FAQ’s

Body implants (Calf, Pectoral, Biceps, Triceps and Buttock implants) are used in surgical procedures to enhance, reshape, or better define the outward appearance of the musculature/definition of the body.  Some implant procedures—such as buttock implants, cosmetic hip implants, breast and abdominal implants—see more usage in cosmetic/aesthetic circumstances . . . where individuals that may simply feel unattractive, or wish to enhance their body contours, resulting in a more aesthetic appearance. Other body implant procedures, including calf, pectoral, deltoid, bicep/tricep, are more often used for functional applications—congenital and injury repairs.  In every case, body implants will provide the desired body contour symmetry specifically when muscular development was affected because of a genetic birth defect, serious injury, or when a more pleasing aesthetic look is desired.

It depends on the degree of the affliction. Usually, if the degree of Pectus Carinatum (PC) is mild, pectoral implants can effectively mask the problematic areas. The same is true for the concave affliction, Pectus Excavatum (PE), which can also be treated using pec implants, if the condition is mild. It’s usually easier to treat PE because a pec implant can be carved to fill the chest depression. Your condition will be evaluated by our surgeon, and if needed he may consult with your orthopedic or internal medicine physician.

You do not need to concern yourself with these issues as your surgeon will, after a thorough evaluation of your health and physical anatomy. Simply said, there are several criteria that he’ll consider including being long-waisted, short-waisted, hip width, musculature, profile, firmness and laxity—when standing and lying flat.

Depending on the size of the implant, and material used in construction, an uncarved implant can vary in weight, but are usually no more than a few ounces each.

Not usually, unless it’s treated with stem cells and special surgical techniques are employed.  And even then, this form of augmentation is very limited to thin diameter applications within the fascia of muscle fibers.  Autologous (free fat harvested from another part of one’s body) fat is quite good for augmenting smaller areas, such as small clefts or depressions on the face, or even in cellulite smoothing, but not larger areas. Free Fat Transfer (FFT), is commonly used for lip enhancement, or smoothing wrinkles and cellulite depressions, but because it tends to be absorbed or washed from the area, it isn’t ideally suited for larger fills.

It’s common to expect a 1-2-inch gain in circumference on average. Full, normal arm extensions and contractions can be performed anywhere between one to four days after surgery, depending on patient, and you can begin to lightly work out again in about one month.

If a person has suffered from non-anatomically balanced calf muscle development because of polio, calf implants can often help achieve better symmetry, in many cases, depending on the severity of the condition.

In the case of clubfoot, most cases are related to either idiopathic, or neuromuscular classifications. Most common are idiopathic cases and these can usually be corrected with stretching, banding and casting of the afflicted area over weeks of time. More severe, or less respondent to non-surgical methods are dealt with surgically and in these cases, a calf implant can help with normal appearance when lower leg musculature isn’t sufficient after surgical correction. Calf implants can help achieve the appearance of muscular balance.

It depends greatly on the specific procedure, but on average most patients are back to work within 7 to 14 days. If complications arise, additional time away from work may be required.

Again, this varies with the type of operation being performed. It also depends on the individual. In most cases, the visual result of the implant in place is evident immediately after the procedure. Some people bruise easily, while others don’t, and it also depends on the amount of inflammation Generally there will be swelling and some bruising after surgery. Both will usually disappear over a week or two. The final optimal result can usually be appreciated a few months after surgery.

As with any operation there are certain risks. The most common risks include bleeding, infection, body rejection, asymmetry, and scarring. Although these events are usually infrequent, they sometimes can occur. These will be discussed with you during the consultation for your procedure.

All prices listed are a realistic range of costs and include consultation, pre-operative lab work, surgery, and post-operative follow-up. Anesthesia is a separate fee of $800.

It depends on the surgery and type of implant used. For instance, breast implants don’t qualify for insurance reimbursement for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes. However, they do qualify if a woman has had breast cancer and a mastectomy. Body implants can be covered by insurance if they can alleviate a congenital or traumatic disorder, but each case must be evaluated by the indemnity provider. When body implants are considered for a cosmetic or aesthetic procedure, insurance plans won’t cover it.

With any type of implant surgery, you should allow several days for your recovery after surgery. This can be done at lodging facilities nearby and our staff will advise you on your options. Your surgeon would advise you if there was a change in this waiting period.  After Care Recovery and transportation can be provided upon request. Ask our staff for more information. Restrictions may apply.

Generally, a photograph of your problematic area will do, to start the evaluation process. Your surgeon will view the area you are inquiring about, and then consult with you. Normally, he begins the consultation by telephone, but would need to see you in advance of any planned surgery for an examination at least a day before any surgical procedure.

Our office has a list of nearby hotels where you can stay if traveling from out of town