Buttock Augmentation

What Is Buttock Augmentation?

Buttock augmentation surgery uses implants, fat grafting or sometimes a combination of both to increase the size of your buttocks. The procedure can increase fullness, roundness and projection of your buttock, improve the balance of your figure and enhance your self-image and confidence. The surgery is right for someone who does not like the shape of their body or is looking to balance their body.

Buttock Augmentation Candidates

You may be a good candidate for this type of surgery if:

• you are bothered by the feeling that your buttock is too small
• you are physically healthy
• you are unhappy with the roundness or general shape of your buttock
• you have realistic expectations
• your buttock is asymmetrical

Risks and Safety Information

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any buttock augmentation risks and potential complications. As with any surgery, there are risks and benefits involved. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Buttock augmentation with implants risks include:

• anesthesia risks
• bleeding
• firmness
• implant migration/rupture
• infection
• nerve damage
• opening of the incisions with implant exposed requiring removal
• scarring

Buttock augmentation by fat transfer risks include:

• bruising
• cellulite
• complications of anesthesia/liposuction
• excessive loss of blood
• fat embolism
• fat necrosis
• hematoma
• infection
• numbness and pain
• oil cyst
• possibility of revision surgery
• stretch marks
• swelling

All risks and potential complications will be fully discussed prior to your consent. Do not hesitate to address all your questions and concerns directly with your plastic surgeon.

Preparing for Consultation

During your buttock augmentation surgery consultation your surgeon will evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors. He or she will also take photographs and discuss your options, recommending a course of treatments. The likely outcomes of the surgery as well as any risks or potential complications will be discussed with you.

Be prepared to discuss why you want the surgery, your expectations, desired outcome, medical conditions, drug allergies, current medications and alcohol, tobacco and drug use.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Prior to the procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:

• avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding
• get a blood test
• stop smoking
• take certain medications or adjust your current ones

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.

Procedure Steps

Buttock augmentation can be achieved through either the use of implants or through transferring your existing fat, or sometimes a combination of both. The surgeon may choose between a variety of incision patterns and techniques, but will determine the appropriate technique for you based on:

• amount of extra skin
• buttock size and shape
• skin elasticity
• skin quality
• the amount of fat you have on your body that is available for use through liposuction

You do not have to worry about pain, as medications will be administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. Choices include IV sedation and general anesthesia, but your surgeon will recommend the best choice for you.

Buttock Implant Procedures

Step 1 – The Incision

The incision can be made:

• placed down the center of the sacrum or the crease between the buttocks
• between both cheeks
• toward the bottom in both of the gluteal creases
• toward the top on both sides of the upper buttock

The length of the incision and scar is directly related to the affected areas.

Step 2- Implant Placement

A silicone implant is inserted either in the muscle or above the gluteal muscle on each side. The insertion and positioning of the implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type and nevertheless your surgeon’s recommendations.

Step 3- Closing the Incisions

Layered sutures in the buttocks tissue, sutures skin adhesive or surgical tape are used to close the incisions.  

Step 4- Results

Results are immediately visible. Over time, swelling and incision lines will fade and the results are permanent.

Fat Grafting/Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure

Step 1- Liposuction

Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. The dislodged fat is suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to a hollow tube, or cannula. In general, the surgeon may liposuction up to 3 times the amount of fat that what will actually be injected into the buttocks.

Step 2- Fat Injection

The fat, tissue and blood that were removed through liposuction are then processed. The syringes are then connected to a special cannula, which will then be used to add the fat to the buttocks through small injections all over your buttocks.

Step 3- Results

It takes about a year after the surgery for the fat to “take” and only then you will see the final results of your buttock augmentation procedure. It offers natural looking and feeling results, but the projection of the buttocks may decrease over time. Fat will be absorbed by your body and on the average, patients will retain 60-80% of the transferred fat, in some cases more in others less. As you gain or lose weight, the 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 will be long lasting. Over time, your buttock size and shape can continue to change due to aging and gravity. You will be able to retain your new look longer if you maintain your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle.