Is Nerve Block Procedure in Calves Safe?

In Korea, there is a new procedure where they block certain nerves in your calf muscle to make your claves smaller. Is this safe?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by maui1000 in tokyo

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Making calves smaller by nerve block works but will compromise function.

Muscles atrophy (get smaller) when not used. A large calf placed in a cast for three months will atrophy substantially. Using nerve block or Botox or direct nerve damage will result in wasting of the muscle which will also effect funtion.

Making calf smaller

By blocking the nerve nerves to the calf muscles, they may atrophy and therefore look smaller. The calf has 2 main muscles in back so if one muscle is treated, the other muscle will still maintain functional. There aren't any long term studies on this regarding safety. Keep in mind, using Botox to block such a large muscle is costly and will need to be repeated 3 to 4 times per a year.

Muscle Atrophy Is One Technique For Making Calfs Smaller

The technique for calf reduction to which you refer is based on muscle atrophy. It is commonly done in Korea where larger calfs are the norm although not aesthetically desired. There are two technique for creating calf muscle atrophy. One method is where they find and cut one of the motor nerves to the muscle. Without receiving any nerve input to the muscle a portion of it shrinks. The other method is the use of Botox injections into the calfs. By weakening a... more