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

Question

i had a football injury about 2 years ago to my right leg n the calf is significantly smaller than the other cuz of nerve damage n i cant build muscle back. the doctors i went to dont even offer calf implants because of the dangers with it n ive saw a lot of negative things bout fat injections.

Rikesh T. Parikh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, I have recently done one of these cases. Nerve injury can lead to calf asymmetry from muscle atrophy. I recently did a case with implants where a large implant was placed on the inside of the calf and a medium size implant on the outside on the left leg only. Implant size can be determined at the time of consultation. Fat transfer can be performed as well but variable results have been seen and multiple treatments may be needed. I have performed fat grafting as well. Implants is the gold standard for calf enhancement at this time. They can be done by small incisions on the back of the knee and if placed correctly are relatively safe. Try to visit with a surgeon certified by the american board of plastic surgery for some options. Thanks.

Sam Gershenbaum, DO · Answer

Calf implant surgery has become an increasingly popular procedure for men and women. It is not a technically difficult procedure to perform, relatively speaking and the incidence of complications are quite low compared to many common procedures. Many patients may have uneven calves from a variety of problems including club foot deformity, cerebral palsy, traumatic injuries, etc. Calf implant surgery for asymmetry is performed routinely with great success in creating symmetry in uneven legs with calf implants. Generally,  two implants are placed in the smaller leg, one medially and one laterally. This can be combined with fat grafting at the same time for blending and enhanced symmetry. Patient satisfaction with this procedure is exceedingly high.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

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), and unfortunately, the response by some surgeons who do not have experience with calf implants is to just speak about potential problems. Fat grafting is also something that is possible and effective, but does indeed require several sessions, and may not give enough bulk to simulate some degree of symmetry. I have fat grafted many patients as well, but find results better with smaller defects. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

William A. Wallace, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Charles Virden, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Calf implants to restore symmetry

Answer: Calf implants to restore symmetry

Answer: Calf Implant is Safe and excellent choice

Answer: Calf Implant is Safe and excellent choice

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Calf Implant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Calf implants to restore symmetry

Answer: Calf implants to restore symmetry

Answer: Calf Implant is Safe and excellent choice

Answer: Calf Implant is Safe and excellent choice

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Calf Implant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.