Calf Reduction

Attractive calves are desirable to people of all cultures. Unfortunately, thick, short, and overly muscular calves, a condition known as "radish calves", "radish-like leg",  or "radish legs," are a common problem, particularly for women.

Thick muscular calves are faced by many women. A Big calf is often considered as an aesthetic problem. Women with plus size calves, who find it awkward to wear certain clothes like short skirts or swimsuits are embarrassed to show their legs and it is hard for them to adopt certain fashion styles.Bulky calves can also make the legs look shorter, and short height is a common point of employment discrimination of Asian women in the Orient.

A large calf can be caused by fat accumulation or it may be genetically determined or due to excessive development, which is the most common cause of calf hypertrophy. Calf reduction surgery gives the patient a more proportional look and allows the user to have a greater choice in fashion whilst at the same time encouraging the patient to partake in a more active healthy lifestyle without fear of embarrassment.

This calf reduction surgery method uses Radio Frequency energy to induce focal coagulation necrosis (death of tissue) of the gastrocnemius muscle, and thus reduce calf size. Appropriate training and knowledge needed to achieve the best result with lowest risk. The procedure is quick and simple; there is no scar, only some injections marks.
 

Who is a candidate for calf reduction?

If you are in good health (no serious illness) and have realistic expectations, you may be a good candidate for calf reduction.
Not only the patients who have thick calves but also the patients who have normal calves can be candidates for this surgery.
 

What happens at the consultation?

During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. Because this is a highly personal decision, you'll want to take time to discuss all of your concerns and desires of the procedures.

Show your doctor pictures of calf size. He/she will be able to tell what will be the preferred results. He/she will also explain the different options available to you, including incision, and whether a calf reduction might also be beneficial.

Your doctor should also explain the anesthesia he/she will be using during your procedure. You should tell him/her about any medications you currently are taking, and any health conditions you have. Be sure to ask all the questions you have about the surgery, and ask to see photos of the doctor's recent patients, before and after calf reduction. Also, ask for, and follow up on, patient references.
 

What are the risks?

All surgeries carry some risks. The possible complications are minor asymmetry, irregularity, hematoma, contracture and sensory nerve injury.
Because there is no important vessel or nerves inside of muscle fascia, there is no risk of nerve or vessel injury. No gait disturbance.
 

What do I need to do before the surgery?

At this time, you will be given an opportunity to ask any further questions.
 

What do I do on the day of the operation?

No eating or drinking for 8 hours before the surgery.  You should wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers. Do not wear sandals or slippers. You will meet with our nurse to prepare you for surgery. The surgeon will discuss the procedure with you again and do pre-operative planning. You will meet with our anesthesia provider to discuss anesthesia. You will be given a choice of day surgery or general anesthesia which required at least one day hospital stay depend on your choice but normally if it is an extensive surgery,   we required 4 days and 3 night’s hospital stay.
 

What kind of anesthesia will be used?

This procedure is under general anesthesia.
 

What will happen during the surgery?

First, a nurse will insert an IV for a saline drip to keep you hydrated and have a vascular doorway and will scrub your legs with sterilization solution in standing position..Then, the anesthesiologist will insert an anesthetic solution into your IV line. Immediately after injecting the anesthetic solution, you will not feel anything and fall into sleep. 2 cm long incision will be made along the natural fold behind knee. Through this incision, muscle fibers are delivered directly under direct vision. Before closing the incision, a suction drain can be inserted to prevent collection of blood (hematoma). Finally, the legs will be wrapped with elastic bandages.
 

What should I expect post- operatively?

The two most important things in recovery phase are minimizing swelling and stretching of the calf muscles.
 

When can I get back to normal?

You should wait a week to ten days to return to work.
You shouldn't walk excessively after calf reduction for a week.
As long as you are not doing any hard labor, most patients return to work after 10 days - some 5 days.
 

Pre-Operative instruction

• Consultation with surgeon
• Evaluation for other medical conditions
• ECG and Blood test will be taken
• No intake of food or water 6 hrs prior to surgery
• Compression garments should be available to be used post-op
• Stop smoking and alcohol intake at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Anticoagulants, vitamins, hormones (including birth control pills), anti-depressants and some other medications also to be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Post-Operative instruction

• To minimize swelling, you should wear compression stockings for 3 months and elevate your legs for 1 month.
• Keeping the legs elevated will reduce the swelling and pain and produce better results.
• The stretching exercise should be done every 30 minutes for about 5 minutes.
• If you don't do the stretching exercises regularly, you may feel more tightening in walking which will be aggravated.
• The stretching exercise should be done for about 3-6 months.
• The scar will be faded after 3 months.
• Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, muscle relaxants and pain killers will be prescribed.
• Take the medications exactly as prescribed with no other drugs.
• Follow-up visits to the clinic vary, but usually occur 2, 5, 8 and 14 days post-operation.