Removes a portion of the lower leg muscle for a permanent solution to large calf muscles with little recovery time.

Leg Shape & Size

Erin Storm, PA-C

Definitive guide on Calf Reduction by Muscle Resection, including the procedure overview, benefits, risks, recovery, before & after photos, costs, and more. 

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Calf Reduction by Muscle Resection

Calf resection, although seemingly extreme, can be used to great success when contouring large or disproportionate lower legs. For patients that are unhappy with large calves and have not had success with other treatments first, such as Botox injections or selective nerve ablation, muscle resection can be used as a final option for permanent calf contouring. 

When performing a muscle resection for calf reduction, only a partial resection of the gastrocnemius will be removed. The gastrocnemius muscle makes up the bulk of the calf muscle along with the soleus muscle, which is underneath the gastrocnemius. When the gastrocnemius muscle becomes enlarged, it protrudes to both sides of the calf, widening the appearance of the lower leg. A small incision will be made behind the knee within the leg crease. Through this incision, muscle fibers will be removed, being mindful to not sever any nerves within the leg. Incisions will be closed and drains will be inserted to prevent collection of blood and fluids. The legs will then be wrapped in postoperative compressive garments and bandages. For patients who do experience complications during their surgery, leg numbness and difficulty walking will occur however will slowly resolve, with normal function returning within a year.

Calf Reduction

Calf

Legs

cmr1

- Stop taking blood thinning medications for 2 weeks
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery 
- No alcohol 1 week prior 

Before Treatment

cmr2

- Incision will be made behind the knee 
- Through this incision, muscle fibers will be removed
- Incisions will be closed and drains will be inserted
- Legs will be wrapped in postoperative compressive garments and bandages

During Treatment

cmr3

- Bruising and swelling
- Pain and discomfort
- Difficulty walking and standing

Immediately After Treatment

cmr4

- Keep legs elevated whenever possible
- No strenuous activity for 1 month
- No high heels for 1 month
- Wear compressive garments for 3 months
- Leg stretches every 30 minutes 

1-3 Months After Treatment

cmr5

- Continue leg stretches up to 6 months after surgery
- Gradually resume normal activity

3 Months After Treatment and Beyond

cmr6

- Noticeable immediately
- Permanent 
- Patients may experience difficult walking during recovery but should be able to regain all normal function

Result Notes

For patients that desire a permanent solution to large calf muscles, muscle resection removes a portion of the lower leg muscle for dramatic results. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after calf reduction by muscle resection. 

Calf Muscle Resection 

Calf reduction by muscle resection is a cosmetic procedure to define, contour, and balance the calf muscles through removal of muscle tissue.

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Calf Reduction by Muscle Resection

Concerns Treated

Leg Shape & Size

Concerns Treated

Leg Shape & Size

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Calf Reduction by Muscle Resection in The AEDITION

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Calf Reduction by Muscle Resection

Concerns Treated

Leg Shape & Size

Concerns Treated

Leg Shape & Size

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Learn More About Calf Reduction by Muscle Resection in The AEDITION

5 Go-To Body Contouring Procedures For Men

Everything You Need To Know About High-Definition Liposuction

Everything You Need To Know About Body Lifts

AI Plastic Surgeon™

Scan. Simulate. Share.

Text to download The AI Plastic Surgeon by AEDIT

Learn More About
Calf Reduction by Muscle Resection in The AEDITION