Calf Augmentation with AutologousTissue Injection:

Techniques and Applications of Lower Extremity Feminization and Masculinization

Background

Significant differences exist between feminine and masculine lower extremities, and this region contributes to gender dysphoria in transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted for primary literature on lower extremity (LE) gender affirmation techniques as well as anthropometric differences between male and female lower extremities, which could guide surgical planning. Multiple databases were searched for articles before June 2, 2021 using Medical Subject Headings. Data on techniques, outcomes, complications, and anthropometrics were collected.

Results

A total of 852 unique articles were identified: 17 met criteria for male and female anthropometrics and 1 met criteria for LE surgical techniques potentially applicable to gender affirmation. None met criteria for LE gender affirmation techniques specifically. Therefore, this review was expanded to discuss surgical techniques for the LE, targeting masculine and feminine anthropometric ideals. LE masculinization can target feminine qualities, such as mid-lateral gluteal fullness and excess subcutaneous fat in the thigh and hips. Feminization can target masculine qualities like a low waist-to-hip ratio, mid-lateral gluteal concavity, calf hypertrophy, and body hair. Cultural differences and patient body habitus, which influence what is considered "ideal" for both sexes, should be discussed. Applicable techniques include hormone therapy, lipo-contouring, fat grafting, implant placement, and botulinum toxin injection, among others.

Conclusions

Due to lack of existing outcomes-based literature, gender affirmation of the lower extremities will rely on application of an array of existing plastic surgery techniques. However, quality outcomes data for these procedures is required to determine best practices.

Safe Composite Calf Augmentation: A Staged Procedure

BACKGROUND

Calf augmentation can be achieved by fat grafting, calf implants, or a combination of both methods (composite augmentation). For safety reasons, it is important to be aware of important calf anatomic features, specific physiologic considerations, and some health conditions that can hinder the outcome of these procedures.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to present our experience with performing composite calf augmentation, and to describe indications, surgical techniques and safety issues.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 63 patients who had undergone composite calf augmentation for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in our practice. We reviewed group demographics, complications, and results, and identified all the pitfalls encountered in our cases. Additionally, dissection of the calf regions in fresh cadavers was performed to obtain more accurate anatomy. We also measured intracompartmental pressures before and after calf augmentation with implants in 6 cases to determine pressure changes.

RESULTS

All cases received subfascial implant insertion and fat grafting as a delayed procedure. If there is a need for multiple implants, we recommend a staged procedure. Our study showed high muscle sensitivity to pressure increase after augmentation. Hence, from the standpoint of safety, we advocate subcutaneous fat grafting only. No patients developed compartment syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Composite calf augmentation surgery is safe and easy to reproduce, with a short recovery period and a low complication rate when done as a staged procedure and respecting specific anatomic and physiologic calf features.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Correcting of Calf Atrophy With a Custom-Made Silicone Implant: Contribution of Three-Dimensional Computer-Aided Design Reconstruction: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Calf shape is an essential aesthetic parameter of the leg, and calf atrophy can lead to complex problems. The functional consequences of calf atrophy are generally moderate. Prefilled silicone gel implants represent the vast majority of currently placed prostheses, but this technique does not ensure optimal adaptation of the implant shape due to loss of volume.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe an innovative procedure for correcting acquired calf atrophy based on 3-dimensional (3D) modeling.

METHODS

The study involved 22 patients treated for calf atrophy caused by illness. Implants were made with solid rubber silicone, and 3D reconstructions were created by computer-aided design based on computed tomography scans. The implants were introduced through a horizontal popliteal incision.

RESULTS

Forty-one implants were placed. No cases of infection, hematoma, or compartment syndrome were encountered. We experienced 1 case of skin necrosis and 1 case of periprosthetic seroma. In addition, lipofilling was performed in 5 cases. Two patients sought to benefit from a surgical reduction in implant size.

CONCLUSIONS

Our innovative procedure to correct calf atrophy with custom solid rubber silicone implants produces a calf shape that better adapts to volume loss than prefilled silicone gel implants. The material maintains its shape and facilitates retrofitting of the prosthesis. There is no risk of hull formation or breakage, and the life span of the implants is limitless. This 3D computer-aided design approach has optimized our reconstructions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Calf Augmentation and Reshaping with Autologous Fat Grafting

BACKGROUND

Despite multiple advantages of fat grafting for calf augmentation and re-shaping over traditional silicone calf implants, few reports have been published.

OBJECTIVES

To report our technique and results with autologous fat grafting for calf augmentation and reshaping.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the senior author's (JEV) experience with autologous fat grafting for calf augmentation was performed. Medial and lateral calf augmentation was accomplished with injection of prepared autologous lipoaspirate intramuscularly and subcutaneously.

RESULTS

Over a 5-year period, 13 patients underwent calf augmentation and reshaping with the described technique. Ten cases were bilateral (77%), and 3 cases (23%) were performed for congenital leg discrepancies. Mean 157 cc of prepared lipoaspirate was transferred per leg, with roughly 60% and 40% transferred into the medial and lateral calf, respectively. Four patients (31%) underwent a second round of autologous fat injection for further calf augmentation because they desired more volume. At mean 19.6 month follow-up, durable augmentation and improvement in calf contour was documented by comparison of standardized preoperative and postoperative photographs.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous calf fat grafting is a viable alternative to traditional implant-based calf augmentation for congenital calf discrepancies and the aesthetic pseudo-varus deformity. This technique provides results comparable to those obtainable with traditional methods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.

Calf contouring with endoscopic fascial release, calf implant, and structural fat grafting

Background:

Curved lower legs cause psychological stress for women. In evaluating the shape, if thickness is the main contributing factor of leg aesthetic, then lipoplasty or calf reducing procedures will be the option. If the legs are slender and have no muscle hypertrophy but still have some indentation or bulges on both sides and lack an aesthetic shape what will be the options? The answer to the question is discussed in detail in this article.

Methods:

Twenty-two patients, operated over a period of 5 years from 2007 to 2012, were included in the study. A novel technique has been introduced. This method requires release of fascia covering muscles of the inner leg bulge via endoscopic approach and simultaneous calf augmentation with calf implant, liposuction, and structural fat grafting to optimize the results.

Results:

Patients were followed on a regular basis with a mean follow-up of 31 months. The procedure was well tolerated with minimal discomfort during the postoperative period. Increase in diameter of proximal and distal lower legs was measured at least 6 months after surgery. Mean diameter change of proximal lower legs was 2.16 cm and 1.77 cm in distal lower legs.

Conclusions:

A novel endoscopic approach for lower leg contouring is discussed. Endoscopic fasciotomy technique with calf implant and structural fat grafting for improved lower leg aesthetics is a simple, effective, reliable, and predictable technique for calf contouring.

Bilateral calf augmentation for aesthetic purposes

BACKGROUND

The shape of the calf is determined by the development of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, the length and orientation of the crural bones, and the distribution of subcutaneous fat. Some people have a naturally thin or underdeveloped calf that remains small despite exercise. Calf augmentation is indicated for cosmetic reasons or for reconstruction of a shrunken lower leg resulting from injury, illness, or congenital disability.

METHODS

A total of 53 consecutive patients (40 women and 13 men) had surgery for calf augmentation between January 2004 and January 2007. The patients ranged in age from 25 to 51 years (mean, 29.5 years). All the patients included in the study requested calf augmentation for aesthetic purposes. Asymmetric-base silicone elastomer smooth-surface implants were used. Overall satisfaction after silicone calf augmentation was rated on a scale of 1 (poor), 2 (fair), 3 (good), 4 (very good), and 5 (excellent). All the patients had surgery by the same team of surgeons (L.H.P., A.S., B.N.). The evaluation was made at follow-up office consultations after 1 year. The total mean follow-up time was 4.4 years.

RESULTS

In this study, 53 bilateral calf augmentations were performed, for a total of 106 procedures. The 125-ml implant was used in 37 bilateral cases, the 70-ml implant in 10 cases; and the 175-ml implant in 6 cases. In three cases, unilateral seroma formation needed to be drained by a partial skin incision opening. There were no cases of infection or hematoma. Hypertrophic scar was observed in four patients bilaterally. One patient requested removal of the implants, and the procedure was performed on an outpatient basis. There were no cases of compartment syndrome or deep vein thrombosis, and no pulmonary embolisms occurred. There were no cases of rotation or displacement of the implant. At 12 months, 73% of the patients rated their appearance after calf augmentation as "very good" to "excellent," and 19% responded that their appearance was "good." Only 8% of the patients thought their appearance was less than good. At this writing, the average follow-up time for this group of patients has been 3.4 years.

CONCLUSION

Calf augmentation by silicone-filled implants for cosmetic purposes appears to be effective, safe, and aesthetically pleasing, with minor side effects.