SHIN IMPLANT

INTRODUCTION

The shin implant is not a medical decision, but a personal choice. The way people see themselves will define them as persons, identifying them in society. Some women will want to have a finely shaped shin, looking like a champagne bottle turned upside down, but very few are that lucky. Following loss of weight or an aggressive diet or even simply from a constitutional point of view, the shins may require reshaping. Besides, some men prefer more muscular and voluptuous shins.

Your friends and the members of your family may tell you their opinion regarding this procedure, the plastic surgeon may offer you medical advice, but it is exclusively you to decide what is best for you.

This type of surgery has become common practice since the 80s and a large number of women and men have benefited from the procedure.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

The surgical procedure consists in the transverse incision in the posterior area of the knee, through which an implant is inserted beneath the shin muscles to make the shin more pronounced.
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia in combination with analgesia because this gives comfort to the surgical team. The risks posed by anesthetic are minor, but they cannot be completely ignored. Please give the plastic surgeon your case history to help him establish the best way to conduct the surgery.

The time needed to perform shin implants may depend on several factors including surgical approach, patient anatomy and the initial size of the shin.
In general, the procedure will last one hour for each shin.

This type of surgery does not require hospitalization, as the patient can walk home a few hours after the procedure has been performed.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Several complications may occur: infection, hematoma, seroma (that may require draining), necrosis of soft tissue, allergy to anesthetic, extrusion of the implant. Follow the surgeon's instructions in order to avoid such complications.

POSTOPERATIVE EFFECTS

Shortly after the procedure the pain is bearable. This may cause discomfort for a few days when walking, which is similar to slight muscular cramps usually felt after intense exercise.

Initial discomfort may be kept under control using analgesics.

Usually, current activities may be resumed after 2-3 days. Pain may persist and in such a case avoidance of strenuous activities is recommended.

Full activities may be resumed within 4-6 weeks after the procedure, the length of time depending on the initial size of the shin and level of exercise needed to perform daily activities. The limb should be spared intense exercise during this period to ensure proper and beneficial healing. The surgeon will advise you with regard to the optimum time to resume normal life and activities.

The resulting scars are small and will heal well. Should you encounter any problems in healing, keloid, or hypertrophic scars, seek advice from the plastic surgeon.

These implants reshape and increase the volume of the shin. This will lead to a sense of well being and confidence, because your new look is pleasing to the eye.

Emotional and psychic benefits of the operation are increased self-confidence, enhanced body figure and personal satisfaction.

The results of the procedure are long lasting, but they should be viewed simply as an augmentation of the shins. With age the blood circulation at the level of the shin may be likely to suffer disorders, which will require extraction of the implant before more than mild disorders occur.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

· Wash thoroughly before the procedure;
· 2 weeks before the procedure exclude any treatment containing aspirin or aspirin-related drugs;
· Stop smoking one week before the operation;
· After the operation care should be taken to avoid trauma or overexertion of the shin;
· Do not eat or drink anything, not even water after midnight before the procedure is performed;
· Do not expose yourself to sunlight for two weeks before the operation;
· Wear only glasses, do not use contact lenses;
· Do not use make-up or nail varnish; remove any varnish off your nails before the operation;
· On the day of the operation leave your jewelry at home;
· Please let the anesthetist know if you wear dentures.

This presentation is only made for information purposes. For customized data and for further details please contact us at:

Radu Voicu, MD
Specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Spital Clinic CF2, 63 Marasti Blvd, Bucharest 1
Phone: 021-224 50 02
Mobile: 0722 684 735

e-mail: office@drvoicu.ro
Internet: www.drvoicu.ro