Have you ever put on a pair of boots, only to struggle to get the zipper past your calves? Or have you had to throw away your favorite jeans because they hugged your lower legs too tightly?
If these scenarios sound all-too-relatable, the problem may not be solved through dieting. Large or bulky calves often stem from too much muscle in the lower legs, which makes slimming down the calf-region difficult.
That’s where calf reduction surgery comes in. What is this procedure, and how does it work? Let’s explore.
What Is Calf Reduction Surgery?
Calf reduction surgery originated in Korea, where men and women sought lean lower legs. The process eliminates fat and muscle from the leg to reduce the bulk of the calf. The result is slimmer, longer-looking legs.
The benefits of calf reduction surgery include:
- Skin tightening
- Excess fat removal
- Better calf definition
- Enhanced self-confidence
- Making it easier to wear tight pants or tall boots
- Reduction of large ankles (“cankles”)
During a calf reduction, a specialist uses invasive or nonsurgical techniques to slim and contour the lower legs. The procedure targets the medial gastrocnemius muscle as well as the soleus muscle.
Which Procedure Should I Choose?
There are surgical and nonsurgical calf reduction surgery options. The choice comes down to what your goal is and what process gets you the best results. Have a look at the different options to determine which is best suited for you.
Calf Liposuction
Calf liposuction is a surgical procedure. It reshapes the calf, reduces the size of the lower leg, and creates a more slender appearance. Liposuction sucks out fat along the lower leg to permanently remove it. The surgery requires one week of recovery.
BOTOX® Calf Reduction
BOTOX® is a noninvasive procedure that freezes muscle activity in the calf, causing it to shrink. The treatment is administered in multiple treatments. Since BOTOX® is temporary, it allows patients to sample the shrinkage before choosing a permanent procedure.
Partial Muscle Removal
Partial muscle removal is ideal for men and women with bulky legs. The process eliminates calf muscles to reduce the size of the lower legs. Partial calf removal contours the calves to create a slender appearance that looks completely natural.
Selective Neurectomy
Selective neurectomy is a minimally invasive procedure. A specialist severs nerves behind the knee to induce muscle atrophy. Atrophy prevents the muscles in the calves from being used, which causes them to slim down.
The procedure is permanent. It is a popular choice for calf reduction surgery because it gradually reduces calf size to create slim and smooth-looking legs.
Radio-Frequency Calf Reduction
Radio-frequency is a minimally invasive calf reduction procedure. It uses radio-frequency energy to destroy nerves in the lower legs. The process reduces calf muscles to produce slimmer legs.
In addition to targeting muscular nerves, radio-frequency also attacks fat cells in the calf. The heat damages the fat cells and allows the body to naturally flush them out.
More Tips & Tricks
Getting a calf reduction can be life-changing. It allows you to feel more comfortable in clothing and get excited about flaunting your legs. And with so many procedures available, picking the right calf reduction surgery easy.
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