Hello, I would like to learn more about calf implant surgery for clubfoot what is better fat or silicon and where is the best place to have it done preferably on the East Coast.
Thank you for this question. A calf implant can be done with a silicone custom made implant or with some fat injections. Both procedures can have side effects and some risks. The silicone prosthesis is placed beneath the skin of the calf to mimic the calf muscle. It usually looks good. The risk is erosion of the skin which can expose the implant and require it to be removed. Although it may work well for you and not cause any problems, this risk should be discussed. What you should realistically expect and any risk should be discussed with you by your chosen surgeon. Fat injections can sometimes work in your case. Fat would require donation from another site by you and then injection of this fat into your calf. If you require quite a lot of fat to fill out the area, then a large donation will be required and this needs to be evaluated. Sometimes, fat injections will be absorbed by your body after a time so that the procedure may need to be repeated. Again, all options, expectations and risks should be discussed with your plastic surgeon after he/ she examines the problem. I suggest that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who is recommended to you by the University Hospital in your area. The hospital will have a secretary of the staff in the plastic surgery department who may be reached by phone and asked who would be a plastic surgeon who is experienced in the area of calf reconstruction.
A calf implant gives a more dependable result that fat injections. The silicone implant is custom made for your calf. Fat injection do resorb and they may resorb unevenly. Where on the east coast do you want to have this surgery?