male treatments

Calf Augmentation London

What is Calf Augmentation?


Calf augmentation is the process of surgically inserting prosthetic implants, using fat transfer, or combining the two techniques to provide a natural-looking enhancement to the size and shape of your calves.

The procedure is designed to make aesthetic enhancements, but it can also be used to address malformations or asymmetries that are congenital, or resulted from disease or injury.

There are two types of calf augmentation: silicone implant, and calf augmentation using fat transfer. Calf implants use carefully designed prosthetics to produce a more noticeable enhancement in the volume or contours of the calves, whereas fat transfer achieves more modest enlargements by extracting autologous fat from areas of the body where it is in excess and transferring it to your calves.

The implant procedure requires an incision either on the back of the knee or at the mid-level of the calf, through which the implant is introduced. Your surgeon creates an opening in your calf muscle, inserts the prosthetic, then uses dissolvable sutures to hold it in position.

Dr. Omar Tillo, the CREO Clinic’s double board-certified cosmetic surgeon, is one of the few plastic surgeons in the UK who specialises in calf augmentation procedures, with advanced training in lower limb reconstruction. At the CREO Clinic, we work with Anatomik Modeling to create custom implants that deliver the bespoke results that our patients desire. 

To enhance and define your calves with calf augmentation in London, book a consultation with Dr. Tillo at the CREO Clinic to discuss the best treatment option for you. 

Quick Overview of Calf Augmentation Surgical Procedures

Treatments

1

Results

2-6 months

Anesthesia

General Anaesthesia

Surgery time

1-2 Hours

Off-Work

1-2 Weeks

Exercise

4-8 Weeks

Full recovery

4-8 Weeks

Calf Augmentation Before and After Photos

Why Do People Get Calf Augmentation?

There are many different reasons people choose to undergo calf augmentation surgery:

  • Improve appearance of calves – If you have slim calves with poor definition, calf augmentation can improve their volume and contour, giving them a more muscular look.
  • Create symmetry – Your calves may appear asymmetrical, perhaps due to injury or congenital difference present from birth. An augmentation can work to create greater aesthetic balance.
  • Address congenital deformities or injuries – The calf muscle may have sustained damage through trauma, or be underdeveloped due to conditions present from birth. Calf augmentation surgery can help restore a fuller, more defined calf.
  • Provide boost to confidence – Underdeveloped calf muscles can sometimes undermine confidence in your appearance — the additional volume provided by calf augmentation may help resolve long-standing concerns regarding the appearance of your legs.

Benefits of Calf Augmentation 

The main benefits of calf augmentation are improvements in the contours and fullness of your calves. With either fat transfer or calf implants, you should see aesthetic enhancements that are both impactful and long-lasting, creating a toned, muscular look that can bring a boost to your confidence.

The implant and fat transfer techniques used in your calf augmentation work to ensure a natural -looking result. Your calves should also have the feel of organic calf muscle with the benefits of greater size and a gentle fullness.

Calf Implants vs. Fat Transfer

Summarised below are the main differences between implants and fat transfer:

Fat TransferImplants
ResultsProvides a modest enhancement to the calves while removing excess fat from other areasProvides a dramatic enhancement to the calves
AnaestheticSedation or general anaesthesiaSedation or general anaesthesia
ScarringInsignificant scarringHorizontal scar along the crease at the back of the knee
Recovery4-6 weeks8 weeks
LongevityPermanentPermanent
PriceStarts from £8,500Starts from £9,500

Calf Implants 

Calf implants in the UK are made of medical-grade silicone and are available in two types:

  • Ready-made standard implants are made of soft silicone gel and are available in a range of shapes and sizes.
  • Custom-made implants are manufactured according to a specific shape and dimension to correct or augment each patient’s anatomical requirements.

Implants may be a more suitable option if you have a significant asymmetry or reduced musculature in one or both calves or don’t have sufficient body fat for augmentation using fat transfer.

The implants can improve the contours of your calf and enhance the muscles. To achieve a proportionate shape and volume, Dr. Tillo will insert one or two implants of the appropriate size to achieve a natural result. Alternatively, if you wish to contour your calves rather than increase muscle mass, the surgeon can insert thinner implants to add curves without significantly changing the size of your calves.

Calf Augmentation with Fat 

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or lipo filling, is a surgery that extracts fat from areas of your body where it’s in excess and transfers the harvested fat to areas lacking volume, such as the calves. It is an ideal procedure for patients whose main aim is to get rid of fat from certain areas (often the abdomen and thighs) while attaining a modest enhancement of the calves. 

Some patients prefer fat transfer as it uses their fat tissue rather than a foreign material. Furthermore, it’s less invasive than inserting implants and therefore has a shorter recovery period and leaves minimal scarring. However, a fat transfer doesn’t produce as dramatic an enhancement as implants.

Am I a Good Candidate for Calf Augmentation?

There are many factors to be considered regarding your suitability for calf augmentation surgery. The best method for gauging your suitability is through a consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon such as Dr. Tillo. He will use his skill and experience to assess your medical history, health and your calves’ aesthetic needs before deciding on the best surgical approach.

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Calf Augmentation
Calf Augmentation London

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    Ideal candidates for calf augmentation are generally:

    • Non-smokers or people able to quit smoking prior to and following the procedure  (smoking can impede healing at incision sites).
    • Have enough excess fat that can be harvested for use in fat transfer.
    • People who already have sufficient calf muscle, but are seeking to improve the overall shape and size of their calves.
    • People with underdeveloped calves due to congenital deformities, disease, or traumatic injury.
    • In good physical and mental health without any significant health issues.
    • Have reasonable expectations about the results calf augmentation surgery can provide
    • Have a BMI of 30 or below — check your current BMI with our BMI Calculator

    Once your surgeon has taken your full clinical picture into account, they will make an informed decision on your suitability for the calf augmentation procedure.

    Calf Augmentation Cost in London

    At the CREO Clinic, bilateral calf implants cost around £9,500 for one standard implant in each leg; £11,900 for two standard calf implants; £14,900 for one custom-made calf implant; £17,900 for two custom-made calf implants.

    Prices for one leg augmentation with a single implant are £7,900, and £9,500 for two implants.

    Prices for calf augmentation via fat transfer start from £8,500. The cost of fat transfer varies depending on the size and number of liposuction treatment areas. Financing is available through our partners Chrysalis Finance, who provide 12 month loans at 0% APR. Longer term loans are available at alternative rates of APR.

    The above prices may vary from patient to patient, depending on the surgical complexity of your calf augmentation procedure. You will receive the exact cost of your treatment after a calf augmentation consultation with our plastic surgeon.

    Read Our Patient Reviews

    If you’re thinking about a Calf Augmentation at CREO Clinic, see what other patients have had to say about the procedure and working with Dr. Tillo.

    What to Expect Before, During, & After Your Calf Augmentation

    Consultation

    During your consultation with Dr. Tillo, he will perform an in depth assessment of your calves to fully understand your aesthetic concerns. Dr. Tillo will also ask you about your general health, including questions about any allergies you have and medications you may take. 

    To ensure that your expectations are realistic, Dr. Tillo will ask you about the results you wish to achieve with calf augmentation and whether they match the likely outcomes of this procedure. 

    Preparing for Calf Augmentation

    There are some steps to follow in the lead up to your calf augmentation surgery that will help secure the best results.

    • Quit smoking – You should try to quit smoking (this includes vapes that contain nicotine) several weeks before your procedure as nicotine and carbon monoxide can distort the immune system and delay healing.
    • Make a plan for after-care – Planning ahead to organise your journeys both to, and from your surgical procedures will make the experience run more smoothly. Ideally you should have someone with you for the first 1-2 days of downtime after your procedure.
    • Book time off work – Your calf augmentation recovery will require 1-2 weeks of time off work, and a day in the clinic. Make these arrangements in advance to give yourself the time and space to prioritise healing.
    • Understand what to expect – In advance of your procedure, speak with your surgeon regarding your goals and expectations for the surgery. This will allow your surgeon to give you a clear idea of the kinds of improvements you are likely to see.
    • Avoid some specific medications – Your surgeon will make clear to you the types of medications to avoid before your surgery. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen) and aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding, and should not be taken in the weeks running up to the surgery.
    • Have a full medical review – A full medical examination  (physical examination, blood tests and a review of medical history) should be performed by your surgeon before your calf augmentation.
    • Follow all preoperative instructions – The instructions given to you by your surgeon should be followed to the letter to help ensure the best possible outcomes.

    During The Procedure

    Calf Implant Surgery

    In general, calf implant surgery is a day case that takes between 1-2 hours and is performed either under general anaesthesia or sedation. 

    General anaesthetic is administered to make sure you are asleep and free of any discomfort during the procedure. Incisions between 5-7 cm long are made at the back of the knee through the skin and connective tissue (fascia) to create space to receive the prosthetics. The incisions will be subtle and well-positioned along the natural contours of the calves to avoid noticeable scarring.

    The implants are now inserted through the incision sites behind the knee and positioned over the calf muscles so that both calves are symmetrical and even.Your incisions are closed using dissolvable sutures. These will disappear as your incisions heal.

    With the procedure complete, you will be taken to the recovery room to recover and receive any necessary pain medication and your compression stockings to reduce inflammation.

    Calf Implant Surgery

    In general, calf implant surgery is a day case that takes between 1-2 hours and is performed either under general anaesthesia or sedation. 

    General anaesthetic is administered to make sure you are asleep and free of any discomfort during the procedure. Incisions between 5-7 cm long are made at the back of the knee through the skin and connective tissue (fascia) to create space to receive the prosthetics. The incisions will be subtle and well-positioned along the natural contours of the calves to avoid noticeable scarring.

    The implants are then inserted through the incision sites behind the knee and positioned over the calf muscles so that both calves are symmetrical and even.Your incisions are closed using dissolvable sutures. These will disappear as your incisions heal.

    With the procedure complete, you will be taken to the recovery room to recover and receive any necessary pain medication and your compression stockings to reduce inflammation.

    Recovery

    Recovery times differ according to the patient and the techniques used, but you should be able to return to light exercise and work after two weeks, and then return to your full work and exercise schedule between 4-8 weeks after your surgery. In the first days after your surgery, you may experience some swelling and discomfort in your calves – this is normal, and should dissipate after a few days. 

    For the first three days you will also need to avoid getting your incision sites wet in the shower or bath. Dr. Tillo will explain in your debrief how to keep yourself and your incisions clean during this period.

    There are some other important features of calf augmentation recovery to bear in mind:

    • Compression stockings – Specially designed stockings are provided to help reduce inflammation. You will need to wear these for a minimum of six weeks after your surgery.
    • Incision care – To help ensure optimal incision healing, follow the incision care instructions provided to you by your surgeon to the letter. This will avoid any delays in healing.
    • Attend follow-up appointments – After-care is very important for monitoring the progress of your healing and working to achieve the best results. Attend after-care appointments with your surgeon so they can make regular assessments and offer advice where necessary.
    • Take care returning to physical activities – Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and light activities after two weeks of downtime. You should refrain from strenuous physical activity for 4-6 weeks (calf augmentation with fat transfer)/8 weeks (calf augmentation with implants).

    Results

    Calf augmentation is able to improve the contour and size of your calf muscles with permanent results, giving them a more aesthetically pleasing look overall. Results may vary from one patient to another, but in general, the procedure provides high levels of satisfaction and can lead to a boost in confidence in your appearance.

    For most patients, it should take around three months for the final results from your calf implants to show, or 3-6 months if you have undergone calf augmentation with fat transfer. After this period your skin will have stretched to accommodate your implants, and the fat grafts should have settled into place and built a strong connection to the blood supply.

    Potential Complications

    Although choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Tillo can vastly reduce surgical risk, like any surgical procedure, there are complications to be aware of for calf augmentation:

    • Movement or rejection of implant
    • Fat necrosis 
    • Too much/little fat
    • Infection 
    • Scarring
    • Risks of anaesthesia
    • Excessive bleeding
    • Blockage in blood vessel

    Why Choose CREO Clinic for Your Calf Augmentation Procedure

    A vital part of choosing the clinic for your calf augmentation is knowing that they provide a high standard of board-certified cosmetic surgeon. A surgeon specialised in calf augmentation will help you to achieve optimal outcomes and minimise any risk of disappointment.

    The CREO Clinic’s Senior Body Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Omar Tillo, has performed countless calf augmentation procedures and has a proven record of achieving high quality results for patients with both reconstructive and aesthetic motivations. His many years performing these surgeries positions him as one of the U.K.’s most knowledgeable calf augmentation practitioners.

    Dr. Tillo is a full member of the UK Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and is a registered GMC specialist for plastic surgery.

    Calf Augmentation FAQs

    What type of anaesthetic is used?

    At the CREO Clinic, calf augmentation can be performed under general anaesthetic — this means you will be asleep during the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you in the planning process.

    Will I need to stay overnight?

    No. Calf augmentation is a day case and does not require an overnight stay.

    How long is a calf augmentation procedure?

    Both calf augmentation with implants and calf augmentation with fat transfer usually last between 1-2 hours.

    Will I have visible scarring?

    You will have some scarring, but your surgeon will generally locate any incisions in as inconspicuous a place as possible, such as the crease at the back of your knee.

    Will I need to wear special garments after surgery?

    Yes, compression stockings will need to be worn for six weeks after your surgery to keep inflammation to a minimum.

    What are calf implants made from?

    Standard calf implants are made of soft jelly-like silicone contained within a strong and flexible shell. Custom-made calf implants are made from semi-solid medical-grade silicone, a flexible rubber-like material that is safe, durable, and carries no risk of punctures or leaking. All calf implants are designed to mimic the shape of your calf muscle to provide a natural result, but custom-made prosthetics may provide better shape and symmetry overall.

    What sizes of calf implants are available?

    There are two main types of calf implants in the UK: those that are ready made and come in many standard sizes, or custom-made implants that are bespoke and manufactured specifically to the dimensions that best suit your requirements.

    Your surgeon will talk you through the most suitable options for implant sizes, taking into account the proportions of your body and your body goals. They can help you make an informed decision on which type of implant will suit your needs.

    What are the placement options for calf implants?

    The most common placement option for calf implants is subfascial placement. This is where the implant is fixed into pockets between the fascia tissue and muscle, often preferred, as it is less invasive and often leads to a smoother, more comfortable recovery.

    A submuscular placement requires a deeper dissection into muscle tissue. It will add time to your recovery and may result in more discomfort. However, a submuscular placement should make your implant more secure, and may provide a more natural shape.

    At the CREO Clinic, all calf implants performed by Dr. Tillo use the subfascial technique, as this carries fewer risks of complications and causes less discomfort overall.

    Are calf implants permanent?

    Calf implants do not have expiry dates. Therefore, they can remain permanently in place as long as they are not causing any problems. However, in some cases, implants can cause problems after a while. For example, implants can rupture after a prolonged period of time (10 years or more), or can begin to feel tight, uncomfortable, or move excessively. In such circumstances, they would need adjustment, replacement or complete removal.

    How often are calf implants removed or replaced?

    From our experience, an estimated 20% (1 in 5) of patients get their implants adjusted, replaced or removed in the first 5 years post operatively, and 30% in 10 years.

    Is calf augmentation with fat permanent?

    Once the injected fat has settled in its final position, you can feel confident that the volume and aesthetic enhancement it provides will remain in place permanently.

    How do the results of calf implants compare to a fat transfer?

    Calf implants provide dramatic improvements to the shape and volume of your calves, whereas fat transfer makes more modest improvements. Fat transfer does also reduce pockets of fat in the areas where it is harvested.

    How common is calf augmentation?

    Calf implants are uncommon and are one of the least requested procedures among other cosmetic body surgeries. Even though many men and women dislike the thin appearance of their calves, very few are aware that corrective surgery is possible. Implants continue to be more popular than fat transfer, as they provide a more predictable and dramatic result.

    Is calf augmentation safe?

    A very small percentage of calf augmentation patients experience significant complications from the surgery. In general, it is a safe and effective surgery with high levels of patient satisfaction.

    Will the results look natural?

    Due to the nature of the implants, calf augmentations are designed to create a natural -looking enhancement. Dr. Tillo’s skill and expertise in the field of calf augmentation allows him to make informed judgements that will help your augmentation look as natural as possible.

    How soon can I exercise after calf augmentation?

    You should feel comfortable resuming light exercise after two weeks of recovery. Strenuous exercise should be avoided until 6-8 weeks have passed, provided your surgeon has advised you accordingly.

    Do calf implants help skinny legs?

    Yes, the purpose of calf implant surgery is to add volume and definition to skinny legs. With calf implant surgery, your lower legs will look thicker and more proportionate to the rest of your body.

    Is calf augmentation worth it?

    Having asymmetrical, skinny, or undefined calves is a source of insecurity for many people. In many cases, it restricts the type of clothing people wear and prevents them from partaking in sports and activities. Thus, a calf augmentation can be beneficial as it provides volume, definition and balance to the legs, which may lead to a better quality of life.

    Book A Consultation

    To reap the many benefits of calf augmentation surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo, the CREO Clinic’s double board-certified cosmetic surgeon.

    Dr. Tillo has a history of countless successful calf augmentation surgeries that have provided excellent aesthetic outcomes. His expertise in the field is such that he provides consultation to calf implant manufacturers, helping them refine and advance their technologies. His years of experience with patients of varying aesthetic goals allow him to form highly-individualised treatment plans, bespoke to your needs.

    Find out if you are eligible for Calf Augmentation

      Payment Options Available.

      Terms and Conditions apply.
      Acceptance subject to credit status.