Buttocks Augmentation

Synonymous to: Gluteal Augmentation, Buttocks Enhancement or Surgery

The gluteal area is one of the most commonly enhanced areas of the body next to the breast. Gluteal fullness, with smooth sloping contour is ideal and pleasing to the eye. The gluteal contour and volume is best enhanced by a butt augmentation procedure. The procedure would result in a round, more firmly shaped buttock area. Gluteal augmentation can be performed with the use of gluteal implant to improve gluteal size and contour. Patients who frequently request for a gluteal or buttock augmentation procedure are those with a butt that has inadequate volume and a flat contour. This procedure is not ideal for a patient who has sagging gluteal skin, which is best addressed by a butt lift surgery.

Gluteal implants, or commonly referred to as buttock or butt implants, are either a soft or solid silicone block or silicone shell containing cohesive silicone gel. Both types of implant are safe. They do not cause any allergic or toxic reaction to the body, can be sterilized, do not induce any soft tissue disease or malignant transformation, and can be removed easily when indicated. These implants are often used for augmentation or enlargement surgery of the buttock region and occasionally for gluteal reconstruction in treatment of asymmetry. Implants are placed in a pocket created either beneath the fascial covering of the gluteal muscle or within the muscle. Both implantation sites are well tolerated by the body and have very predictable and pleasing outcome or results.

Another method that is used to augment the gluteal area is by fat injection. This is ideally performed for patients who have hesitation in having a foreign material (buttock implant) in their body; or those who have unsightly or unwanted fat deposits at the abdomen, thighs, or arms requiring liposuction. The fat is initially harvested by gentle liposuction technique and then processed into pure form. The pure fat is then injected to the gluteal muscle through a very small port-like incision. For better fat survival, and to minimize fat resorption by the body, the harvested fat is transplanted or injected to the gluteal muscle. This improved fat survival is due to the improved blood supply to the fat cells when injected into the muscle.

Individuals planning to undergo buttock augmentation are prepared prior to the scheduled surgery. For two to three weeks prior to to the procedure, patients are advised to avoid smoking; alcoholic beverages; steroids; NSAIDs, or pain medications like mefenamic acid and naproxen; herbal tea and herbal medications; vitamin E; blood-thinning medications like aspirin, heparin, and coumadin; regulated drugs like Valium; prohibited drugs like methamphetamines; diet pills; and oral contraceptive pills. These medications and social activities may delay healing, or they can prolong bleeding and interact with the medications used during surgery. Patients are advised to discuss this further with their surgeon to minimize possible risks and complications.

Gluteal augmentation is performed either under regional or general anesthesia depending on the techniques and extent of the procedure. It is best that patients are admitted for a minimum of one to two days after surgery for more comfort and better pain management. All patients undergoing general anesthesia are required to have a pre-operative medical evaluation and laboratory tests to assess their general medical condition. With the patient asleep under general anesthesia, a two to three-inch incision is made at the fold between the buttocks at the midline. Through this incision, the gluteal muscle is lifted and a pocket is created just large enough for the implant. The implant is then inserted into its pocket. Absorbable sutures are placed in the skin incision. A pressure dressing or bandage is placed to provide compression to the buttocks and hold the implant in place. This will also help reduce discomfort and swelling after surgery. Sutures are usually removed after seven to ten days.

Because we often use the gluteal muscle in numerous physical activities like walking, sitting, and other movements, patients might experience greater pain during the recovery period than other common cosmetic surgery procedures, and the recovery time is usually longer. Pain medications typically are prescribed to help with the discomfort; but after approximately five to seven days, the patient is able to be up and about moving, walking, and sitting more comfortably. Full activities including gym work, bicycling, and running can usually be resumed about four weeks following buttock augmentation. The gluteal area will have fullness, especially at the upper pole, and will look firmer. The initial results after the surgery may be obscured by swelling and some bruising. This is temporary and may resolve after two to four weeks, but patients are advised that the final outcome will be evident after six to eight months. Prospective patients planning to have this procedure are required to allot 12 to 14 days. This time will be used for the initial consultation, laboratory, medical clearance, surgery, follow-up, suture removal, and early recuperation. After these, the patient is safe to travel since wounds are dry and healed. Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo, including any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks and complications include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss
• Blood clots
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Anesthesia risks
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Major wound separation
• Asymmetry
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Nerve damage
• Possibility of revision surgery
• Sub-optimal aesthetic result