Before scheduling a consultation for calf surgery, you may have a number of questions about the procedure, recovery, and outcomes. Here, we’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions and answered them as clearly and transparently as possible.
Questions & Answers
When is calf liposuction appropriate?
Calf liposuction is suitable for individuals with excess fat around the calves and ankles.
However, it is not effective for calves that are bulky due to muscular build (where muscle mass is high and fat is minimal), nor does it treat edematous calves (legs with swelling and persistent dimpling due to fluid retention, often linked to cardiovascular issues).
Is calf liposuction painful?
The treated area may feel sensitive for about a week, but the discomfort is mild.
Most patients are able to walk and perform daily activities shortly after surgery.
When can I resume sports after calf liposuction?
Most people can return to sporting activities approximately 15 days after surgery, once swelling subsides.
What is the cost of calf liposuction?
The total cost is around €5,500.
What are the main risks of calf implants?
As with any implant procedure, there are certain risks:
- Infection or rejection, as the implant is a foreign object
- Implant exposure, particularly in the suture area, since the calf is a highly active muscle group
- Compartment syndrome, a rare but serious complication that causes a rapid increase in pressure inside the leg due to muscle trauma. This condition leads to intense pain and requires emergency surgical intervention
Is calf implant surgery painful?
Yes. The initial postoperative period can be quite painful, especially during the first week.
This is due to the tension placed on the tissues by the newly inserted implants. Pain typically subsides gradually.
How long before I can return to sports after calf implant surgery?
A minimum of one month is needed before resuming any intensive physical activity, allowing time for the body to heal properly.
What is the cost of calf implant surgery?
For bilateral (both sides) aesthetic calf implants, the cost ranges from €6,000 to €7,000.
Is calf lipofilling (fat transfer) painful?
Not significantly. Because the procedure uses your own fat, the body does not treat it as a foreign substance, which reduces discomfort.
Is the postoperative result final?
No. In the first 3 weeks, some of the injected fat will naturally be reabsorbed by the body.
To compensate for this, we typically inject slightly more fat than needed to ensure the long-term result is satisfactory once stabilization occurs.
What is the cost of a calf lift?
The cost for an aesthetic calf lift is between €5,500 and €6,000.
Is calf augmentation covered by French health insurance?
Yes — in specific medical cases, such as:
- Traumatic injuries
- Neurological conditions (e.g., polio after-effects)
- Major asymmetry between the calves
In these situations, lipofilling (fat transfer) is usually the preferred and most natural option.
Fees range from €2,500 to €3,500, depending on the complexity of the case.