In today’s world, we are more and more inclined to undergo non-surgical treatments, with minimal pain and without sick leave. Botox injections are simple and effective and have gained great popularity during the past ten years. One of the really good indications for Botox usage is Botox cosmetic calf slimming and contouring.
So far to that goal liposuction has been the main procedure (and it is still used in cases of big subcutaneous fat tissue and if the patient would not mind several minor scars), partial excision of gastrocnemius muscle, selective denervation of gastrocnemius. Each of the methods has more negative than positive effects. All are actual surgical procedures with a questionable outcome, which can leave quite unpleasant scares in their wake. Besides, calf wounds do not heal well.
Quite opposite, the exceptional alternative to those procedures shows up in a form of Botox (botulinum toxin A, BTA). It does not leave any scars; the dosage regulates the volume of atrophy of gastrocnemius muscle, it is potentially reversible in cases the patient changes his mind; it is not painful and one does not have to take a sick leave. The only downsize is the price!
The mechanism: as it is the case of either hypertrophy or enlargement of gastrocnemius muscle, Botox causes chemically induced ‘out-of-use atrophy’’ of the muscle and eventually the muscle atrophy.
Botox can be injected medially, laterally or into both heads of gastrocnemius muscle and therefore selectively reduce the calf perimeter. The pain, swelling, bruises or pain of Botox injection are not worth mentioning.
We use high dosage of Botox (four to five bottles). The treatment is repeated after 8-12 weeks after the second dose. This helps achieve better atrophy and fine calf contouring.
The procedure effect lasts up to 18 months.
Possible side effects: transient calf muscle weakness during the first two weeks. There is a possibility of minor bruising or myalgia at the injection site that disappears in several days. Other complications are not expected if recommended doses are applied.