Calf Prosthesis

Calf prosthesis is a surgical intervention applied to increase calf volume and improve its shape. Many people complain about the shape or height of their calf muscles into a point where they avoid wearing short clothes. In such cases, even when exercising intensely, the desired results cannot be obtained, especially when a proportional image cannot be provided according to the upper leg muscles. Calf prostheses can also be applied to correct deformities and losses caused by nerve diseases or accidents. Shaped, soft silicone prostheses are applied to these areas.

Who are the suitable candidates?

Women and men may turn to calf prosthesis for different reasons. While men generally want to develop and increase muscle integrity, women aim to improve the ratio between thighs and thighs in order to have a more proportional body. Those interested in bodybuilding often want to strengthen the dynamic structure of this muscle, which is very difficult to develop under normal conditions. This muscle, which varies from person to person due to its anatomical structure, may not come to the desired size and shape in some cases even when it is intensely exercised for many years. With calf prosthesis surgery, volume and shape can be given to the calf and this situation can be eliminated.

The surgeon's skill plays a very important role in determining the correct shape and height. The surgeon must give the correct ratio and shape to the calf during surgery. It should also anticipate the changes that may occur later and perform the intervention. In general, any patient whose health status is average or above can be considered a suitable candidate. Although calf prosthesis is not a substitute for treatment, it can be applied to provide anatomical balance in disorders caused by bone-related conditions such as polio, spina bifida and clubfoot.

Operation

In calf prosthesis surgery, soft silicone implants are placed in appropriate areas on the existing muscle and in this way, volume and shape are given to the calf. Depending on the situation, these implants are placed in one or both legs with small incisions made between the folds behind the knee. Different parts of the muscle can be volumized in different sizes according to the preference of the patients. As a result, the calf muscle will be more voluminous and will have smoother lines.

The legs are measured during the examination and the appropriate sized implants are prepared before the surgery. The operation is performed under general anesthesia with the patient lying face down. An incision is made in the fascia of the gastrocnemius muscle. Fascia is a fibrous structure that covers the muscle. A special surgical instrument is used to create a pocket between this structure and the muscle. This pocket is sized for the implant to be placed perfectly. The implant is gently placed in the created pocket. The same process is repeated for the second implant. While the process is completed, the shape is checked again and if the expected result is obtained, the incision is closed with stitches. The patient is placed in a supine position.

Postoperative Recovery Period

The postoperative recovery period can be divided into short term and long term. The short term is approximately one week after the surgery. Positioning the feet of the patient high while lying down will reduce the swelling and the associated discomfort. In the first one or two days, the patient will rest in the bed in this way, it is possible to walk short distances in the house with the help of a relative. Two days later, dressings are removed and the patient is advised to walk as often as possible. In this way, the muscles will become compatible with implants faster. In this way, the skin will fit the shape of the muscle and relax. There is no harm in taking a shower after the dressings are removed. Although walking is not very comfortable after a week or so, it will become possible to walk longer and longer distances. It can take up to three weeks for walking to become almost completely normal. This period can vary widely among patients.

The long-term healing process begins 3-4 weeks after surgery. Walking begins to normalize, the skin spreads well over the muscle, and its tight and shiny appearance begins to disappear. Small bruises can be seen in the areas where the incisions are made. These will disappear over time. It is possible to start compelling physical activities such as running, cycling, weight training, up to a month later, depending on the patient's recovery rate. If no complications occur, the patient usually return to his/her former physical comfort within one to two months.

Complications that may occur

Post-operative infection is a risk present in all surgical interventions. Bleeding, nerve damage, implant slippage, and asymmetry are among the current risks.