Will Calf Implants Help Smooth Out The Skin Irregularities On My Lower Legs After Liposuction?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I underwent aggressive liposuction on my legs, which resulted in skin laxity and uneven skin surface, with dimples, protrusions, and irregularities. I am looking for an experienced surgeon in calf augmentation who can properly assess my case and give me the best recommendation.

A:Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. I believe your fundamental question is whether calf implants will improve your skin laxity and uneven surface contour. The answer is that it will not. Calf implants are placed on top of the muscle under the fascia which also only goes about halfway down between the knee and the ankle. While it will make the appearance of the calfs bigger I would not count on it improving the problems that you have which are at the subcutaneous tissue level… a tissue level that is above that of the muscle. Calf implants will probably make a little bit of improvement in these issues but my point is that if you’re expecting a major or a complete eradication of all of the contour problems that have been created by the liposuction then you will be disappointed. One undergoes implants for the primary goal of bigger calfs. If any improvement in the skin contour is obtained that would be considered a bonus but not an expected outcome.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon