Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Calf Contouring Based on the Study of Combined Injection of Gastrocnemius and Soleus
Zhijin Li, Yuming Chong, Lin Jin, Ang Zeng, Jiuzuo Huang, Xiao Long, Nanze Yu, Xiaojun Wang- General Medicine
- Surgery
Abstract
Background
Botulinum toxin is used to paralyze the gastrocnemius muscle and reduce its size, thereby improving the calf contour and reducing the leg circumference of the calf.
Objectives
In pursuit of better efficacy, we designed a new injection protocol that targets both gastrocnemius and soleus. Finally, an algorithm of botulinum toxin injection for calf contouring was proposed based on the results of the study and ultrasonographic data.
Methods
A prospective, self-controlled, double-blind study was conducted. GM group (n=17) presents the patients whose gastrocnemius muscles were treated and GM+SM group (n=17) presents the patients whose both gastrocnemius and soleus were treated. Parameters including the maximum leg circumference, and the subcutaneous fat, gastrocnemius and soleus muscle thicknesses were collected before and after injection.
Results
Both GM and GM+SM injection are useful to improve calf contour. Although the thickness of gastrocnemius muscle is reduced, thus reducing the leg circumference, the subcutaneous fat and soleus muscle present compensatory thickening after injection, especially in the long term, which may affect the efficacy. Compared with GM group, GM+SM group effectively reduced the tendency of soleus muscle thickening. calf muscle thickness can be roughly estimated by constructing the fitting equation and measuring the height, weight, and leg circumference.
Conclusions
Two injection methods could achieve the effect of improving the calf contour and reducing the leg circumference with the same patient satisfaction. The GM+SM injection did not show an obvious extra clinical benefit compared to GM injection.