calf-implants

Calf Implants
Calf implant surgery in London by Mr Metin Nizamoglu FRCS (Plast). Solid silicone calf augmentation for cosmetic enhancement and calf atrophy. 3D custom Anatomik Modelling implants available. Day case under TIVA. From £6,500.
Calf Implants in London

Calf implants are solid silicone devices placed within the calf muscles to increase their size, definition and shape. The implants are positioned above the gastrocnemius — the primary muscle responsible for the curved profile of the lower leg — through small incisions in the crease behind the knee. The result is a fuller, more defined lower leg that is proportionate to the rest of the body.
The procedure is performed for two distinct reasons: cosmetic enhancement in patients who find their calves naturally small or out of proportion despite regular exercise; and functional restoration in patients with calf muscle atrophy following injury, illness, or congenital conditions such as spina bifida or club foot.
For patients seeking mild to moderate volume increase or improved symmetry without implants, is available as an alternative technique using your own fat. The two approaches are compared in detail below.
All calf implant procedures at Centre for Surgery are performed by Mr Metin Nizamoglu FRCS (Plast), consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register, under as a day case at our .
RELATED: | |
Mr Metin Nizamoglu FRCS (Plast) — Calf Augmentation Specialist

Mr Metin Nizamoglu is a consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register, holding the Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons in Plastic Surgery (FRCS Plast). He subspecialises in body contouring and is the only surgeon at Centre for Surgery who performs calf augmentation procedures.
Mr Nizamoglu performs both implant-based calf augmentation and , allowing him to advise on the most appropriate technique for each patient’s anatomy and goals. For patients with calf atrophy from congenital conditions, injury or neurological disease, he works with to produce 3D custom-designed silicone implants made from high-resolution CT scan data — a service available at very few centres in the UK.
At consultation, Mr Nizamoglu assesses each patient’s lower leg anatomy, skin quality, the gastrocnemius muscle volume and symmetry, and the appropriate implant size and placement configuration to achieve a proportionate, natural-looking result.
RELATED:
What Are Calf Implants?
Calf implants are solid silicone devices — not gel-filled like breast implants — made from a firm but flexible silicone elastomer. The solid construction means there is no risk of rupture or leakage. The material is biocompatible, durable and designed to mimic the resistance and feel of natural gastrocnemius muscle tissue.
The implants are placed in a subfascial pocket above the gastrocnemius muscle through a 5–7 cm incision in the popliteal crease (the natural skin fold behind the knee). This location keeps the scar inconspicuous and heals well. One or two implants can be placed per leg — a single implant augments the medial head of the gastrocnemius, producing the characteristic curved medial calf prominence; a second implant placed over the lateral head adds width and outer definition.
Calf implants differ from in several important ways: implants provide a predictable, defined increase in volume and shape that does not diminish over time; fat transfer offers a softer, more subtle result but a proportion of the injected fat is reabsorbed by the body in the months following the procedure. For patients seeking a significant, permanent increase in calf definition and size, implants are the more reliable option.
RELATED:
Anatomy of the Calf Muscles
Understanding the anatomy of the calf helps explain both the goals of calf augmentation and why the results are achievable through implant placement.
The calf comprises two principal muscles. The gastrocnemius is the larger, more superficial of the two and is entirely responsible for the visible contour of the lower leg. It has two heads — a medial (inner) head and a lateral (outer) head — originating from the posterior femoral condyles and inserting via the Achilles tendon into the calcaneus. The medial head produces the characteristic curved prominence of the inner calf that is visible from the front, side and rear. The lateral head creates outer width and the fuller appearance when viewed from behind. The gastrocnemius produces plantar flexion — pointing the foot downward — and is most active during activities requiring explosive movement such as jumping and sprinting.
The soleus is a broader, flatter muscle that lies beneath the gastrocnemius. It also inserts into the Achilles tendon and contributes to plantar flexion, particularly during sustained standing and slow walking. The soleus is not the target of implant placement — it contributes to overall lower leg bulk but does not define the surface contour visible beneath the skin.
Calf implants are placed in the subfascial plane — above the gastrocnemius muscle but beneath the investing fascia of the lower leg. This pocket is well-defined anatomically and provides secure, stable implant positioning.
Calf Implant Before & After Photos
All photographs are taken with full written patient consent. They represent cases performed at Centre for Surgery by Mr Metin Nizamoglu. A wider range is available to view at consultation. Individual results vary.
Case 1 — Bilateral calf implant augmentation

Case 1 — Bilateral calf implant augmentation. Posterior and lateral views showing improved medial gastrocnemius prominence and overall lower leg definition.
Case 2 — Unilateral left calf augmentation

Case 2 — Left calf implant augmentation for calf asymmetry. Posterior view showing improved symmetry between left and right lower legs.
Case 3 — Bilateral calf augmentation with dual implants

Case 3 — Bilateral dual implant calf augmentation (medial and lateral heads). Posterior, lateral and anterior views showing enhanced lower leg width and definition from multiple angles.
Case 4 — Bilateral calf augmentation

Case 4 — Bilateral calf implant augmentation. Posterior and lateral views showing improved gastrocnemius definition and lower leg proportion.
Case 5 — Bilateral calf augmentation

Case 5 — Bilateral calf implant augmentation. Posterior view showing medial calf prominence and improved lower leg definition.
Case 6 — Bilateral dual implant augmentation

Case 6 — Bilateral dual implant augmentation (medial and lateral heads). Posterior, lateral and anterior views showing comprehensive lower leg definition improvement.
Case 7 — Bilateral calf augmentation

Case 7 — Bilateral calf implant augmentation. Posterior view showing improved medial gastrocnemius definition.
Case 8 — Bilateral calf augmentation

Case 8 — Bilateral calf implant augmentation. Posterior and lateral views showing improved lower leg definition and calf-to-ankle proportion.
Case 9 — Unilateral left calf augmentation

Case 9 — Left calf implant augmentation. Posterior view showing correction of left-sided calf volume deficiency and improved bilateral symmetry.
Case 10 — Unilateral right calf augmentation

Case 10 — Right calf implant augmentation. Posterior and lateral views showing correction of right-sided calf volume deficit and improved lower leg symmetry.
Am I Suitable for Calf Implant Surgery?
Suitability for calf implant surgery is assessed at consultation with Mr Nizamoglu. The procedure is appropriate for two broad patient groups:
For reconstructive cases with significant volume deficit or asymmetry, Mr Nizamoglu can produce a from CT scan data through Anatomik Modelling — providing a precise fit to the patient’s anatomy that is not achievable with standard off-the-shelf implants.
Where a patient has adequate donor fat but insufficient muscle bulk for implants, may be a more suitable option. This will be discussed at consultation.
Calf Implant Options — Materials, Sizes and Placement
All calf implants used at Centre for Surgery are solid silicone elastomer devices. The material is firm but compressible, mimicking the resistance of the gastrocnemius muscle on palpation. As a solid device, there is no risk of rupture or silicone gel leakage — the implant retains its shape permanently. The silicone is biocompatible and has a well-established long-term safety profile in soft tissue augmentation.
Calf implants are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different lower leg dimensions and desired outcomes. The appropriate size is determined at consultation based on the length and circumference of the calf, the existing muscle volume, the thickness of the overlying soft tissue, and the patient’s aesthetic goals. Oversizing carries a risk of implant edge visibility and skin thinning and is avoided.
For patients with significant calf atrophy or complex asymmetry, standard implant sizes may not adequately replicate the lost volume or match the contralateral leg. In these cases, Mr Nizamoglu can commission a 3D custom-designed implant from — computer-designed from a high-resolution CT scan to match the patient’s precise anatomy. Custom implants are considered the gold standard for muscle deficiency and atrophy cases. See below for full details.
3D Custom-Designed Calf Implants for Calf Atrophy
Centre for Surgery is one of the few centres in the UK to offer 3D custom-designed calf implants for patients with calf atrophy resulting from congenital conditions, neurological disease or trauma. This service is provided through a partnership with , a specialist manufacturer of computer-designed silicone implants.

Mr Nizamoglu arranges a high-resolution CT scan of both lower legs. The scan data is used to create a precise three-dimensional model of the patient’s anatomy, capturing the exact shape of the residual muscle, the overlying soft tissue depth, and the asymmetry relative to the unaffected leg.

The CT scan data is sent to Anatomik Modelling, where the implant is computer-designed to fill the precise volume deficit and replicate the contour of the unaffected leg. The implant is fabricated in biocompatible solid silicone. Design and fabrication typically takes several weeks — Mr Nizamoglu will advise on the current lead time at consultation.
The custom implant is inserted using the same subfascial technique as standard implants — through a popliteal crease incision behind the knee. The custom shape ensures the implant fills the available pocket precisely, minimising the risk of migration or rotation that can occur when a standard implant is used in an atrophied leg with irregular muscle geometry.

3D custom-designed calf implant for unilateral calf atrophy. Posterior and lateral views showing volume restoration and improved lower leg symmetry.
RELATED:
The Calf Implant Procedure
Calf implant surgery is performed by Mr Metin Nizamoglu as a day case under at our . The procedure takes approximately two to three hours for bilateral augmentation.
With the patient standing, Mr Nizamoglu marks the popliteal crease incision positions and the boundaries of the subfascial pocket on each leg, confirming the implant placement plan.
TIVA is administered by a consultant anaesthetist. The patient is fully asleep throughout — no pain is experienced during the procedure.
A 5–7 cm incision is made in the popliteal crease behind the knee. This location is well-concealed within the natural skin fold and heals to a fine, inconspicuous scar.
The surgeon creates a subfascial pocket above the gastrocnemius muscle. The pocket dimensions correspond precisely to the implant size selected — correct pocket sizing is critical to preventing implant migration or rotation postoperatively.
The solid silicone implant is inserted into the pocket. Where dual implants are being placed, a second pocket is created over the lateral head of the gastrocnemius through the same incision. Implant position and symmetry are confirmed with the patient in multiple positions.
Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures in layers. Support stockings are applied followed by a compression garment before the patient wakes from TIVA.
The nursing team monitors you for one to three hours after waking. A responsible adult must take you home — driving is not permitted on the day of surgery.
RELATED: |
Recovery After Calf Implant Surgery
Recovery from calf implant surgery requires more care than most body contouring procedures because the lower legs bear the body’s full weight during standing and walking. Following the postoperative protocol carefully directly reduces the risk of implant migration, wound complications and delayed healing.
Support stockings are applied at the end of surgery and worn continuously day and night for the first three weeks. These control swelling and limit implant movement in the early postoperative period while the pocket capsule begins to form. After three weeks they can be worn at night only for a further three weeks. Compression garments are not included in the procedure cost and must be purchased before surgery.
Light walking is permitted from day one. Avoid prolonged standing and walking for the first two weeks. Calf-loading activities — running, jumping, stair climbing at pace — should be avoided for six weeks.
Managed with paracetamol as required. Most patients describe a feeling of tightness and pressure in the lower legs rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is typically well-controlled by the end of the first week.
Desk-based work: one to two weeks. Roles requiring prolonged standing or walking require longer — typically three to four weeks minimum.
Light activity at two weeks. Full exercise including calf-loading gym training at six weeks, subject to Mr Nizamoglu’s review.
Physiotherapy may be recommended to restore range of motion and calf function, particularly in patients who had significant preoperative atrophy.
Initial shape visible once swelling reduces — typically from six weeks. Final result at three to six months. The solid silicone implants are permanent and do not degrade over time.
Wound check at seven to ten days. Surgeon review at six weeks. Three-month assessment included in your treatment package. 24/7 clinical support for the first 48 hours after surgery.
RELATED:
How Much Do Calf Implants Cost in London?
The cost of calf implant surgery at Centre for Surgery depends on whether one or two implants are placed per leg, whether custom Anatomik Modelling implants are required, and the overall complexity of the procedure. Pricing is confirmed following a face-to-face consultation with Mr Nizamoglu.
The £100 consultation fee is redeemable against the cost of your procedure if you proceed.
SEE ALSO:

Finance is available through . 0% APR payment plans available subject to status.
Please note: compression garments are not included in the procedure cost and must be purchased separately before your surgery date. 3D custom Anatomik Modelling implants carry an additional cost — detailed at consultation.
Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Calf Implants?
Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated cosmetic surgery clinic at 95–97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN. All calf implant procedures are performed exclusively by Mr Metin Nizamoglu FRCS (Plast).
📞
📍

Consultation fee: £100, redeemable against your procedure cost. Finance available at 0% APR through Chrysalis Finance subject to status.

FAQs
What To Expect
Your consultation takes place at our Baker Street clinic with Mr Metin Nizamoglu FRCS (Plast) and takes approximately 45–60 minutes. All calf augmentation consultations are with Mr Nizamoglu personally. Mr Nizamoglu will take a full medical history, review all medications and assess your lower leg anatomy. He will evaluate the gastrocnemius muscle volume and symmetry bilaterally, soft tissue thickness, skin quality, and lower leg proportions relative to the thighs and ankles. For cosmetic candidates, he will advise on implant size, the appropriate number of implants per leg (single or dual), and the expected change in calf profile. For reconstructive or atrophy cases, he will assess whether standard implants are sufficient or whether a 3D custom-designed implant from Anatomik Modelling is more appropriate. Where fat transfer is potentially suitable as an alternative, Mr Nizamoglu will discuss both techniques and their respective advantages so you can make an informed decision. He will explain the procedure, incision position, pocket technique, recovery protocol, and risks and potential complications in full. High-resolution photographs are taken. Computer imaging may be used to illustrate anticipated outcomes. A mandatory two-week cooling-off period applies from the date you provide consent before surgery can be booked. The £100 consultation fee is redeemable against the cost of your procedure if you proceed. You are welcome to return for as many follow-up consultations as you need before making a decision.
Once the cooling-off period has passed and you decide to proceed, the preoperative assessment team will contact you to complete your medical assessment and provide written preparation instructions. Stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery and for a minimum of four weeks after. Smoking impairs wound healing and increases the risk of infection and delayed healing at the popliteal crease incisions. This is mandatory. Stop aspirin and aspirin-containing medications at least one week before surgery. Stop anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen unless directed otherwise. Avoid herbal supplements for at least one week. Do not eat or drink for six hours before your procedure. Clear fluids — still water, black tea or black coffee — are permitted up to two hours before. Failing to observe the fasting period will result in postponement. Purchase your compression garments (support stockings) before your surgery date — these are not included in the procedure cost. Your patient coordinator will advise on the correct garment at preoperative assessment. For 3D custom Anatomik Modelling implants: Mr Nizamoglu will have arranged the CT scan imaging and implant fabrication in advance of the surgery date. The lead time for custom implants is typically several weeks — this is factored into scheduling at consultation. Arrange a responsible adult to take you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours. Prepare a comfortable area at home where you can rest with your legs elevated.
Please arrive at the confirmed admission time at our Baker Street clinic. A nurse will check your vital signs — blood pressure, pulse and temperature — and prepare you for surgery. Your consultant anaesthetist will assess you and confirm fitness for TIVA. Pre-medications are administered by your nurse. Mr Nizamoglu will confirm the operative plan and perform preoperative marking on each leg, identifying the popliteal crease incision positions and the boundaries of the subfascial pocket. Calf implant surgery is performed under TIVA as a day case. Bilateral surgery takes approximately two to three hours. A 5–7 cm incision is made in the popliteal crease behind each knee. A precise subfascial pocket is created above the gastrocnemius muscle and the solid silicone implant is positioned. Where dual implants are being placed, a second pocket is created over the lateral gastrocnemius head through the same incision. Position and bilateral symmetry are confirmed before closure. Wounds are closed with dissolvable sutures in layers. Where drains are placed they are typically removed at the dressing appointment two to three days later. Support stockings are applied followed by a compression garment before you wake from TIVA. Once you have recovered from TIVA the nursing team monitors you for one to three hours. You will be given a drink and light snack. Once all discharge criteria are met you will be discharged with written aftercare instructions and the 24/7 clinical support number. A responsible adult must take you home — driving is not permitted on the day of surgery.
24/7 clinical support is available for the first 48 hours. The postoperative support team will contact you regularly for the first two weeks to monitor comfort and healing progress. A feeling of tightness and pressure in the lower legs is normal in the first few days. Pain is managed with paracetamol. Most patients are comfortable by the end of the first week. Support stockings are worn day and night for the first three weeks — remove only briefly for showering. After three weeks, worn at nights only for a further three weeks. Compression garments are not included in the procedure cost and must be purchased before surgery. Light walking is permitted from day one. Avoid prolonged standing, walking at pace, and any calf-loading activity for six weeks. Premature return to strenuous calf exercise before the pocket capsule stabilises increases the risk of implant migration. Full exercise including gym training at six weeks subject to Mr Nizamoglu’s review. Desk-based work: one to two weeks. Roles requiring prolonged standing or walking: three to four weeks minimum. Wound check at seven to ten days — included. Where drains were placed, these are removed at the first dressing appointment. Surgeon review at six weeks — included. Three-month assessment included. Mr Nizamoglu assesses implant position, scar healing and final result at each visit.

Call or fill in the form below. A patient coordinator will call you within one working day to book your consultation with the consultant best matched to your enquiry.

—Please choose an option— Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) Facelift / Neck lift Otoplasty (ear surgery) Breast augmentation Breast lift Breast reduction Liposuction Tummy tuck Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Mummy makeover Labiaplasty / Cosmetic gynaecology Gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) FTM / MTF top surgery Skin lesion / mole removal Morpheus8 / Fotona / non-surgical Revision surgery (any previous procedure) Other / not sure yet


Best time to call you
Morning (9am–12pm)Afternoon (12pm–3pm)Late afternoon (3pm–6pm)Any time

Send me occasional treatment guides, patient stories, and clinic news

I have read and understood the

Your enquiry is treated in strict confidence. We respond within one working day, Monday to Saturday.

Request a consultation

Primary Sidebar
TIVA — Total Intravenous Anaesthesia — is the anaesthetic technique Centre for Surgery uses as standard for all procedures requiring general anaesthesia. This guide explains what it is, how it works, and why it produces better outcomes for patients than traditional inhaled gas anaesthesia.
Fotona 4D and traditional ablative laser resurfacing both improve skin quality — but they work in fundamentally different ways, suit different patients, and have very different recovery profiles. Centre for Surgery London explains the key differences and which one is right for you.
Same-day mole removal at Centre for Surgery takes under an hour from arrival to departure. Here is exactly what to expect — from the local anaesthetic through to your histology results.
If you’re considering plastic or cosmetic surgery in London, Centre for Surgery offers a level of clinical excellence that few clinics can match.

All procedures at Centre for Surgery are performed exclusively by GMC specialist-registered consultant plastic surgeons — the highest qualification available in the UK. Our surgeons hold positions on the GMC Specialist Register and are members of BAPRAS and ISAPS, ensuring you receive care from fully credentialled specialists, not cosmetic doctors.

Our purpose-built private hospital at Baker Street, Marylebone is independently regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which awarded us a Good rating — a standard very few cosmetic surgery facilities in the UK achieve. We use TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) as standard, the safest and most advanced form of anaesthesia available for day case surgery.

We offer the full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments under one roof, with in-depth consultations directly with your surgeon — never a sales consultant. Flexible 0% APR finance is available through Chrysalis Finance, and our comprehensive aftercare programme includes 24/7 nursing support.

I agree to receive marketing communications ()
Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.
Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.

Marylebone
London
W1U 6RN

Mon – Sat, 9am – 6pm
Saturday consultations available