Safety and Efficacy of Selective Neurectomy of the Gastrocnemius Muscle for Calf Reduction in 300 Cases.

[BACKGROUND] Liposuction alone is not always sufficient to correct the shape of the lower leg, and muscle reduction may be necessary.

[OBJECTIVE] To assess the outcomes of a new technique of selective neurectomy of the gastrocnemius muscle to correct calf hypertrophy.

[METHODS] Between October 2007 and May 2010, 300 patients underwent neurectomy of the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle at the Department of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, the Second People's Hospital of Guangdong Province (Guangzhou, China) to correct the shape of their lower legs. Follow-up data from these 300 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Cosmetic results were evaluated independently by the surgeon, the patient, and a third party. Preoperative and postoperative calf circumferences were compared. The Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment was evaluated 3 months after surgery.

[RESULTS] The average reduction in calf circumference was 3.2 ± 1.2 cm. The Fugl-Meyer scores were normal in all patients both before and 3 months after surgery. A normal calf shape was achieved in all patients. Six patients complained of fatigue while walking and four of scar pigmentation, but in all cases, this resolved within 6 months. Calf asymmetry was observed in only two patients.

[CONCLUSION] The present series suggests that neurectomy of the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle may be safe and effective for correcting the shape of the calves.

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