Buttock Augmentation
Also known as Brazilian butt lift or butt implants
Buttock augmentation is a procedure that reshapes and enhances your gluteal area,providing you with an uplifted and shapelier buttock profile. In the past ten years, this procedure has become increasingly popular worldwide, with shapely buttocks often seen as a symbol of femininity and sensuality. The most frequent methods for enlarging and reshaping your buttocks are fat grafting using your own natural fatty tissue (popularly referred to as the Brazilian butt lift), or with buttock implants.
When to Consider Buttock Augmentation
– If your buttocks are too small for your body frame and you want a more balanced look
– If your buttock shape is too flat or square and you would like more curves and a more
youthful appearance
– If weight loss or the aging process has left your buttocks loose, sagging, or flat
– If clothes and swimwear do not fit properly on your figure
Considerations
Pros
– Clothes and swimwear will fit better.
– Your body will appear more shapely and proportionate.
– Your buttocks will be firmer, rounder and uplifted, creating a more youthful and
curvaceous appearance.
Cons
– It is possible for implants to slip postoperatively or for some of the fat to be reabsorbed,causing asymmetry.
– If you are very slender and want significant augmentation, you may need implants to achieve the size that you desire.
– Because of postoperative swelling, it may take three to six months before the full effect of this surgery is evident.
Are you a good candidate for a buttock augmentation?
– Your buttocks are too small for your body frame and you want a more balanced look.
– Weight loss or the aging process has left your buttocks loose, sagging, or flat.
– Clothes or swimwear are baggy or do not fit properly on your figure.
– The shape or size of your buttocks makes you feel self-conscious and you desire more curves.
How is a buttock augmentation procedure performed?
The two most popular methods for buttock augmentation are autologous fat transfer (using your own natural fatty tissue), also called the Brazilian butt lift, and gluteal implant surgery with or without fat transfer for additional contouring.
Autologous fat transfer
This procedure takes fat from one area of your body and uses it to enhance and reshape your buttocks.
– Liposuction with suction tubes (cannulas) is used to remove fatty tissue from areas of your body with excess tissue, such as the abdomen, hips, back, or thighs.
– The fat is then processed for fat transfer.
– The fat is reinjected using syringes connected to cannulas.
– Usually three small incisions are needed for injecting the fat, but these incision sites are easily hidden by clothing.
– The fat is grafted in layers at multiple levels, with the cannula moving back and forth to ensure that a smooth, linear deposit of fatty tissue is left to reshape and augment the buttocks area.
– The liposuction incisions are closed with sutures.
– Drains are inserted and a compression garment is worn following surgery.
Buttock implants Implants are most appropriate for treating flat or poorly defined buttocks, particularly for patients who have limited fatty tissue. They are not as effective for treating sagging buttocks that may occur after significant weight loss.
– With this procedure a soft, shaped silicone implant is placed through an incision hidden inside the natural buttock crease, or an alternate incision site may be used.
– The implant is positioned in a pocket below the large buttock (gluteal) muscle and above the pelvic bone.
– The incisions are closed with sutures, drains are inserted, and a compression garment is worn following surgery.
What will my buttock augmentation incisions and scars be like?
Autologous fat transfer
The liposuction incisions are very small and just large enough to allow the suction tube,or cannula, to go under the skin and remove the fat. The incisions used for injecting the fat into the buttock regions are equally small.
Implants
Typically an incision is made in the fold between the buttock “cheeks.” Alternative locations are the outer corners of the upper buttock and at the bottom in the gluteal crease.
How do I prepare for a buttock augmentation procedure?
– Stop smoking at least six weeks before undergoing surgery to promote better healing.
– Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
– Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.
What can I expect on the day of my procedure?
Most buttock augmentation procedures take at least two to three hours to complete but may take longer.
– Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure.
– General anesthesia is commonly used during your buttock augmentation procedure,although local anesthesia or intravenous sedation may be desirable in some instances.
– For your safety during the surgery, various monitors will be used to check your heart,
blood pressure, pulse, and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
– Your surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed with you before surgery.
– After your procedure is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area, where you will continue to be closely monitored. You will have drains in place. After fat transfer, you will have a compression garment over the liposuction areas and over your buttocks.
After implant surgery, you will be placed in a surgical dressing that includes a support or compression garment over your buttocks.
– You will probably be permitted to go home after a short observation period unless you and your plastic surgeon have made other plans for your immediate postoperative recovery.
Aftercare and Recovery
Immediately after your buttock augmentation The incisions where your surgeon inserted the cannula or the implants may drain fluids for several days. Drainage tubes are often inserted to channel this fluid away from the
wound.
You will wear special tight garments to keep your buttock area compressed.
When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some pain. If the pain is extreme or long-lasting, contact your physician. You will also have some swelling after the surgery. In some cases, this swelling will remain for weeks or even months. Contact your surgeon to determine whether your pain and swelling is normal or a sign of a problem.
Recovery time frame after buttock augmentation
It is vitally important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by your surgeon. This will include information about wearing compression garments, care of your drains, taking an antibiotic if prescribed, and the level and type of activity that is safe.
The first two weeks
– The recovery period is slightly longer and more painful in the buttock area, because this body region is used for physical activities such as walking, running, and even standing.
– On the first day after surgery, you may be instructed to stay in bed with the compression garment on and to periodically move your hands and feet to maintain good circulation.
You will be able to get up and walk after the second postoperative day.
– When transported home or to your first postoperative follow-up visit, you will be instructed to lie on your stomach in the back seat of the car to avoid pressure on your buttocks. This position should also be used to maneuver and stand for the first 3 days.
– You will also be instructed to lie on your stomach or side while sleeping and while watching TV or reading.
– You can expect some bruising and swelling in the buttock area during recovery; this may spread up to the abdominal or thigh area. This is normal and will begin to subside after a few days or weeks.
– Your buttocks may be sore and painful, but this usually begins to resolve after just a few days. Pain medication will be prescribed for the pain.
– Drains will be in place for the first seven days to eliminate fluid buildup and oozing from your incisions.
– An oral antibiotic will be prescribed to be taken as long as the drains are in place.
No sitting will be permitted for the first ten days (except for toileting). After this time you can sit with a soft pillow placed beneath your hamstrung muscles but not touching your buttock, so that your buttock is in the air and there is no pressure on the newly augmented buttock.
Weeks two to eight
– Direct pressure must be kept off the buttocks for at least eight weeks, so sitting without a pillow is not allowed for that period.
– You must wear a body garment for six to eight weeks.
– The final results of your buttock augmentation may be initially obscured by swelling.
When the swelling subsides, sometimes taking three to six months, your true results will be more evident.
– You are advised not to go clothes shopping for at least three months
– After fat grafting, you can return to work, drive, or go to the movies after ten to fourteen days, but you must use a pillow when sitting so that there is no pressure on your buttocks. You can resume normal activities and exercise after eight weeks.
– After implant surgery, you can return to work in two to three weeks, but you must use a pillow when sitting so that there is no pressure on your buttocks. At the third postoperative week, you are cleared for sitting and driving (using a pillow) and are encouraged to start stretching exercises. You can resume exercise eight to ten weeks after surgery. However, if there are wound complications, you may have to wait three to four months before you go back to the gym.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Under normal circumstances, the results of your buttock augmentation surgery will be long-lasting.
After a successful fat transfer buttock augmentation, the fat that remains will stay there for the rest of your life. Like the rest of the tissue in your body, this fat will grow and age with you. If you have implants placed, these devices do not need to be removed unless you develop a late complication.
Although the procedure improves the shape and contour of your buttocks, you should make necessary lifestyle changes to maintain the appearance of your new shape. A healthy diet and exercise regimen can be incorporated into your daily routine to maintain your look.
Maintain a relationship with your aesthetic plastic surgeon
For safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it’s important to return to your plastic surgeon’s office for follow-up evaluation at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes in your buttocks. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon when you have any questions or concerns.
Limitations and Risks
Fortunately, significant complications from buttock augmentation are infrequent. Your specific risks for buttock augmentation will be discussed during your consultation.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:
– Adverse reaction to anesthesia
– Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
– Infection and bleeding
– Changes in sensation
– Scarring
– Allergic reactions
– Damage to underlying structures
– Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures
Other risks specific to buttock augmentation are outlined below:
Fat transfer
– Fat absorption – may be as much as 40% – which may produce asymmetry, making this procedure more difficult to predict and requiring additional fat grafting sessions over time to attain the desired “look”
Implants
– Implant slippage, causing asymmetry Any complications or changes in shape may require additional surgery.