Calf Reshaping / Calf Reduction Share

Calf Reshaping / Calf Reduction

Attractive calves are desirable to people of all cultures. Unfortunately, thick, short, and overly muscular calves, a condition known as "radish calves" or "radish legs," are more common in Asian women.

A large calf may be considered an aesthetic problem by women who find it awkward to wear certain clothes like short skirts or swimsuits. Bulky calves can also make the legs look shorter, and short height is a common point of employment discrimination in the Orient.

Popular Asian media seems so obsessed with long, thin legs that computer-manipulated ads not uncommonly appear comically distorted.

The calf contains three main muscles: the medial gastrocnemius (back of the calf towards the leg's inner side), the lateral gastrocnemius (back of the calf towards the leg's outer side), and the soleus (located underneath the gastrocnemius muscles).

All three muscles play important roles in standing, walking, running, and jumping, although the soleus muscle can make up for some of the functional loss that comes with damage to the gastrocnemius muscles.

A number of calf reduction methods exist, from simple to "extreme." The most advanced techniques are practiced mainly in Korea, China, and Taiwan, while American doctors emphasize methods that are much simpler but also much less effective.

Surgery that destroys nerves and muscle remains controversial even in Asia, where in a few countries they are forbidden by law. Surgical results after even the most aggressive techniques are usually subtle.

Calf Reduction by Botulinum Toxin

Injection of  DYSPORT / BOTOX Cosmetic works by paralyzing the nerves supplying the calf muscles and causing the gastrocnemius muscles to shrink, or atrophy.

To effect even a tiny reduction in calf diameter requires that a large amount of DYSPORT /BOTOX be injected repeatedly at intervals of three months. After the initial three treatments, most patients note a slight improvement that lasts 6-9 months.

Reduction in calf circumference may be hard to measure but the weakened muscle appears less prominent. Although recommended by some American surgeons, most Asian doctors feel DYSPORT / BOTOX reduction is ineffective and mostly abandoned the procedure years ago.

Some doctors claims that continued use will eventually lead to longer lasting effects and even permanent reduction. Unfortunately, this claim makes little medical sense and is not backed up by any scientific studies.

The only advantage of DYSPORT / BOTOX calf reduction is that it is minimally invasive. Initial and recurring costs can be very high.