[Leg re-contouring by using a new technique of partially removing gastrocnemius].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a method to partially remove gastrocnemius for improvement of the contour of the leg.


METHODS
Thirteen patients with bulked calf were undergoing the treatment. With a self-designed apparatus, the gastrocnemius was partially removed by placing the device in the muscle through an incision in the popliteal fossa. The follow-ups were carried out for 1-6 months.


RESULTS
Thirteen patients were successfully treated by above mentioned technique. The removed amount of muscle was weighted between 11 g and 201 g, averaged 77 g. All of the patients could be able to walk three days after the operation. But, the normal walk had to take 1 month after of the surgery for recovering. The function of the ankle joint was not obviously influenced.


CONCLUSIONS
The above mentioned technique is a safe and effective method for re-contouring the leg.
Qin
Rong-sheng
RS
Department of Plastic Surgery, Beijing University Third Hospital, Beijing 100083, China.
Wang
Xia
X
Chen
Yu-zhe
YZ
Xie
Hong-bin
HB
Zhu
Li
L
Li
Bi
B
Ma
Yong-guang
YG
You
Wei-tao
WT
Li
Dong
D
Li
Jian-ning
JN
D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D004434:Early Ambulation; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors