Buttock Augmentation
Buttock augmentationis a procedure designed to enhance the buttocks area and provide a patient with a lifted and shapely buttock area. In general, the two most popular methods of buttock augmentation are:
- Autologous fat transfer that takesthe patient’s natural fatty tissue from one area of the body to the other in order to reshape and enhance the buttocks. This is also called a Brazilian butt lift. Liposuction is performed using suction tubes to remove the fatty tissues from areas such as the abdomen, back, hips and thighs. The fat is processed and then reinjected into the buttocks area.
- Buttock implants are best for treating flat buttocks as well as patients with a limited amount of fatty tissue. A silicone implant is placed through an incision hidden in the natural crease of the buttock. The implant is placed inside a pocket located below the large gluteal muscle and above the pelvic bone.
Ideal Patients
Patients who are
good candidates for a buttock augmentation include those who:
- Have buttocks that are too square or flat and they desire curves and a youthful look
- Have trouble finding clothes to fit properly on their body
- Have buttocks that are considered too small for their body frame
- Suffer from self-image issues thanks to the shape or size of their buttocks
- Have lost weight and now have a sagging or loose buttock area
If you’re not sure what the best choice is to augment your buttocks, make a consultation appointment with a board-certified doctor. Your doctor will make a recommendation based on your body shape as well as the overall goal you are trying to achieve. If you’re looking for a more rounded appearance, implants might be the best choice for you. Implants are normally a better option if you are a thinner person without much excess fat. In some cases, your doctor might suggest having a combination of the two methods.
Incisions
The size of the incision during the procedure depends on the method used by your doctor.
Fat transfer involves small incisions that are just big enough to allow the cannula to go under the skin in order to remove the fat. Any resulting scars are also small.
Implants require an incision in the fold located between the cheeks of the buttock. The incision can also be made on the outer buttock corners or at the bottom of the gluteal crease.
Getting Started
Before undergoing any kind of treatment, your doctor will schedule a consultation appointment with you. Some of the itemstaken into consideration before having buttock augmentation include the current size and shape of your buttock, your skin quality, your overall augmentation goals and your medical history.
The consultation appointment is also a good chance for you to ask any questions you have about the procedure. Asking questions and learning more about the augmentation process will help you make an informed decision about how to achieve your desired goals.
Preparing For Augmentation
While your doctor will provide you with a list of specific instructions, there are a few things every patient needs to do when
preparing to have buttock augmentation:
- Stop smoking a minimum of 6 weeks before surgery
- Stay hydrated before and after surgery
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin in order to lessen bleeding risks
- Arrange for a ride home following your surgery since it is normally done on an out-patient basis
Recovery
The incision where the cannula is inserted might drain fluid for several days so you need to be prepared for your doctor to insert drains into the area. The drains will be in for about a week. You will also need to wear a special garment to keep compression on the buttock area. There will be some bruising and swelling that lasts for a few weeks. It’s important that you follow the instructions provided by your doctor so you will have a better chance of healing properly.
You will normally stay in bed the first day after surgery. You can get up and walk around beginning the second day. In general, you will need to lie on your stomach before standing up and you will lie on your side or stomach while watching TV or sleeping. You will not be able to sit for 10 days or more after the surgery to avoid placing any pressure on the augmented area. With either fat grafting or implants, you can return to work in 2 or 3 weeks.
Results
The results of fat grafting surgery are long lasting and tend to last for the rest of your life. There is a chance that implants will need to be removed or replaced at some point if you develop any complications. Buttock augmentation is an elective surgery so any removal costs will not be covered by insurance.
Risks
There are a number of risks associated with buttock augmentation including infections, bleeding, scarring, hematoma and underlying structure damage and asymmetry.
