From the Iliad of Homer to 20th Century aircraft design, the aesthetic value of a shapely calf atop a neat ankle has inspired countless examples of human endeavor. Yet despite hours spent sweating the leg machines in gyms from coast to coast, many people today simply cannot achieve the look they want when it comes to their calves. The development of a shapely calf is not merely a matter of muscular development; some people are simply born with unattractive calves, and no amount of working out will change that fact. For these, and for other men and women who wish to increase the size and attractiveness of their calves, one option remains: calf augmentation surgery.

Those seeking shapelier calves have many goals, among which is better balance between the sizes of thigh and calf, better calf bulk, or the correction of deformities including those caused by disease, injury or birth defect. To satisfy this increased desire for better-looking calves, plastic surgeons have developed a surgical procedure using implants that can create a calf custom-tailored to the physical and psychological needs of the patient.

Prior to surgery, the surgeon will create wax molds of the patient's calves, then sculpt and model the desired implants atop these. Once these model implants are shaped to fit the patient's desired calf size and contour, the surgeon will have duplicate implants made of silicone and prepared for implantation.

The surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. During the procedure, the patient assumes a supine position on the operating table, then a small (≈3?) incision is made at the crease of the knee at the top of each calf. A tissue dissection is then performed, creating a ?pocket? of empty space within each calf into which the silicone implants are inserted and positioned. After checking both implants for position and symmetry, the incisions are sutured shut and dressed, and the patient removed to the recovery area.

Recovery from calf augmentation is ordinarily a rapid and uncomplicated process. The post-operative period of pain, bruising and swelling typically lasts 1 to 3 weeks. As with all forms of surgery, calf augmentation carries the risk of bleeding, edema, and secondary infection, but with conscientious post-operative wound care these risks are minimal. Of more concern is the chance that the implants may shift within the body, resulting in a false or unbalanced appearance. Should shifting occur, subsequent surgeries may be necessary to correct the fault.

Patients considering calf augmentation surgery should carefully consider their goals and motivations prior to electing for surgery. Exercise, fat transplants or other procedures may also be options where the aesthetics of the individual's calf are of primary concern. The advice and information provided by your local board-certified plastic surgeon are the surest guides for any individual who desires calf augmentation as a means of achieving an overall enhancement of their body aesthetics.