What's the Best Solution for Uneven Calves After an Injury?

Hello and thank you for the question. Calf asymmetry may  be treated with either Calf Implants, or Complex Fat Transfer.  The procedure selection will depend on several factors including availability of fat for transfer and type of calf deformity. These procedures are often performed in combination, especially when there is a history of marked lower extremity circumferential discrepancy, as can be seen in patients with a history of club foot deformity. In the right hands, calf... more

Calf implants can offer a nice option for the patient who has a thinner, partially atrophic calf muscle. There are two heads to the calf muscle, and sometimes only one implant will give the fullness you may desire; occasionally two implants will be needed. Continue to seek out Plastic Surgeons who do this very rewarding operation. You may be a candidate for this surgery. My patients have been very pleased with the results. Good luck to you... more

I have seen several patients in my practice who have suffered injury to their lower leg in their youth, with resultant muscle wasting and subsequent asymmetry of their calves. Silicone calf implants are an excellent option to restore symmetry. The procedure is quick and recovery is reasonably short.

Realistically the worry about nerve injury has already happened with your accident ? If Ive read your concern correctly then your risk is actually minuscule. Solid silicone implants are a great product to correct asymmetry. There are a lot of us Board Certified surgeons that would gladly help you with this problem. Its a very simple operation and a pretty tough recovery. Crutches for 1-2 weeks, Outcome should be outstanding.

The only methods to correct the size difference between your calf muscles are (assuming you want to increase the size to the larger calf): calf augmentation with implants and fat grafting Both are good options.  Fat grafting may require multiple procedures and a deposit of fat on your body. Calf implants are the most common solution to this problem.

Without a picture, specific recommendations are hard to offer. If your asymmetry is due to muscle atrophy from nerve damage, then it is unlikely to get better after 2 years. A calf implant may be your best option.

Depending on the type of deformity, properly-placed soft solid silcone calf implants are a wonderful option. I have placed calf implants in many polio patients, and several patients like you (including a female orthopedic surgeon with a skiing injury to one calf), as well as cosmetic patients such as body builders over the past 20 years, and can attest to their safety and effectiveness. Not many plastic surgeons do them, as seen by the number or replies here (as compared to breast implants),... more

The options tou have for calf is either calf implant or fat transfer. Each has it's own negatives and positives. Personally fat is superior however it will need multiple sittings to achieve symmetry. Calf implants like any other implants have their own risks and the fact that the need maitainance. Consult a Board certified Plastic surgeon and discuss your options, as well as the pros and cons of each method.