Changing beauty standards and the need to look fashionable are pushing more and more women to do anything to change their physical appearance, including plastic surgery.
Among the craziest and latest fads is injecting neurotoxins in the legs so they can fit into calf-grazing or knee-high boots. The idea is to get the calf muscles to shrink to fit into the shoe they otherwise don’t fit into.
The procedure is more prevalent in winter, where calf grazing and knee-high boots are commonly worn and are more of a fashion statement.
The only problem is the boots aren’t always comfortable to wear, and the person wearing them can tend to feel constricted in their legs.
Neurotoxins Used in The Treatment
The treatment involves off-label use of botulinum toxin injection, which is not a new concept in the beauty industry.
Botulinum toxin, a neuromodulator, is used in the medical field to treat overactive or enlarged leg muscles in patients with movement disorders, but the same concept is applied to aesthetics. Its most common use is facial Botox treatment to eliminate wrinkles and slim the lower face.
The calf slimming procedure using neurotoxins slims the lower leg, making it appear longer than it is, a trend with its roots in Asia, where thicker legs were considered an undesirable trait.
How It Works
Botulinum toxins work by relaxing the muscles, and that is how it is able to eliminate facial wrinkles. With continuous use, muscles that have grown larger due to overuse or genetics shrink noticeably.
During the procedure, the practitioner will inject the neurotoxin into the bulky and target muscle of the calf from the back or the side, resulting in a relaxed muscle and a softer-looking shape.
“There is no single treatment that fits all patients. Your dermatologist will have to tailor your dosage based on your needs,” says Dr. Jennifer Greer, board-certified Ohio plastic surgery practitioner of Greer Plastic Surgery.
Studies have shown that the average dosage for the best results is around 100 units of Botox for both legs and 360 units of Dysport per leg. Some dermatologists use as low as 32 to 40 units, but this option works best for individuals looking for relatively subtle results.
The Results
The effects of neuromodulators on the calves and other body parts are not permanent. This means you will get your calves to fit comfortably in your favorite boots for the winter but get back to your normal leg thickness with time. Studies suggest that the effects of the treatment will start showing in one to four weeks.
You may experience relative weakness in the leg muscles for the first few weeks or months, but you can expect to have your leg return to full strength in three months. As for the changes in muscle size, you can expect a 12-month gradual return to original muscle mass, but generally, the effects will have worn off significantly by the sixth month, so wearing your winter boots may not be necessary. If you hope to maintain the smaller calf size, you must repeat the procedure but follow your dermatologist’s lead.
Where To Get It
The cosmetic industry attracts unqualified practitioners with the promise of A-class results and a fraction of the cost of the same service from a registered and recognized practitioner.
The only problem is the risks involved are not worth the promised savings. So, only ensure you get services from board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, or any other medical professionals licensed to perform the procedure.
