Can calf implants be placed into ankle area?

Question

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

Please keep in mind that an in person consultation with physical exam is first necessary before any final surgery recommendations are made.  Depending upon your goals, you may benefit from either an outer calf implant +/- an inner calf implant to balance out the leg best.  Most patients aesthetically benefit the most from having both inner and outer implants placed.  
Very few plastic surgeons specialize in this operation so you may have to travel a long distance to one that does. The implants are made of soft semi-solid silicone rubber and placed surgically through a small (3/4 inch) incision in a natural crease behind the knee. When the implants are properly sized and placed under the muscle fascia, they should blend in and look natural. There are too many critical nerves and blood vessels under the muscle to risk putting the implants under the actual muscle bellies. This too is true in the ankle area, hence not a good idea. 
All surgery comes with post-operative pain and recovery.  For calf implants, the first two weeks after surgery is the most difficult time because walking is painful. However most patients ambulate just fine without crutches, some choose to use them for the first 3-5 days. Recovery usually progresses at a smooth steady pace after the initial two weeks. Patients can fly back home as soon as 4-5 days post-op. Driving a car is usually allowed after 7-10 days. Low intensity seated upper body workouts can resume at 2-3 weeks, standing at 4 weeks but no legs for 6 weeks...remember, you only have one chance to heal properly. Glad to help.

Rodney A. Green, MD · Answer

The implants that are used for calf augmentation of placed in the upper half of the leg. They cannot be placed in the ankle areas.Many of my patients are concerned about having small ankles. I have used fat grafting in this area with good results. If the skin is very tight however several sessions of fat grafting may be needed to achieve the result that you want.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Calf implants are placed beneath the gastrocnemius fascia. This fascial pocket ends about halfway down the leg. So no calf implants do not extend nor can they be placed into the ankle area.

Can calf implants be placed into ankle area?

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Can calf implants be placed into ankle area?

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Everything you need to know about Calf Implant

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