Radio Frequency

What is the Radio-Frequency Method?

Radio frequency calf reduction refers to obliteration of the muscle through several small skin punctures using electricity and heat. Despite other techniques like reduction with botulinum toxin or surgical muscle removal radiofrequency is one of the minimal invasive surgical methods.

The procedure can be performed to varying degrees of intensity, but usually requires general anesthetic. Essentially, the musculature is burned, causing partial necrosis (death of the tissue). Enough tissue remains, however, for this calf reduction method to be less effective than removal of the gastrocnemius muscle. On the other hand, the patient comes away from the operation with fewer and smaller scars. It is important not to misjudge the effect of inner scarring on the gastrocnemius muscle, however. The patient will need to exercise and train their calf over a period of weeks to prevent shrinkage of the muscle. In addition, the patient can expect significantly more swelling due to the increased trauma caused by radio frequency calf reduction. This swelling can last for weeks or even months.

Advantages:

• Small, inconspicuous outer scars.
• Less short term loss of strength in the muscle.

Disadvantages:

• Inner muscle scarring.
• Longer period of swelling after the calf reduction.
• Less effective, as the gastrocnemius muscle remains.
• Healthy muscle tissue is destroyed.

Another method for reduction calfplasty is selective neurectomy in which the muscle itself will not directly be reduced but indirectly by destroying the supplying main nerve. However this method is more unpredictable than other techniques.