Will I Be Able to Run Marathon After Calf Augmentation?

I have not had any patients mention or discuss concerns or problems regarding their calf implants during strenuous exercise or extended running programs. I am in practice for over twenty years and perform calf augmentation routinely. With calf implants performed correctly and in a reasonably consevative fashion, i would say it should be no problem. Just for argument sake and theoretically speaking, if one were to place implants that were aggressive in size, or implants medially and laterally that were more than consevative, i would advise against those choices for someone who is a marathon runner. Long term outcome for properly placed, extra soft, nicely tapered calf implants are great legs !After implant surgery, the body forms a thin layer of scar tissue around the implant, what we call a capsule. This capsule is not something you can feel but it is there holding the implant in place and in proper position. It is important to avoid strenuous activity and running before this capsule is formed to avoid malposition of the implant. I would recommend waiting for about 8 weeks to begin training / running again as this capsule takes a good 6 to 8 weeks to fully form.

 Recent approach for calf implant is the endoscopic calf augmentation.  Placing the implant under the muscle  is one of the key feature of endoscopic calf augmentation and this is usually strong enough to undergo the physical stress of sporting activities. I have NOT had any patients mention or discuss concerns or problems regarding their calf implants during strenuous exercise or extended running programs. After the surgery, you can expect to be walking without  any assistance, resume your normal running routing after 5-6 weeks. I will assume you can probably run a marathon in about 3 months. Every procedure has some complication and long term complication are possible with calf implants and these are  hardness of the implants (capsular contracture), infection, and displacement.

I have had several patients who have had calf augmentation and run on a daily basis for exercise. These patients have been doing this for years without any trouble, therefore, I do'nt think that you will have an issue with doing marathons.

Calf implants have no effect on the muscles of the lower leg.  Once the wound has healed, running can be resumed.  In my opinion, if healing is going along well, patients can return to full activity in 2 to 3 weeks.

Calf implants are ideally placed in a position that does not interfere with muscle activity or limit exercise. In most cases, however, it is important to wait 6 weeks before resuming heavy or strenuous exercise in order to allow complete healing of the implant pocket.

You will not be able to run for about 4-6 weeks after surgery, but after you are healed you can get back into your normal routine. You should have no issues running a marathon.

After Calf Augmentation surgery I tell my patients no exercise or running for 6 weeks. All of my patients have returned to their normal exercise and running programs without any issues. I have been doing Calf Augmentation surgery for over 20 years and have not seen any problems in implants that have been in for that long. The most important part of the surgery is making the pocket the right place and in the right size. This will insure your future as a marathon runner! 

Hello and thank you for the question.

Calf augmention with silicone implants was initially reserved for patients with developmental conditions secondary to disease processes such as polio myelitis, talpes equinus, and post-traumatic atrophy.  It has subsequently additionally been employed for purely aesthetic reasons in patients with anatomically small calves. 

The silicone implants are classically placed within the deep fascia and augmentation of both the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius may be performed with individual implants.  The implants do not interfere with muscular function or range of motion hence limitations to your exercise regiemens should not be an issue. In my practice, I recommend refraining from strenuous lower extremity exercise for a period of no less than 8 weeks. This timeline may vary on a case-by-case basis.

When considering a calf augmentation, always consult with a Board Ceritified Plastic Surgeon.

Kindest Regards,

Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S. 

 

 

You will be able to resume full physical activity 6-8 weeks after calf augmentation. 

Marathons by the 3rd month.

Unlike breast implants, there aren't many long term studies on calf implants (as they are not as common of a procedure). However, long term problems are not common. After an appropriate recovery, you should be able to continue running Marathons.