Calf augmentation with autologous tissue injection

Abstract

Background: Lean or asymmetric calves may cause body image problems. These deformities can be corrected by inserting a silicone calf prosthesis or silicone injection, and also through the use of an autologous fat or tissue cocktail. Methods: Thin and asymmetric parts of the leg are marked while the patient is standing. Depressed areas are observed at the anteromedial part of the tibia from the knee to the ankle. Fat tissue harvested under general anesthesia, using a syringe and a 4-mm cannula, is centrifuged to eliminate blood and lipids, antibiotic is added, and small amounts of fat grafts are injected into different layers using a cannula 15 or 26 cm in length and 3 mm in diameter. For the preparation of the tissue cocktail, tissue (dermis, fascia, fat) was cut into very small pieces measuring 0.5 mm to be passed through 16-gauge needles. The amount injected depends on the severity of deformity and the size of the legs. Rather than overcorrecting, injections are repeated if necessary, two to four times at 3-month intervals. Results: Between 1992 and 2003, 77 patients underwent calf augmentations with autologous fat and tissue cocktail injections, with follow-up from 1 to 8 years. Outcome was satisfactory in most patients, with moderate improvement in 10 patients (13 percent) and good improvement in 67 (87 percent). In 12 patients, small irregularities or asymmetries were seen after the first injection and were corrected with a second injection. No infection was reported in any case. Conclusion: Autologous augmentation and shaping offers scar-free, long-lasting results, with no late complications, and with the possibility of touchup.