If you have large, disproportionate calves, you may be self-conscious about the appearance of your legs, and might find it difficult to wear certain styles of pants or bottoms. In addition, you may avoid certain types of clothing, such as short skirts, dresses, and shorts, altogether. This can negatively affect your self-esteem and self-image, and impact your overall quality of life.
A botox calf reduction can help improve your overall self-image by allowing the bulky muscles on your calves to contract and shrink, leading to a sleeker, more attractive calf contour. The botox calf reduction procedure involves the injection of multiple botox units – usually between 40 to 100 – into the calves in order to shrink muscle mass. While other methods of calf reduction, such as liposuction, are available, botox injections are less invasive and can deliver noticeable results. You can resume your regular activities immediately after the procedure, though you will likely require repeat injections to maintain your results.
While large, bulky calves do not pose any medical or physical risk to you, they can significantly impact your quality of life and mental well-being if their appearance causes you self-consciousness or lowered self-esteem. If you find it difficult or uncomfortable to wear certain types of clothing, because you are embarrassed about the shape of your calves, you may wish to consider a calf reduction. A calf reduction results in a calf that is more slim and tapered in appearance, giving you a more sleek silhouette and making it easier for you to wear certain types of clothing, such as short skirts or tight-fitting pants leggings.
There are a number of non-surgical methods you can choose for your calf reduction procedure, including botox, discussed above. You can also consider other procedures, such as radiofrequency treatment and muscle ablation.
If you are not a good candidate for botox but would still prefer a non-surgical calf reduction procedure, you may consider radiofrequency calf reduction and muscle ablation. During this procedure, radiofrequency energy is used to shrink the calf muscle by “burning” parts of the muscle, in addition to severing the nerve bundles in the calf. This will reduce the size of the calves, and will discourage further muscle growth, helping to ensure your calves stay small and sleek following your procedure.
Surgical methods of calf reduction are more invasive than non-surgical procedures, but they offer significant results.
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that involves the melting and then removal of excess fat via gentle aspiration, through small, hidden incisions. Modern liposuction techniques involve simultaneous liquefaction (melting of the adipose fat), resulting in the gentle removal of fat, as well as the contraction of overlying soft tissue.
If you have excess fat on your calves, you may opt for a liposuction procedure to have this fat removed. SpaMedica offers three types of liposuction: VaserLipo, SmartLipo and BodyTite, which use ultrasound, laser, and radiofrequency energy, respectively, to remove fat. The type of liposuction procedure that is best suited to your calf liposuction will be determined in consultation with SpaMedica’s expert team of surgeons and clinicians ahead of your procedure.
Your calf reduction procedure recovery time will depend on the type of procedure you choose. If you are undergoing a non-surgical procedure, such as botox or radiofrequency nerve and muscle ablation, your recovery time will be minimal; in most cases, you will be able to resume your regular activities immediately. You may notice some tenderness and swelling at the treatment site, which can be relieved with over the counter pain medication (be sure to speak with your surgeon, as some OTC medicines, such as Aspirin, are blood thinners, and should be avoided) and by avoiding too much strenuous activity immediately after your procedure.
If you are opting for a liposuction procedure, you should expect to take two to three days off following your procedure to recover. Following your procedure, it is recommended that you wear a compression garment on your calves, and engage only in sedentary work for the first week. You will likely wear the compression garment for up to three weeks. Any unexpected pain, discomfort, swelling or redness should be addressed immediately with your surgeon or your family physician.
The cost of your calf reduction procedure will depend largely on whether you choose a surgical or non-surgical option. Non-surgical solutions, such as botox, tend to be significantly less costly; at SpaMedica, botox injections begin at $11 per unit; keep in mind, however, that a larger area such as the calf will require up to 100 units, and you will need to book repeat maintenance procedures to ensure the longevity of your results. A surgical option such as liposuction will be costlier – at SpaMedica, liposuction starts at $4,999 – but will provide immediately noticeable results, and you will not likely require multiple procedures.
A calf reduction procedure can help improve your self-esteem and self-image, and positively impact your overall quality of life. The team at SpaMedica will work with you to determine what type of calf reduction procedure is ideal for your desired outcome. Contact the clinic to book your consultation today
Works to relax the facial muscles that are responsible for facial movement, reducing and softening signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
