Blocks the nerves around the calf muscles causing the calf to naturally shrink to a smaller size.

Leg Shape & Size

Erin Storm, PA-C

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

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Calf Reduction by Selective Nerve Blocking

For patients who are unhappy with the proportions of the lower leg due to overly developed calf muscles, there are several option to reduce the size and improve the contours of the leg. Selective nerve blocking is a minimally invasive option for patients who would like to avoid a more involved surgery such as a muscle resection. This surgery, also referred to as a calf neurectomy, severs the nerve that controls part of the lower leg muscles. The lower leg is comprised of the soleus muscle, which provides the majority of the function of the calf, and the gastrocnemius muscles. The gastrocnemius muscles, while important for providing explosive power and foot steadiness, only accounts for about 30% of the function of the lower leg. The gastrocnemius is divided into lateral and medial sections, with the lateral head of the muscle creating the outer edge of the calf and the medial head responsible for the contour of the inner calf. During this procedure, nerve blocking is focused on the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle 

During the procedure, the patient will be put under general anesthesia. A small, discreet 1.5cm incision will be made behind the knee. The nerve branch that governs the function of the medial gastrocnemius muscle will be identified via an electric nerve stimulator. Once confirmed, the nerve will be completely severed and ligated. In doing so, the medial gastrocnemius muscle will no longer receive stimuli to flex, causing gradual muscle atrophy over the course of 1 month. Incisions will be closed and the same procedure will be repeated on the opposite leg.  In recovery it is expected for patients to walk slowly with an unsteady gait, be unable to run, and have general discomfort due to the lack of lower leg support. Normal gait generally returns 1 week postoperatively but final results can take as long as 3 months.

Calf Reduction

Calf

Legs

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

Before Treatment

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- General anesthesia
- Small incision behind the knee
- Electric nerve stimulator to identify nerve bundle that controls the medial gastrocnemius
- Nerve bundle is severed and ligated
- Sutures to close

During Treatment

calfnerve3

- Discomfort
- Unstable and unsteady gait
- Inability to run

Immediately After Treatment

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- Normal gait returns within 1 week
- Wear compression socks to reduce swelling
- Avoid strenuous activities that involve the calf muscles

1-7 Days After Treatment

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- Continue to wear compressive socks for up to 3 months
- Running and hiking permitted after 6-8 weeks
- No high heels for 3 months

1 Week After Treatment and Beyond

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- Final results within 3 months
- Amount of reduction is unpredictable
- Avoid strenuous calf activity to prevent muscular compensatory hypertrophy

Result Notes

Calf reduction by selective nerve blocking slims and contours the lower legs by blocking the nerves governing the calf muscle, causing the calf to waste away naturally and shrink. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after selective nerve blocking for calf reduction. 

Calf reduction by selective nerve blocking is a cosmetic procedure to define, contour, and balance the calf muscles by altering cell signaling to the muscle.

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Calf Reduction by Selective Nerve Blocking

Concerns Treated

Leg Shape & Size

Concerns Treated

Leg Shape & Size

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Calf Reduction by Selective Nerve Blocking

Concerns Treated

Leg Shape & Size

Concerns Treated

Leg Shape & Size

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Learn More About Calf Reduction by Selective Nerve Blocking 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 Selective Nerve Blocking in The AEDITION