Are calf implants supposed to feel hard like plastic or soft like muscle tissue?

Question

I Had calf implants surgery performed approximately 12 years ago in La Jolla California. The plastic surgeon didn't seem to know which catalog to order the implants from. He finally found a supplier and ordered some and after surgery I noticed that they feel very firm and hard. Whenever I get a massage or other people touch them they immediately notice the Implants. did my plastic surgeon order and use the wrong implants or is it normal for them to feel like hard pieces of plastic inside of you?

Sam Gershenbaum, DO · Answer

Calf Implants have changed a good deal over the last 12 years. Implants previously were often very firm and had more rounded edges that do not blend well in the tissues of the leg.Todays calf implants are made of a very soft, solid silicone that are very nicely tapered and are quite natural after being placed. Satisfaction with calf implants is exceedingly high, while complications are a low occurence and generally easily corrected. If your surgeon did not know which implants to order, it is hard to say what implant was placed. Asking for an operative report can be one place to start. Either way, it sounds like it would be best to simply exchange your implants and be happy with your results.

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon may have done the best he could with the older generation implants.  Many of the newer semisolid silicone implants (calf implants included) are much softer like natural athletic muscle tissue. You may want to consider having your implants exchanged for the new versions. Glad to help.

Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD, FACS · Answer

Over the years calf implants have changed; they used to be firm and not blend in the tissue as well. Your surgeon did nothing wrong. That was the state of the art with those implants 12 years ago. Today calf implants are made with a softer solid silicone and feel quite natural.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

It is all relative. If placed under the fascia it will feel as good as possible. Some implants in the past were quite hard. More recently, though not THAT recent, the solid silcone elastomer implants are softer than many were in the past. If it is a major concern for you, you could swap them out for newer ones, typically with a very easy, quick recovery.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

You probably had an old calf implant, they were harder than the new generation of implants. Also one wants to make sure the hardness is not due to capsular contracture.You may need a new set of implants and may be a capsulotomy

Are calf implants supposed to feel hard like plastic or soft like muscle tissue?

Answers (5)

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