What are buttock enhancement surgeries?

Buttock augmentation, or gluteal augmentation, is used to improve the contour, size, and/or shape of the buttocks. This is done through the use of buttock implants, fat grafting, or sometimes a combination of the two.

Buttock implants are silicone-filled devices that are surgically placed deep within the tissues of the buttock. Buttock augmentation through the use of fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from one area of the body into the tissues of the buttocks. This technique is sometimes referred to as a Brazilian butt lift.

What buttock augmentation surgery can do

• Increase fullness, roundness, and projection of your butt or buttocks

• Improve the balance of your figure

• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

In addition to buttock augmentation procedures, a buttock lift can be accomplished by the surgical removal of soft tissue.

Buttock augmentation procedures

Buttock augmentation can be achieved through either the use of implants or transferring your existing fat, or sometimes a combination of both. Your surgeon may choose between a variety of incision patterns and techniques.

The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on:

• Butt 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

Buttock implant procedure

Step 1 – Anesthesia

 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.

Step 2 – The incision

 An incision will be made. The incision can be made toward the top of both sides of the upper buttocks, toward the bottom in both of the gluteal creases (the areas where your “cheeks” meet the top of the thighs), incisions between both cheeks (hidden in the crease) or with one incision placed down the center of the sacrum, or the crease between the buttocks. The length of the incision and scar is directly related to the affected areas.

Step 3 – Implant placement

A silicone implant specially made for the buttocks is inserted either in the muscle or above the gluteal muscle on each side.

 The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and your surgeon’s recommendations.

Step 4 – Closing the incisions

 Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the buttocks tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape to close the skin.

Step 5 – See the results

 The results of buttock augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for a fuller butt. The results of this surgery are permanent.

What should I expect during my buttock enhancement recovery?

After your buttock enhancement procedure, dressings/bandages will be applied to the incisions. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be taken into a recovery area to be closely monitored and may be permitted to go home after a few hours.

You will be instructed to wear a support garment around-the-clock following your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you how long you need to wear the garment and if there are any other garments that you may have to wear during your recovery.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery

• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing

• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health

• How to care for your drains

• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon

Buttock augmentation with fat grafting

You will be asked to avoid prolonged sitting for about two weeks (some surgeons prefer longer). 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, avoiding pressure on the fat grafts.

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.

Buttock enhancement recovery at home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heartbeats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

What results should I expect after buttock enhancement?

The results of buttock augmentation and/or buttock lift surgery are visible almost immediately. However, it will take some time for the final results of the procedure to fully develop. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery.

The tissues will settle a little within the first 3-6 months and the scarring can take up to two years to fade to its mature level. Some visible scars will remain, but the overall results are long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness. However, most of your initial improvement should remain.

Although good results are expected from your buttock enhancement surgery, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Following your physician’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery. The surgical incisions mustn’t be subjected to excessive force, motion, swelling, or abrasion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

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.

The results of your buttock augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. Over time, your butt’s size and shape can continue to change due to aging and gravity. You’ll be able to retain your new look longer if you maintain your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle.

If your surgery was performed with fat transfer, it is important to keep in mind that this fat can behave like any other fat in your body. If you gain weight, the fat in your buttocks may grow. If you lose weight, you may lose some of the volumes in the buttocks as the fat shrinks.