Buttock Augmentation Surgery:

Buttock augmentation surgery is sometimes referred to as a Brazilian butt lift.  Buttock augmentation is when fat transfer is involved, uses implants, fat grafting or sometimes a combination of both to increase the size of your buttocks.
This procedure can:

1. Increase fullness, roundness and projection of your buttock.
2. Improve the balance of your figure.
3. Enhance your self-image and self-confidence.

Buttock augmentation surgery is right for someone who does not like the shape of their buttock or is looking to balance their body. It is commonly 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 Cost:

A surgeon’s cost for buttock augmentation may vary based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, and geographic location.

Most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
Buttock augmentation costs may include:

1. Surgeon’s fee.
2. Hospital or surgical facility costs.
3. Anesthesia fees.
4. Prescriptions for medication.
5. Post-surgery garments.
6. Any special pillows that may be required for your recovery.
7. Medical tests.

When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for buttock augmentation surgery, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.

Buttock Augmentation Candidates:

You may be a good candidate for buttock augmentation if:

1. You are physically healthy.
2. You have realistic expectations.
3. You are bothered by the feeling that your buttock is too small.
4. You are unhappy with the roundness or general shape of your buttock.
5. Your buttock is asymmetrical.

Buttock Augmentation Preparation:

Prior to buttock augmentation surgery, you may be asked to:

1. Get a blood test.
2. Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
3. Stop smoking.
4. Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding.

Buttock augmentation surgery may be performed in an accredited outpatient or ambulatory surgical center or a 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.

Buttock Augmentation Procedure:

Your buttock augmentation surgery can be achieved through either the use of implants or through transferring your existing fat or sometimes and 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:

1. Buttock size and shape.
2. The amount of fat you have on your body that is available for use through liposuction.
3. Your goals and activity level.
4. Skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin.

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. 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.

2.  Step 2 – The Incision

An incision will be made. The incision can be made toward the top on both sides of the upper buttock, toward the bottom in both of the gluteal creases (the areas where your “cheeks” meets 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.

3.  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 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 – 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 fuller buttock. Results of this surgery are permanent.
Fat Grafting/Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure:

Step 1 – Liposuction

Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. First, diluted local anesthesia is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, 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 liposuction up to three times the amount of fat than 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. Your surgeon will use this cannula to add the fat to the buttocks through small injections all over your buttocks.

Step 3 – Results

The results of buttock augmentation are immediately visible; however you will not see your final results until a year after the surgery, as it takes a while 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 the average patients will retain 60-80% of the transferred fat, in some cases more in others less). Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for a fuller buttock. 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.

Buttock Augmentation Recovery:

After buttock augmentation surgery you will be taken into a recovery area to be closely monitored.  You may be permitted to go home after a few hours. Before leaving, you will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your buttocks and any areas that may have been liposuctioned following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

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.

Each buttock augmentation procedure has specific steps that you need to take to ensure a healthy recovery and good results:

Buttock Augmentation With Implants Recovery:

You will need to wear a support garment for approximately two to three weeks after your procedure. This will help the skin redrape properly and provide support to the augmented buttocks. Final results are noticeable three months after surgery. At this point, most of the swelling will be gone and the implants will be settled in their normal position.

Buttock Augmentation With Fat Grafting Recovery:

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 buttock avoiding pressure onto 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, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or 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.

With either procedure, it is important to be informed about the steps you can take to aid your recovery.

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.

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.

Buttock Augmentation Risks and Safety Information:

Buttock augmentation with implants risks include:

1. Infection.
2. Bleeding.
3. Opening of the incisions with implant exposed requiring removal.
4. Scarring.
5. Nerve damage.
6. Firmness.
7. Implant rupture.
8. Implant migration.
9. Fluid accumulation (seroma).
10. Pressure on your sciatic nerve.
11. Anesthesia risks.

Buttock Augmentation by Fat Transfer Risks Include:

1. Excessive loss of blood.
2. Blood clots.
3. Bruising.
4. Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications.
5. Possibility of revisional surgery.
6. Numbness and pain.
7. Fat embolism, injection of fat into the bloodstream that causes inflammation in the lungs.
8. Infection.
9. Fluid shifts and lidocaine toxicity.
10. Complications of liposuction.
11. Complications of anesthesia.
12. Swelling and bruising.
13. Asymmetry.
14. Possible need for a revision surgery at a later date.
15. Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis).
16. Anesthesia risks.
17. Oil cyst.
18. Hematoma.
19. Stretch marks.
20. 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.