Calf augmentation with fat grafting (Cab augmentation with fat grafting)
Some people have congenital asymmetry in the volume of their calves, others have suffered an injury that causes the volume to be different between both sides, and a calf implant is done to treat this. A calf implant has a high rate of complications. Fat grafting can therefore be a very good way to correct the calves and increase volume.
Fat grafting is a procedure where fat is harvested from one part of the body, processed and injected into another part. The fat is harvested via special needles, gently treated with the so-called Coleman technique. This is done under local anesthesia, with sedative medications (sedation).
It is assumed that you have areas of your body with excess fat to harvest that can be used. Typical good areas are the stomach, back, thighs and hips. The legs must be raised as high as possible in the weeks after surgery.
The amount of fat that is moved depends on both the desired volume in the area you want to correct, and how much you have to remove. Generally, it is a matter of relatively moderate amounts of fat. If too much fat is moved, the fat cells die as they need good blood circulation and tissue to survive.
Usually the fat integrates (grows) well in the recipient area, but you have to expect that the body absorbs about 30% of the fat in the first few months (somewhat less in the head region), so you fill in a little more than you need to compensate for this. In addition, you will be somewhat swollen in the first few weeks, which gives the impression of more volume. Minor irregularities may therefore occur after surgery, but this can be corrected within the warranty period.
During the consultation, your wishes and needs are thoroughly assessed with regard to the overall situation and the possibility of harvesting fat. If there is an indication for other interventions, this will be assessed whether they should be done at the same time or in a separate case.
In a standard fat injection, small puncture wounds of approximately 1-2 mm are made where the needle is inserted to inject the fat. We close the wound with stitches that dissolve on their own. It is important not to expose these puncture wounds to the sun for a minimum of 12 months after surgery to avoid scarring and pigment changes, by either using tape and or a high factor (Sun Block min SP30).
For fat grafting, compression garments should be worn in the period following the procedure. How long depends on the extent of the procedure and will be provided at the clinic on the day of surgery.
Before the operation
You must be healthy on the day of the operation. If you are in doubt whether you have a cold or similar, you must contact us. The operation is not performed when you have the flu with fever, cough or other infection in the body. Before the operation you will receive a prescription for antibiotics, possibly painkillers and Hibiscrub solution 40 mg/ml which you can buy at the pharmacy.
The day before surgery and on the day of surgery, you should wash your entire body with Hibiscrub solution in the shower. This is a disinfectant soap that should be rinsed off with water, and the skin should be dried with a clean towel. Put on clean clothes when you leave home. Do not use perfume or cream. All jewelry, piercings and nail polish/false nails must be removed at the latest the day before surgery and may be put back on 7 to 10 days after surgery.
To get the best possible result and to avoid complications, it is recommended that you have a normal weight, and not an excessively high BMI. If you smoke, or use nicotine such as snus or electronic cigarettes, you must quit at least 2 weeks before the surgery and 2 weeks after the surgery.
You should arrive at the surgery fasting. This means that you should not eat food including fruit or drink juice with pulp or dairy products 6 hours before the surgery. You can drink water, juice, juice without pulp or coffee/tea without dairy products or chew gum/drops/throat lozenges up to 4 hours before the surgery. Medications that you may need to take on the day of surgery can be swallowed with 1 glass of water max. 100 ml up to 1 hour before the start of anesthesia.
It is important that you stop taking blood-thinning medications about 14 days before the operation, preferably after consulting your GP or us. For other medications, consult the clinic before the operation. A lot of garlic and health food preparations should also not be consumed.
You must arrange in advance with someone to pick you up from the clinic approximately 1 hour after the surgery, as you cannot drive, take public transport or a taxi alone.
On the day of surgery
You will be received by our staff who will prepare you for the operation before the surgeon sees you. Before the actual procedure, the surgeon will go over the procedure, draw up the plan, and answer any questions you may have. Anesthesia personnel will also come to greet you and answer your questions.
When the surgery is about to begin, the operating room nurse will pick you up and clean the surgical area while the anesthesia personnel will give you a sedative in your arm so that you are asleep during the surgery. In addition, the surgeon will apply local anesthesia to the surgical area for a long-lasting pain relief effect in the surgical area after the surgery, which will also reduce bleeding in the area.
After the operation, you will be moved to the recovery room where you will have your own bed. You will then rest for 1-2 hours and will be served food and plenty of drinks in the form of bread, yogurt and juice (remember to inform about allergies). Painkillers may be given if necessary.
The surgeon will see you before your return trip/hotel stay and you will be assessed by an anesthesiologist before you travel home with an adult companion. The PVK attached to your hand will be removed before you leave. You must use a car or taxi as a means of transportation immediately after surgery, we do not recommend public transportation or walking.
After the operation
All patients will come for a post-operative check-up the day after surgery. We recommend that you do not travel by air for the first 48 hours after surgery. During this time, a check-up appointment will be arranged at the clinic and you will come for a check-up at the clinic the day after surgery.
The first few hours after the operation you may feel a little tired, and sometimes a little nauseous. It is important that you take painkillers as prescribed and as needed, and make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the first 24 hours. Some people may feel a little dizzy, so it is a good idea to take a few minutes when you get up. For the first two days you should rest and lie as still as possible. For the next five days you can move carefully. If you have an active job, it is a good idea to stay home.
The final result can only be assessed after 3-6 months. Follow-up checks are arranged with the clinic; the day after surgery, after 1-2 weeks and 3-6 months, as well as a final check-up after a year. You must call to arrange the check-ups yourself, or make an appointment with the clinic on the day of surgery.
Bleeding and infection are uncommon and in very few cases require reoperation and/or antibiotic treatment. Anesthesia complications, such as allergic reactions to anesthetics, are extremely rare.
Physical exercise and hard physical work should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks.
If correction is necessary due to complications or unsatisfactory results, this will be done free of charge within one year, provided there is a medical indication and a clear improvement potential. This is our guarantee period.
Pick-up and accommodation
You must arrange in advance with someone to pick you up from the clinic approximately 1 hour after the surgery, as you cannot drive, take public transport or taxis alone. You must also have someone with you on the same day and the first night.
If you live far from the clinic, we recommend that you stay overnight in Oslo, either with family/friends or in a hotel.
Hotels near Oslo Plastic Surgery;
Frogner House Apartments, Bygdøy Allé 53. Website; https://frognerhouse.no (we have an agreement with Frogner House Apartments) inform us when booking a room.
Hotel Gabels Hus in Gabelsgate 16. Website; www.nordicchoicehotels.no
Ask for guidance and advice
The best advice we can give face to face. We will guide you to the best solution for you.
The responsible physician is Dr. Amin Kalaaji , MD, specialist in plastic surgery and clinic manager at Oslo Plastic Surgery, and head of the Norwegian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (NFEP) 2018-2020.
Dr. Kalaaji holds many positions and gives lectures and trainings around the world. This benefits all our patients as he is always up to date on the latest and most advanced treatments and surgical techniques.
Patient safety, high quality and individual treatment always have the highest priority at Oslo Plastic Surgery.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Oslo Plastic Surgery answers frequently asked questions here, and we hope that this will provide you with good information. We want to be helpful in the process before an operation. If you have any more questions, just write or call us.
Those who want increased volume and figure shaping of their calves.
All patients must undergo a consultation before surgery. The consultation is conducted by our experienced plastic surgeon who will ask you questions about your medical status; past or current illnesses, previous surgeries, use of medications, etc. An examination is then performed, and the surgeon considers a possible operation.
If you are suitable for surgery, you will receive information about the surgery itself, precautions to take before and after the procedure, and you will get answers to your questions.
For patients with long distances to travel, we offer consultations via telephone and/or video consultation. We will then send you a health information form in advance, which you must fill out and return to us before the consultation. You will also send us some photos.
Should surgery be necessary, the surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment the day before the planned surgery.
You must be healthy on the day of the operation. If you are in doubt whether you have a cold or similar, you must contact us. The operation is not performed when you have the flu and/or fever or cough or other infection. Before the operation, you will receive a prescription for antibiotics, possibly painkillers and Hibiscrub solution 40 mg/ml, which you can buy at the pharmacy.
If correction is necessary due to complications or unsatisfactory results, this will be done free of charge within one year, provided there is a medical indication and a clear improvement potential. This is our one-year warranty agreement.