Buttock augmentation surgery involves using implants, fat grafting or sometimes a combination of both to increase the size of your buttocks.
Buttock augmentation surgery is right for someone who does not like the shape of their buttocks or is looking to balance their body. It is performed in one of two ways, with implants or fat transfer. The fat transfer procedure is commonly known as a Brazilian butt lift.
Buttock augmentation is a very personal procedure and you should do it for yourself, not for someone else. It is a good option if:
· You are physically healthy
· You have realistic expectations
· You are bothered by the feeling that your buttocks are too small
· You are unhappy with the roundness or general shape of your buttocks
· Your buttocks are asymmetrical
Buttock augmentation surgery may be performed in an accredited outpatient ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon questions. It’s very important to understand all aspects of your buttock augmentation. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing your concerns with your surgeon.
Your buttock augmentation surgery can be achieved through the use of implants, transferring your existing fat or, sometimes, a combination of both. Your surgeon may choose between a variety of incision patterns and techniques.
· Buttocks size and shape
· The amount of fat you have on your body that is available for use through liposuction
· Your goals and activity level
· Skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. No matter which type of buttock augmentation procedure you have, anesthesia will be used to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. First, diluted local anesthesia is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. The cannula, a thin, hollow tube, is inserted through the incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula. In general, your surgeon may use liposuction to remove up to three times the amount of fat than what will be injected into the buttocks.
The fat, tissue and blood that were removed through liposuction are processed. Syringes are then connected to a special cannula and your surgeon will use this cannula to add the fat to the buttocks through small injections all over your buttocks.
The results of buttock augmentation are immediately visible; however you will not see your final results for up to a year after surgery, as time is needed for the fat to “take.” This procedure offers natural looking and feeling results, but the projection of the buttocks may decrease over time.
Some of the initial volume you experience after your fat grafting procedure will fade as the fat is absorbed by your body (on average, patients will retain 60-80% of the transferred fat). Satisfaction with your new image should continue to increase as you recover.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
• Excessive loss of blood
• Blood clots
• Bruising
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Numbness and pain
• Fat embolism, injection of fat into the bloodstream that causes inflammation in the lungs
• Infection
• Fluid shifts
• Complications of liposuction
• Complications of anesthesia
• Swelling and bruising
• Asymmetry
• Possible need for a revisional surgery at a later date
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Anesthesia risks
• Oil cyst
• Hematoma
• Stretch marks
• Cellulite
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
After surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area to be closely monitored. You may be permitted to go home after a few hours or the following day.
Before leaving, you will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your buttocks following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection. You may be instructed to wear a support garment around the clock for the first week or two. It will be important to cleanse the incision sites and apply ointment as directed. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully.
After a post-surgical recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume at the direction of your plastic surgeon. With either procedure, it is important to be informed about the steps you can take to aid your recovery.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:
It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.
You will be asked to avoid prolonged sitting for about two weeks. This is very important because prolonged sitting will damage the fat. You will also be encouraged to sleep face down or on your side. When you do have to sit, you will have to use a pillow or cushion placed behind the legs (hamstring muscles) to help raise the buttocks and avoid pressure on the fat grafts.
You will also be provided with a support garment that will apply even compression to the areas that were treated with liposuction. In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid.
You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, specific concerns to look for in your general health and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Your surgeon may encourage you to seek a lymphatic massage from a licensed massage therapist. You can generally resume exercise after six to eight weeks.
Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It’s important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.
The results of your buttock augmentation surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to increase as you recover from surgery. Incision lines are permanent, but will continue to fade over time. The final results of your buttock augmentation with implants will appear over the next few months as your buttock shape and position continue to settle.
If your procedure was performed with fat transfer, it can take up to a year to see your final results. Some of the fat that leads to the initial shape after surgery will be reabsorbed by your body.
It is also important to keep in mind that this fat can behave like any other fat in your body. As you gain or lose weight, your results may change as the transferred fat can grow or shrink just as any other fat in your body.
The results of your buttock augmentation surgery will be long lasting. Over time, your buttock size and shape can continue to change due to aging and gravity.
You’ll be able to retain your new look longer if you:
Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. A surgeon’s cost for buttock augmentation may vary based on the surgeons experience, the type of procedure used and geographic location.
Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
• Surgeon’s fee
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Anesthesia fees
• Prescriptions for medication
• Post-surgery garments
• Any special pillows that may be required for your recovery
• Implant fees
• Medical tests
Most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications.