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Many people find it difficult to develop their calf muscles, even with extensive, targeted exercise. For some individuals, no matter what they do, their lower legs remain thin and undefined.
Other people have had an illness that has caused the leg muscles to appear deteriorated or under-developed. Even bodybuilders sometimes find that the well-defined calves they desire cannot be produced by exercise alone, and they elect to have calf implant surgery in order to produce a better-balanced lower body.
The implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In the case of disease or injury, custom implants may also be made from a mold of the calf muscles. Most implants are made of pliable, but solid materials, such as silicone. They are placed above the calf muscles to enhance their appearance, giving the legs more definition and shape.
Procedure
An incision is made below the crease behind the knee. In this position, any scar that remains after the surgery will most likely be well concealed; however the scar will be visible to someone who looks for it. The implant is inserted, and the incision is closed with sutures (stitches).
Healing
Normal physical activities may be resumed a few days after the surgery. However, in order to allow the body time to heal, vigorous activities such as exercise should be delayed until about six weeks after the surgery
The results of this procedure are generally quite long lasting, but there may be some problems, such as the circulatory problems that sometimes come with age -- eventually necessitating the removal of the implants. With age the muscles begin to shrink and the outline of the implants may occasionally become visible many years later.
Complications
Significant complications from calf implants are infrequent. As with any surgical procedure, however, there is always a possibility of infection, or reaction to the anesthesia.
In rare cases, there may be bleeding. Rarely, before recovery is complete, the implants shift. During the recovery, there is also a risk of the implant becoming distorted as the body heals around it. In very rare cases, the implant may weaken the nearby muscle. | 
