Panama Medical Vacations

Calf Augmentation
Just about everyone has one feature of their body that they would like to change. Maybe you have dieted or done target training, but that one area just doesn’t respond. For some people, that area is the calf and no matter what they do, they can’t get the look they want. Calf implants can be used to add bulk and definition to calf muscles, dramatically improving the appearance of the lower legs. For those who feel their calf muscles would look more attractive and proportional with added mass and definition, silicon implants are inserted in the calf area.

Prior to Surgery
Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery. In addition, your calves are measured at this time so that properly sized implants can be ordered.

The Procedure
The patient receives general anesthesia and is turned onto the stomach on the operating room table. An incision is made in the fascia of the gastroc muscle. The fascia is a fibrous covering of the muscle itself. A special instrument is used to create a pocket between this fascia and the underlying muscle. This pocket is made just big enough for the implant to fit into securely. During the dissection meticulous attention is made to control any bleeding which is usually very minimal. The implant is then gently inserted into the pocket and the same technique is used to insert the second implant into the same leg. The leg is examined for effect and if the result appears good then the incision in the fascia is closed with stitches. The person is returned to a face-up position and is taken to the recovery room.

After Your Surgery
After a day or two largely consisting largely of bed rest, the patient is up and moving, only elevating his or her legs when seated. After one week, the patient should be able to walk longer distances and within three weeks to a month the patient should be able to resume normal activities.

Risks
Calf augmentation is a relatively low-risk implant surgery. Surgical risks include excessive bleeding, nerve damage and muscle damage. Post-op risks include slippage, asymmetry and muscle tears if strenuous activities are resumed too quickly.

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama brow lift at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, a safe and rewarding procedure.