Calf Implants for Lower Leg Asymmetry?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I contracted polio when I was an infant from a vaccination, which resulted in atrophy of my left leg. Would fat grafting or thigh and calf implants help to make my legs more symmetrical? I know the discrepancy looks severe so I don’t have expectations of perfection but I’m hoping something may be done to lessen..  possibly with the combination of both procedures. 

A: Thank you for sending your pictures The easiest and less severe component of your leg asymmetry is that of the calf. One calf implant placed on the inner half would go a long way to improve symmetry below the knee. Two calf implants would produce near symmetry inj size to the other side.

The thigh deformity is the bigger part of the leg asymmetry and the more challenging to improve due to its magnitude. Injectable fat grafting would be the only treatment that can be done and its success is partially dependent on how much fat you have to harvest. This combined with how much fat survives determines that outcome. Based on the performance of the first procedure (and how much fat you have to harvest) you may need a second fat grafting session to get the best possible outcome.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana