Correction of asymmetric calf hypertrophy with differential selective neurectomy

Contour asymmetry of the legs is a major aesthetic concern among Asian women. This study enrolled 60 patients with asymmetric calf hypertrophy, defined as a differential calf circumference exceeding 0.6 cm. Differential selective neurectomy techniques, which depend on the sizes of the small and large calves, were performed exactly via a 1-cm popliteal wound. The pre- and postoperative mean differences between the larger and smaller calf circumferences at the 1-year follow-up consultation were 1.38 +/- 0.65 and 0.42 +/- 0.38 cm, respectively (p < 0.01). The reduction was significantly greater in the leg that was initially larger. The procedure was effective in reducing circumference discrepancies so that leg contours were more balanced. All the patients were able to ambulate normally within 5 months after the procedure without disability. The authors posit that differential neurectomy is a safe and reliable technique for the correction of asymmetric calf hypertrophy, with minimal morbidities.