1. Implants – Calf implants, similar to other medical devices, can fail. Implants can break and broken implants cannot be repaired and may require replacement or removal. It is possible that small pieces of implant material may separate from the outer surface of implants. This is of unknown significance and has not been shown to result in disease.
2. Implant Extrusion & Tissue Necrosis – Lack of adequate tissue coverage or infection may result in exposure and extrusion of the implant. Tissue breakdown (necrosis) has been reported with the use of steroid drugs, after chemotherapy/radiation to leg tissue, due to smoking, and excessive heat or cold therapy. In some cases, incision sites fail to heal normally. If tissue breakdown occurs and the implant becomes exposed, implant removal may be necessary. Permanent scar deformity may occur.
3. Nerve Injury – Motor and sensory nerves may be injured during a calf implant operation. Weakness, numbness, or pain may occur after surgery. Permanent numbness or painful nerve scarring is rare but may occur.
4. Damage to Deeper Structures – Deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels and muscles may be damaged during the course of surgery. The potential for this to occur varies with the type of implant procedure performed. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.
5. Implant Visibility – Visible and palpable edges of implants can occur.
6. Change in Skin Sensation – Some change in skin sensation is not unusual right after surgery. After several months, most patients have normal sensation.
7. Implant Displacement – Displacement, rotation, or migration of an implant may occur from its initial placement and can be accompanied by discomfort and/or distortion in leg shape. Additional surgery may be necessary to correct this problem.
8. Bleeding – It is possible, though unusual, to experience bleeding during or after surgery. If postoperative bleeding occurs, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood (haematoma). Blood transfusion is rarely required. Increased activity too soon after surgery can increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to follow all postoperative instructions and avoid strenuous activity for the advised period. I have stopped taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and any herbal or dietary supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding, as advised by my Consultant.
9. Seroma – Fluid may accumulate around the implant following surgery, trauma or vigorous exercise. Additional treatment may be necessary to drain fluid accumulation around the implants. This may contribute to infection, capsular contracture, or other problems.
10. Infection – Infection is unusual after this type of surgery. It may appear in the immediate postoperative period or at any time following the insertion of an implant. Subacute or chronic infections may be difficult to diagnose. Should an infection occur, treatment including antibiotics, possible removal of the implant, or additional surgery may be necessary. Infections with the presence of an implant are harder to treat than infections in normal body tissues. If an infection does not respond to antibiotics, the implant may have to be removed. After the infection is treated, a new implant can usually be reinserted. It is extremely rare that an infection would occur around an implant from a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body, however, prophylactic antibiotics may be considered for subsequent dental or other surgical procedures. In extremely rare instances, life threatening infections, including toxic shock syndrome have been noted after implant surgery.
11. Skin Scarring – Excessive scarring is uncommon. In rare cases, abnormal scars may result. Scars may be unattractive and of different colour than surrounding skin. Additional surgery may be needed to treat abnormal scarring after surgery.
12. Allergic Reactions – In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may result from drugs used during surgery and prescription medicines. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.
13. Pain – Some degree of pain and discomfort is expected after surgery, which is usually well controlled with prescribed painkillers. In rare cases, chronic pain may develop due to nerves becoming trapped in scar tissue or tissue stretching. Small nerve endings may become overactive during healing, producing areas of tenderness or heightened sensitivity, which typically resolves with massage and time. If pain persists, I will inform my Consultant.
14. Long Term Results – Subsequent alterations in leg shape may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, or other circumstances not related to surgery.
15. Unsatisfactory Result – You may be disappointed with the results of surgery. Asymmetry in implant placement, location, unanticipated leg shape and size may occur after surgery. Unsatisfactory surgical scar location may occur. It may be necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results or remove implants.
16. Death or Serious Injury – In very rare cases, serious complications such as stroke, heart attack or even death have resulted from surgery.