the operation and the immediate postoperative period. This procedure is performed under general anaesthetic by a fully credited anaesthetist, who you will meet prior to your surgery. You can expect the operation to take 1-2 hours to complete.

The type of implant used depends on the size and end 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 they are discharged. 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 implants 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 as well as a prescription for pain medication, which will ensure a smoother recovery.
  • Daily short showers are permitted, provided your waterproof dressings are dried adequately. Your first shower will only be permitted after 2 days.
  • Patients are encouraged to sleep with your legs elevated to reduce swelling during the first two weeks.
  • You may also need to use crutches to get around for at least 10 days.
  • The worst pain and discomfort will be experienced during the first 2 days after your 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 2 weeks.
  • Since the incision is placed behind the knee, scarring will be minimal. Correctly caring for your incisions will also help keep scarring to a minimum.
  • Light exercise such as walking will be possible after 2 weeks. Your normal exercise routine will only be possible after 6 weeks, provided Dr Norris gives you sign off.
  • You may return to work after 1 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 3 after the operation. This is to check your wounds and change the dressing.
  • Patients will need to wait at least 2 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 keep an eye on the state of your calf implants. Calf implants are designed to last for 10 – 15 years, after which they need to 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 3 weeks after surgery. If the incisions lines are raised and red, the skin itchy and you’re experiencing a high temperature, you may need an antibiotic to treat the infection
  • Scar Tissue – YYou may experience hard lumps around the incision line after your calf augmentation surgery. 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. Dr Norris will discuss this if need be
  • Asymmetry – Though every effort is made to ensure your calves are symmetrical. Unfortunately, the implants vary in size and a slightly uneven result can occur

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