IMPLANTS
When diet and exercise do not give you the shape and contour you want for certain areas of your body, you can surgically enhance those areas with body implants. Implants can be used in areas such as the calves, the biceps, the buttocks, or the pectorals. In some cases, body implants are used to correct congenital and physical deformities caused by conditions such as polio, spina bifida, and Poland’s Syndrome that affect muscle growth. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we perform body implants on women and men living in McAllen, Brownsville, the Rio Grande Valley, and all of South Texas.
Gluteal Implants
The shape and contour of the buttocks is a very important component of total body shape and image. Just as some men are unable to build their chest muscles, they can also have trouble enhancing the fullness of the gluteal contour. For some, VASER® liposuction of the abdomen and flanks with fat transfer can result in a dramatic transformation (i.e. the Brazilian Butt Lift), but for people with little or no fat, gluteal implants, or butt implants, present the only option to truly enhance the shape and look of their butt.
The procedure is fairly straightforward and involves placing a single scar between the buttocks that, after healing, becomes so well hidden, not even your closest intimate will be able to find it. Like pectoral implants, gluteal implants are made of highly cohesive silicone that is designed to feel like a well-developed muscle. During your consultation, we select properly sized implants based on your body’s diameter. Then, during the procedure, the implants are placed within the gluteus maximus muscle, which provides excellent coverage and support. After the procedure, patients wear a specialized compression garment for the first six weeks (much like after liposuction), and it is important that patients avoid sitting or lying on the buttocks for the first 3-4 weeks until the incision heals.
Calf Implants
Calf augmentation with implants is a procedure done to increase the size and improve the shape of the calf. Creating cosmetic fullness in the lower leg is very popular among women and men. Calf implants can help people who, even after extensive exercise, can’t achieve muscle toning. With calf implants, you can sculpt the lower leg and even correct muscle imbalance caused by physical and congenital defects.
The procedure for calf implants last about two hours. It can be done with local, regional or general anesthesia. and two implants are usually used in each calf (a total of four implants per patient). To create a more natural contour, a small incision is made in the knee and the implants are placed within the muscle compartments (2 of them in each leg) but on top of the actual muscle fibers. In regards to recuperation time, most normal activities can be resumed within a few days, although legs will be stiff and sore. People should avoid strenuous use of the legs for at least six weeks in order to heal properly.
Pectoral Implants
Many men find that they are unable to develop their chest muscles even with a regular weight lifting regimen. Some men are also self-conscious if they were born with a prominent pectus excavatum (sunken sternum) congenital defect. The pectoral implant procedure is essentially chest implants for men. It helps improve the look of the chest by placing a special implant below the existing chest muscle. These highly cohesive silicone “gummy bear” implants are not soft and gel based like the silicone implants used for female breast augmentation, so the result is a much firmer, more muscular feel.
Pectoral implant surgery is performed under light general anesthesia in an outpatient surgery center. The operation lasts about 1-2 hours, and the implant is placed through the armpit (trans-axillary) under the muscle to help hide the implant. The scar is almost invisible, hidden in the armpit. This type of implant placement provides the most natural result and creates the look and feel of a built and toned muscle.
Bicep And Tricep Implants
Many people opt to get bicep and/or tricep implants to create muscular definition and increased fullness in the upper arm area. This procedure is very useful for women and men who want to have toned arms and have not been able to achieve it with muscular conditioning. Additionally, this procedure is also recommended for those who have had an injury and need to achieve normal balance.
The bicep and tricep implants are made with a soft, solid silicone implant. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes between 1-2 hours. Typically, a patient can see the changes immediately after surgery, but there is a recovery period. A patient is advised not to lift their arms for at least two days after surgery. However, within one or two weeks, normal use of the upper body muscles may be resumed and full muscular activity can be resumed one month after the surgery.
How Much Do Body Implants Cost?
To determine the cost of your body implant, we invite you to schedule a private consultation at our practice. During your consultation, we will assess your cosmetic goals in order to pursue a treatment plan that matches your unique needs. Then, we will be able to provide you with a clear breakdown of the costs associated with your treatment. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we accept a number of payment and financing options, including cash, checks, money orders, major credit cards, and CareCredit® financing. We also offer simple and secure online payment options for the convenience of our patients.
Dr. Filiberto Rodriguez has extensive body implant experience in creating increased muscular volume from the chest down to the calves. To learn more about these procedures, contact us today. We are proud to treat patients in and around McAllen, Brownsville, the Rio Grande Valley, and all of South Texas.