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Calf Implants in South Africa
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BodyContours Healthcare South Africa
People who are unhappy with the shape or size of their calf muscles often choose to have calf implants (augmentation). These may correct any number of problems resulting from injury, polio, spina bifida, or nerve disease. Others simply dislike the appearance of their calves and choose to have calf implants (augmentation) for cosmetic reasons.
Many people cannot achieve the appearance they desire, even with strength training or exercise. Anyone in decent physical condition or good health can be a candidate for calf implant (augmentation) surgery.
The calf is a bilateral muscle. Half of it lies on the upper inside of the leg and the other on the upper outside of the leg. Each side of the muscle is attached to the femoral bone just above the knee and extends down the leg to the Achilles tendon at the heel. Calf Implants (augmentation) may be inserted to one or both of the calf muscle areas depending on the desired size.
The calf implants (augmentation) are inserted through small incisions in the creases behind the knee. The skill of the surgeon is critical for determining the right size and shape. The doctor must assess the proportions correctly, and properly sculpt and place the calf implant (augmentation), while anticipating any changes after the surgery.
During recovery from the calf implant (augmentation) surgery, it may take several weeks to return to walking comfortably. There may be some bruising and discomfort while the skin stretches to accommodate the calf implant. There should not be any intense physical activity for some time to allow for proper healing.
As long as there are no complications, most people who undergo calf implants (augmentation) usually return to full, unrestricted activities a month or two following surgery.
BodyContours Healthcare South Africa, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban
Where to go in South Africa
Cosmetic surgeons are available in the four major cities in South Africa, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban. BodyContours Healthcare South Africa is the only company that is an independent facilitator of cosmetic procedures in all the four major cities, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban.
We understand this is your choice, and your journey.
Introduction
Cosmetic surgery can satisfy many needs and often provides that extra measure of inner confidence, which may otherwise be difficult to achieve.
The purpose is to improve one’s appearance as much as possible. It can do no more, and if you expect miracles, you will undoubtedly be disappointed. Most patients understand these limitations and view cosmetic surgery realistically. Under these circumstances, the patient’s objectives can most often be achieved.
It is therefore vital that you discuss your requirements realistically and honestly, with the surgeon so that he/she can establish whether your expectations are reasonable within the normal limitations of surgery.
BodyContours Healthcare South Africa, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban
Statement of Purpose
BodyContours Healthcare Group recognises its obligation too facilitate quality of care given to clients and its responsibility to ensure that the plastic surgeons who practice are members of the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa.
The care provided by surgeons in South Africa will also comply with South African Medical, Dental and Supplementary Health Service Professions Act ensuring ethical codes of conduct as laid out in the Act.
BodyContours will have access to professional medical advice. This will assist BodyContours to achieve continued long term viability through the maintenance of the highest standards provided by the widest possible range of suitably qualified and experienced practitioners.
The Pre-Consultation Meeting
Your Patient Co-ordinator will be your point of contact throughout your association with BodyContours Healthcare Group.
Please be advised that your patient co-ordinator may not be a clinician. This is immaterial as it is not the role of the co-ordinator to discuss clinical matters or make clinical decisions.
Your patient co-ordinator’s duties are as follows:-
· To explain the process from the surgeon’s consultation, through the operation itself, to the post-operative recovery period.
· To discuss BodyContours services and facilities.
· To highlight the potential benefits and consequences of a Calf Augmentation (without discussing clinical issues).
· To confirm completion of your medical history form for presentation to the surgeon.
· To clearly explain the fee structure and all associated financial issues.
Our patient co-ordinators have helped many people looking into the benefits of cosmetic surgery and are always happy to answer your questions to the fullestextent of their experience and training. However, only the doctor/surgeon is qualified to give clinical advice.
BodyContours Healthcare South Africa, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban
To allow your surgeon to provide the most informed advice the screening procedures below are essential:
1. The Importance of your Medical History
Your surgeon is only able to provide you with the best advice if you provide him with every aspect of your past medical history, including illnesses, operations, drugs, allergies and any significant family history of disease.
Your personal safety is paramount in your surgeon’s mind. If you withhold any relevant information then you are potentially placing your own well being at risk.
2. Pre-operative Screening
Following your consultation and a review of your past medical history along with photos of the area on which you wish to have the procedure performed, the physician or pre-operative nurse may require the appropriate pre-operative tests. These are usually limited to routine blood tests. If necessary, the medical team may request further tests including an ECG, various x-rays and scans, or further anaesthetic assessment. These tests may occasionally involve additional fees, although all routine tests and screening programmes are included in your fee package. Please understand that medical information and tests will help to reduce operative risk and encourage a smooth post-operative recovery.
3. The Role of Your GP
Your GP is responsible for your day to day healthcare and BodyContours recommends that you advise him/her of your intention to proceed with cosmetic surgery. However, we are obliged to point out that you have every right to keep the matter private if you wish to do so.
In certain circumstances, it may be absolutely necessary, prior to surgery, for one of our selected surgeons to contact your GP and/or any other relevant specialist that you may have seen previously. This is entirely for your own medical safety.
Your surgeon will complete the necessary paperwork to request relevant information from your GP.
BodyContours Healthcare South Africa, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban
Calf Augmentation – The Benefits
The desire for defined calves is fairly strong in both women and men. Many people put their calves through hours of strain at the gym, only to find that the muscles stubbornly refuse to show definition. Even some bodybuilders have trouble developing calf muscles that are proportionate to the rest of their bodies. This is where calf implants can provide a solution.
These implants are also beneficial to men and women who have suffered injuries or neurological diseases that cause the calf muscles to deteriorate, such as polio or spina bifida. Another benefit is the correction of the condition known as "bow legs" or "bowed legs." Calf implants are made primarily of silicone, and constructed to be soft, yet solid. They feel similar to a well exercised and developed calf muscle.
The implants are available in different sizes to suit your individual requirements. You will be measured and fitted for implant sizes at your pre-operative visit. The surgeon will take moulds of both of your calf muscles and design a customized implant set. This will be sent to the manufacturer, or processed in the surgeon’s office. The perfect fit means less chance of discomfort and irritability.
Placing the implant is a relatively simple technique. It is the pre-operative evaluation and the decisions made before surgery that will determine the ultimate result. These decisions include the shape and thickness of the implant, and the material that will be used to construct the implants.
Once the implant is constructed, only minimal revisions can be made during surgery. The plastic surgeon needs to have a good eye for body contour, a good ear for the patient’s needs and desires, and the ability to convey the correct information to the implant manufacturer. If the implants are too short, the surgeon cannot lengthen them during the operation. If the implants are too thick, removing some of the silicone material is possible, but the implant will lose its smooth surface due to the trimming.
Implants that are designed to emphasize muscularity in men will not result in the smooth silky curves needed for a woman. Planning and experience is crucial. Implant manufacturers may keep a range of ready-made implant designs for a particular surgeon, making them available within a short time.
Should the patient require a size or design that is unique, a moulage (mould) of the leg will generally need to be taken before the implant can be constructed. In some cases the implant will be sculpted in wax, adjusted to the individual patient's calf, and then duplicated in silicone.
All of these procedures will increase the length of time needed before surgery can be scheduled.
Your surgeon will discuss the best possible procedure to suit your needs.
BodyContours Healthcare South Africa, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban
The Consultation with your Surgeon
1. How qualified and experienced is your surgeon?
All surgeons utilised by BodyContours Healthcare Group comply with the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa.
For more info, please consult www.plasticsurgeons.co.za.
2. What will happen during your consultation with the surgeon?
The consultation with your surgeon is designed to ensure that you have the time to discuss all aspects of the treatment you are considering, and other options if appropriate. In order to achieve this aim your surgeon will:
- Discuss all aspects of your medical and family history in detail and request any pre-operative tests.
- Give you a thorough physical examination of the relevant area.
- Try to ascertain your expectations and then discuss realistically what can be achieved.
- A treatment plan will then be recommended, which will include such aspects as:
- The number of treatment areas/procedures required
- General anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation
- Day-case or overnight stay
- Weight-loss (if necessary) required before the operation
- The surgeon will describe the operation to the patient including:
- The number and position of the necessary incisions
- The procedure in general terms
- The associated risks and conditions
- The process of healing
- Dressings and support garments
- Pain and discomfort
- Special instructions
- Following this discussion and examination, the surgeon may decide it is not in your best medical interest to proceed with surgery.
If for any reason the surgeon’s discussion with you falls short of your expectations, your patient co-ordinator will be happy to arrange for you to meet with another surgeon for a further opinion.
3. What questions should you ask?
Please read the following list carefully and ensure that you know the answers to all of these important questions before going ahead with surgery:
- What does the procedure entail?
- Will there be any scarring and if so, where will it be?
- Will there be any pain or discomfort during or after the operation?
- What will be the recovery time?
- What must I do/not do to ensure a good recovery?
- Is there a follow-up programme for me after surgery?
- Should I inform my GP?
- The possible risks and conditions associated with general surgery?
You may wish to list other questions you feel are relevant and take them with you to your consultation with your surgeon.
BodyContours Healthcare South Africa, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban
What arrangements do I need to make if I decide to proceed with surgery?
BodyContours Healthcare Group provides a comprehensive booking and administrative service to ensure that you obtain your surgery quickly and efficiently. The process is as follows:
· Arrange a suitable date for your operation with your patient co-ordinator. Please take into account the following:
Time required off work - Usually ten to fourteen days, depending on the number of areas treated. Be sensible, if your job is very physical or includes driving, take more time off. Patients with office based jobs can often be back at work in ten to fourteen days. Do not schedule your surgery before an important event.
· Children - Please request assistance from BodyContours should you require help with young children for a day or two after surgery.
· Fees - Your fees will need to be paid promptly by the required date as set out in the BodyContours Disclaimer. Please make sure your funds are properly organised. Last minute delays can cause unnecessary frustration, and possible cancellation of your operation.
· Ensure that your GP has been informed of your planned surgery.
· A BodyContours co-ordinator will attend your pre-operative screening and any other tests deemed necessary by the BodyContours utilised medical team.
· Prepare an overnight bag to take with you. (Read your pre-operative instruction sheet before the day of surgery.) This will help prepare you for the operation and suggest what to bring with you and what to leave at home.
· Please inform your clinic nurse or patient co-ordinator if you feel ill, have a cold or flu, or if you are experiencing any other signs of an infection prior to surgery.
· It is not possible to proceed with surgery if you become pregnant. Please ensure you take necessary precautions.
· Call your patient co-ordinator if you need any help or reassurance.
BodyContours Healthcare South Africa, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban
Post Operative Care
BodyContours Healthcare Group provides a comprehensive post-operative care service to ensure your recovery is as swift and effective as possible:
· Before your surgeon discharges you from hospital you will be given an instruction sheet explaining what to do and what to avoid doing following your operation.
· You may be given medication to take during the following week.
· You will also be given the “on-call” number of a clinical team member to be used in the event of a medical query after hours.
· An appointment will be made for your sutures to be removed and for your wounds to be checked approximately six to ten days following surgery.
· An appointment will be made for your first review assessment. Thereafter, periodic correspondence will be maintained to see to your full recovery.
· Follow the post-operative instructions carefully. Following the surgeons and clinic’s advice will ensure the best possible recovery.
· It is important that you allow yourself sufficient time for recovery. Rest is clearly important to this process. However, it is vital that you remain relatively active following your operation. DO NOT RETREAT TO YOUR BED.
· Remember we are always only a phone call away at any stage of the recovery period.
BodyContours Healthcare South Africa, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban
Please Take Note
Any operation carries the risk of complication. The fact that your procedure is a “cosmetic procedure”, voluntarily undertaken, does not mean that complications may not occur.
Your surgeon will discuss the main potential risks of surgery during your consultation. The conditions and risks associated specifically with general cosmetic surgery are detailed below:
General Cosmetic Surgery:
Associated Risks & Conditions
This list of risks and conditions associated with a Calf Augmentation is not exhaustive. It is important that patients recognise that it is not always possible for the surgeon to predetermine the individual and psychological reaction of patients to post-operative complications
· Pain and Discomfort
All patients will feel sore for several days after the operation, pain killers may be prescribed for this period. Pain thresholds vary from patient to patient.
· Bruising and Swelling
Patients must anticipate a noticeable, and often severe bruising that may persist for a number of weeks. This is entirely normal and will settle down naturally. The results of the operation may be obscured by the swelling for some time. The process of healing cannot be hurried and the surgeon will not normally consider further surgery until it is complete.
· Bleeding (Haematoma)
Occasionally, after surgery, bleeding may occur in and around the area of surgery. This is normal and will usually pass quickly and uneventfully. However it may be necessary to drain this by performing an additional procedure.
· Seroma
Occasionally a localised swelling of fluid called a Seroma can occur. This is comparatively rare and may require a minor drainage procedure and medication.
· Infection
It is important to recognise that a surgical incision contributes to a risk of the introduction of bacteria from the patient’s own skin. Such infection may be associated with tiredness, weakness, fever and general poor health. Should you experience an infection, appropriate care and advice will be given.
· Changes in Sensitivity
It is fairly common for patients to experience numbness, increased sensitivity or some “strange sensation”. Changes in sensitivity are common and almost always pass in time. However, it is not uncommon for a small area to remain numb.
· Location and Variable Nature of Scar
Your surgeon will describe the location and nature of any potential scarring, depending upon the nature of your surgery. Any surgery runs the risk of scarring which can sometimes be noticeable, particularly following complications such as infection. Such scars usually improve with time and if still unsightly, can be treated. Keloid scars and Hypertrophic scars are raised, sometimes uncomfortable scars which follow surgery. They are rare and if you are susceptible to this type of scarring, you may already have experienced this complication following surgery or trauma to your skin. Please inform your surgeon of any undesirable scarring you have already experienced so that he/she can advise you accordingly.
Your surgeon will describe the location and nature of any potential scarring, depending upon the nature of your surgery. Any surgery runs the risk of scarring which can sometimes be noticeable, particularly following complications such as infection. Such scars usually improve with time and if still unsightly, can be treated. Keloid scars and Hypertrophic scars are raised, sometimes uncomfortable scars which follow surgery. They are rare and if you are susceptible to this type of scarring, you may already have experienced this complication following surgery or trauma to your skin. Please inform your surgeon of any undesirable scarring you have already experienced so that he/she can advise you accordingly.
· Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
This is a rare but serious complication of surgery and anaesthesia, in which a blood clot forms in the veins (usually in the legs) and moves to the lungs where it interferes with their normal function. Medical and nursing staff takes active measures to reduce the chance of this happening. You may be asked to wear special stockings during your admission and will be actively encouraged to mobilise early following surgery. You can further reduce the risks after discharge by avoiding dehydration and remaining mobile. If you experience sudden chest pain or breathlessness, you should seek medical help without delay.
· Subjectivity
Patients should recognise that this procedure is performed for cosmetic reasons and the results can only be assessed subjectively. It is important to understand that while you will be advised as to the probable results, this advice should in no way be interpreted as a guarantee.
BodyContours Healthcare South Africa, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Durban