Selective Neurocoagulation of Gastrocnemius and Lateral Soleus Muscles for Calf Reduction

Various methods have been attempted to improve the size and shape of calves, and selective neurocoagulation of the calf muscle using radio frequency (RF) is one of them. The objective of this study was to provide information about the efficacy and safety of selective neurocoagulation of the gastrocnemius (GCM) and lateral soleus muscles using RF for cosmetic purposes.

A retrospective analysis of 345 patients (686 legs), who underwent selective neurocoagulation using RF at our clinic for calf hypertrophy between January 2018 and March 2020, was performed. We measured the circumference of the calf and thickness of the medial GCM using ultrasonography before and after the procedure. Patient satisfaction and side effects were investigated through interviews.

The average calf circumference had decreased by 2.9 ± 1.1 cm (GCM-only group) and 3.0 ± 1.4 cm (GCM + lateral soleus group), at 6 months after the procedure, and there was a statistically significant decrease in both groups. At 12 months after the procedure, the calf circumference slightly increased compared to that at 6 months, but the circumference was still smaller than that before the procedure. Most patients were satisfied with the size and contour of their calves and there were no severe adverse effects.

Motor nerve coagulation using RF was effective in reducing the volume of the GCM and lateral soleus muscles and softening the contours of the calf. It was safe and without side effects in most patients.

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