Fat Transfer Calf Augmentation

Achieve sculpted, natural-looking calves and a beautifully contoured silhouette with our minimally invasive fat transfer calf augmentation procedure

Fat transfer to calves, also known as lipo filling or calf fat grafting, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for calf augmentation involving the liposuction of fat followed by fat injection into the calves. Fat transfer first involves liposuction to remove fat from areas of the body where it is found in excessive amounts, also known as the donor area. Common donor areas include the abdomen, hips and thighs. The harvested fat is then gently processed before being re-injected into the calves.

RELATED: Calf Augmentation with Fat: Ultimate Guide

Fat grafting is a highly effective method of calf augmentation and is an alternative to silicone calf implants. Many patients have underdeveloped calves, often as a result of previous disease or injury. A common example is an old ruptured Achilles tendon, leading to muscle atrophy in the calf. Other causes include weight loss and the ageing process. Fat grafting also has beneficial rejuvenation effects, including an improvement in vascular supply and the quality of the overlying skin, which helps to enhance the outcome.

Fat transfer has been performed for many decades and has been proven to be a very safe and effective treatment for permanent volume restoration. The chief advantage of fat transfer compared with other surgical and non-surgical techniques of calf augmentation, such as implants or fillers, is that it uses your own body’s tissue, and therefore, the risk of any immune reaction is eliminated. Fat transfer also results in a more natural-looking appearance compared with implants. The percentage survival of transferred fat is between 60 to 70%. Patients who smoke or have a weakened immune system may have a lower percentage fat graft survival rate.

Compared with calf implant surgery, fat transfer to calves is a minimally invasive surgical procedure with a shorter recovery period. The scars are barely noticeable following the fat transfer, and your surgeon will usually place small incisions within the body’s natural skin folds. Centre for Surgery is one of the few clinics in the UK that specialise in calf augmentation using fat transfer and implants. Our specialist plastic surgeon can advise you on the most appropriate treatment option at your consultation.

Autologous fat transfer is the medical term for fat transfer or fat grafting surgery. The term autologous fat transfer refers to the fact that the harvested fat comes from the same individual and is re-injected into the same person. It is, therefore, the case that all fat transfer procedures performed at the Centre for Surgery are indeed autologous fat transfer surgical procedures.

Autologous fat is a highly effective solution for volume augmentation. It is easy to remove with liposuction, and the fat Will not cause any immune reaction as it comes from the same person. This means that it is also non-toxic. The main prerequisite for successful fat transfer is for patients to have sufficient fat stalls for the adequate harvest of the correct volume of fat.

In recent years, it has become evident that fat has beneficial uses beyond volume enhancement. It is now used to improve the appearance of scars, facial rejuvenation, and skin quality. Patients who have previously had radiotherapy for breast cancer can benefit from the regenerative effects of fat grafting to the irradiated breast. These beneficial effects of transferred fat are thought to come from the mesenchymal cells present in high concentrations of fat. 

Autologous fat can now be processed into micro fat and nano fat for rejuvenating applications beyond volume restoration.

Fat transfer calf augmentation, also known as fat grafting or autologous fat transfer, is a procedure that involves harvesting fat from one part of the body and injecting it into the calf area to enhance its shape and size. This method offers several benefits compared to traditional calf implant surgery:

Natural results

Fat transfer calf augmentation uses your body’s fat to augment the calves, resulting in a more natural look and feel compared to synthetic implants.

Minimal risk of rejection

Since the procedure utilises your fat, there is a lower risk of rejection or complications related to foreign body reactions.

Minimal scarring

Fat transfer typically involves smaller incisions than implant surgery, reducing the risk of visible scarring.

Dual benefits

The procedure augments the calves and helps contour the donor area by removing unwanted fat, which can provide a more toned appearance.

Reduced risk of complications

Compared to synthetic calf implants, fat transfer has a lower risk of complications such as implant displacement, infection, or extrusion.

Customisable results

Fat transfer allows for precise control over the volume and shape of the augmentation, enabling the surgeon to create a more tailored result based on the patient’s preferences and anatomy.

Minimally invasive

Fat transfer is a less invasive procedure compared to calf implant surgery, which can result in shorter recovery time and reduced postoperative discomfort.

Calf augmentation is a surgical procedure in which underdeveloped calves are enhanced to achieve a toned, well- proportioned leg. Calf augmentation can be performed using custom silicone calf implants or fat transfer.

Most would like to have curvaceous, full, natural-looking calves that look strong and at the same time, shapely. But despite regular exercise and having a proper diet, it can be very difficult hard to achieve a well-toned leg. Even exercises that concentrate on developing the musculature of the lower legs do not assure you get the best-looking calves. This is why a lot of people may request calf augmentation using calf implants to either fill out those thin legs or to have their legs perfectly sculpted.

Ideal candidates for calf fat transfer, or autologous fat grafting to the calves, generally possess the following characteristics:

Healthy overall

Candidates should be in good general health, without any significant medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications during or after the procedure.

Adequate donor fat

Candidates must have sufficient fat deposits in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, to harvest for the transfer. Slim individuals with minimal body fat may not be suitable candidates.

Realistic expectations

Ideal candidates should have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the procedure. Fat transfer can provide a natural-looking augmentation, but the results may be more subtle compared to calf implants.

Non-smokers

Smoking can impede healing and increase the risk of complications. Candidates should either be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking several weeks before and after the procedure.

Desire for natural results

Candidates who prefer a more natural-looking and feeling enhancement over synthetic implants are good candidates for fat transfer.

Willingness to maintain a stable weight

Significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of fat transfer. Ideal candidates should be committed to maintaining a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

No contraindications

Candidates should not have any conditions that could interfere with the healing process or increase the risk of complications, such as active infections, bleeding disorders, or severe allergies.

Calf augmentation using fat transfer, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a multi-step procedure that involves harvesting fat from a donor area, processing the fat, and then injecting it into the calf muscles. Here is a step-by-step overview of the surgery:

Anaesthesia

The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s preference.

Fat harvesting

The surgeon will first harvest fat from a suitable donor site, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, using liposuction. This involves making a small incision and inserting a cannula to loosen and remove the fat.

Fat processing

Once the fat is harvested, it is processed using a centrifuge or filtration system to separate and purify the fat cells from other components, such as blood and tissue debris.

Fat injection

The surgeon will make small incisions in the calf area and carefully inject the purified fat into the calf muscles using a specialised cannula. The fat is usually injected in small, even layers to achieve a smooth and uniform result.

Closing the incisions

After the fat has been injected, the incisions are closed using sutures, and a compression bandage or garment is applied to minimise swelling and support the treated areas.

Recovery after fat transfer calf augmentation is an essential aspect of the overall experience and outcome of the procedure. Following your surgeon’s instructions and understanding the recovery process will help ensure the best possible results. Here is a comprehensive overview of the recovery process after fat transfer calf augmentation:

Immediately after surgery

Once the procedure is complete, you will be moved to a recovery area where your vital signs will be monitored as the anaesthesia wears off. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be able to return home the same day, but you will need someone to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Managing pain and discomfort

You can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in both the donor and recipient areas. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications to help manage the pain and may recommend using cold compresses to reduce swelling.

Compression garments

You will likely be instructed to wear a compression garment or bandage around the treated areas to minimize swelling, support the healing tissues, and help contour the newly augmented calves. The compression garment should be worn as directed by your surgeon, typically for several weeks.

Mobility and activity restrictions

Getting up and walking around as soon as possible after surgery is important to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, it would help if you avoided strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for the first 4-6 weeks or as instructed by your surgeon. Gradually resume your normal activities as you feel comfortable and as your surgeon advises.

Wound care

Keep the incision sites clean and dry, and follow your surgeon’s instructions for proper wound care. To prevent infection, you may be advised to clean the area gently with soap and water and apply a topical antibiotic ointment.

Follow-up appointments

Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your progress, remove sutures if necessary, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Maintaining a stable weight

Significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of fat transfer, so it is important to maintain a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Swelling and final results

Swelling will gradually subside over several weeks to months, revealing the final results of your calf augmentation. It is important to note that the body may reabsorb some of the transferred fat, and the final outcome may not be apparent for up to 6 months after the procedure. Additional fat transfer sessions may be required to achieve the desired result.

Managing expectations

Be patient during the recovery process, and understand that it takes time for the final results to become apparent. Keep an open line of communication with your surgeon to address any concerns or questions during your recovery.

• Significant experience in all types of calf augmentation surgery – single implants, dual implants and custom made implants as well as fat transfer techniques
• We own and manage our own surgical facilities. Properly performed calf augmentation surgery takes time as it is technically challenging surgery and should not be rushed. Our surgeons perform a maximum of one calf implant procedure in a day. We do not cram 3-4 procedures into one day like other providers. You want your surgeon to be well-rested and mentally and physically sharp to perform calf implant surgery to get the very best results.

Our surgeons live and work in London. We don’t work with ‘fly-in, fly-out’ surgeons. This is very important because whilst your surgeon takes all precautions to minimise complications, complications can and do occur and our surgeons are readily available to manage any issues if and when they arise.

Centre for Surgery offers finance options in conjunction with our finance partner, Chrisalis Finance.