Buttock Augmentation

Although often used interchangeably, there are differences between a Buttock Augmentation (using butt implants), a Brazilian Butt Lift, and a traditional Buttock Lift. Let’s understand the differences.

Buttock Augmentation with Implants or Butt Implants

Small or flat (hypoplastic) buttocks can be made fuller, and more rounded with a buttock augmentation procedure that involves placing soft, shaped, silicone implants in the buttocks. Butt augmentation using implants does not correct sagging buttocks, and if you need to treat sagging buttocks too, you will need to complement the procedure with a buttock lift surgery.

Brazilian Butt Lift

A Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL is also a buttock augmentation surgery, but done via fat transfer instead of silicone implants. It serves a dual purpose – it removes excess fat via liposuction from an alternate body area, and inserts that into your buttocks – with the objective of enhancing your buttocks using your own body fat. It is a less invasive surgery than the traditional buttock augmentation or butt implant surgery and is ideal for those who do not have much sagging gluteal skin/ tissue and have sufficient fat reserves in other body parts for the fat transfer.

To know more about Brazilian Butt Lift, please click here.

Traditional Buttock Lift

A Buttock Lift surgery is done to remove excess/ loose skin and fat around the buttocks and improve the shape and firmness of the buttocks. The traditional buttock lift does not result in major changes to the size and shape of the buttocks but addresses the tightening of your posterior area. It is an intensive surgery.

To know more about Brazilian Butt Lift, please click here.

Buttock Contouring

It is possible you may need buttock contouring or gluteal reshaping (correction of abnormal fat distribution in buttock area). Buttock contouring or gluteal reshaping is an entirely new concept in altering the shape of the buttocks. It is a scientific fact that abnormal distribution of fat around the buttock region is a major cause of dissatisfaction in women. The excess fat in the love handles, or the saddle bag region can cause of the buttock area to look unaesthetic. Removal of fat from this region is sometimes good enough to improve the shape of the buttocks. Adding the removed fat to buttock projection enhances the shape of the buttocks even further.

 

Composite buttock augmentation

Composite buttock augmentation is also a new concept where a combination of implants and gluteal reshaping is performed to improve the shape of the buttocks. This is for patients who are expecting dramatic improvement in the buttock size and shape. Just adding a silicone implant to buttock may only increase the projection, but to alter the shape to a more favored shape requires fat removal from certain areas and its addition to specific areas in the buttock region.

 

After your initial assessment, I will suggest which procedure is best suited for you based on various anatomical factors, and your desires. I will assess the gluteal muscles, fat distribution, bone structure, overall framework of your buttock, and your overall body contours in making the decision.

Buttock augmentation using implants is the surgery of choice for people (men and women) who wish to enhance the size and shape of their backsides. It results in larger and shapelier buttocks, which are considered more desirable and sensuous.

Buttock augmentation is a popular procedure, and safe when done with a trained expert, and highly qualified plastic surgeon. In the hands of a lesser skilled surgeon, the surgery could result in serious complications.

You can view my credentials and before/after pictures and be sure that you’re in the safest professional hands.

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While it is true that women undergo most buttock augmentation surgeries worldwide, it is an accepted surgery among men too. Buttock augmentation for men is getting increasingly popular as men too desire an enhanced backside for a more contoured look.

If you are an adult – male or female, in generally good health, ideally a non-smoker, with realistic goals of what can be achieved through Buttock augmentation, you can potentially be a good candidate the surgery.

You can consider a Buttock augmentation for the following reasons:

• You have small, flat, or underdeveloped buttocks and desire to enhance their size, and have limited fatty tissue in other areas of your body
• You are unhappy with the shape of your buttocks, and want to achieve a certain desired shape
• You want to balance your upper body proportions with your gluteal proportions
• If you’ve had major weight fluctuations, which have resulted in an unappealing shape of your buttocks, and your gluteal area makes you self-conscious

During our initial consultation, I will evaluate the seriousness of your condition and the need for you to undertake this procedure.

Buttock augmentation results are long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable body weight, and have a healthy lifestyle.

The buttock implants inserted during the surgery generally do not require to be removed, except in case of a future complication.

Of course, the natural aging process may still alter the shape and look of your buttocks, as can major weight fluctuations.

Butt Augmentation surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, and the patient goes back home the same day accompanied by a friend or relative.

However, since it is an extensive surgery, the recovery process is a bit longer. It will be 2-3 weeks before you can resume regular activities, and could be 12-16 weeks before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting is permitted.  

Strictly following the recommended post-recovery plan will help you recover faster.

Importantly, the skill the surgeon who performs your buttock surgery also affects your recovery period. When we meet, I will share actual cases of my patients and what enabled their quick recovery.

Every surgery carries some risks, but at this stage of my experience and expertise, I have been successful in eliminating the following risks:

• Life threatening risks such as Thromboembolism, etc.
• Infections of any kind
• Excessive Bleeding
• Seromas

Some of the risks that I have been able to reduce significantly are:

• Anesthesia risks
• Scars of the port
• Skin unevenness
• Lumpiness
• Skin laxity
• Contour deformities
• Over correction
• Under correction

There are some risks that are unpredictable and out of my control:

• Improper skin retraction
• Recurrence of fat (including sagging fat) due to weight changes
• Implant risks (slippage, damage, etc.)

The cost of a buttock surgery varies based on the following factors:

• Type of surgery done – only an implant-based buttock augmentation, or a composite surgery, involving one or more allied procedures,
• Extent of correction needed
• Hospital/ Clinic used for the surgery
• Skill & expertise of the plastic surgeon

Since buttock augmentation is usually done as a cosmetic procedure, insurance does not cover the cost. It is therefore important that you are fully aware of the total costs of the procedure, from initial consultation to follow-ups, to need for multiple sessions/ surgeries, so you can make an informed decision.

Another significant aspect to take into consideration, besides just the costs, is your comfort factor with the plastic surgeon, and your faith in the surgeon’s expertise. Pay a bit more – but be sure, and be comfortable with your surgeon.

To know the cost applicable for your specific case, please book a consultation.

The choice of your best surgeon for buttock augmentation is a decision to be made with due care. While cost is a relevant consideration, there are other more important factors that should determine your decision:

• Qualifications and certification, specifically plastic surgery related certifications and memberships, such as membership of American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
• Years of experience as a plastic surgeon, and number of surgeries done
• Number of buttock augmentation surgeries done, and frequency thereof
• Proof of work – before/ after images
• Patient testimonials
• Surgeon reputation
• Your comfort factor with the surgeon, his manners, his patience in answering your questions
• Surgeon’s philosophy regarding patient safety

You are planning an extensive and demanding surgery, so it’s very important that you decide wisely.

You can read my full profile here.

The clinic or hospital for your buttock enhancement surgery should be carefully chosen. Ensure that the facility is licensed. A hospital is not necessary for this surgery, an accredited/ licensed clinic is just fine.

The clinic should have a licensed anaesthetist on board, competent nursing and operations staff, and the surgical room should be clean and hygienic.

Ministry of Health (MOH), Dubai regularly conducts inspection of all medical and surgical facilities in Dubai and license is granted or renewed only if the prescribed conditions regarding hygiene, safety, etc. are met.

My medical center – Cocoona Center for Aesthetic Transformation, in Dubai, UAE is an MOH-licensed clinic, and we are permitted to perform surgeries under local anaesthesia. We also have competent anaesthesiolgists on board, and a full team of caring and professional nurses, patient counselors, and other support staff. For surgeries under general anesthesia, we perform them at an accredited clinic or, at a hospital of your choice.

The buttock augmentation process involves insertion of buttock implants of a pre-agreed size and shape, through a pre-determined incision site, and then closing the incisions. The surgery will be done either at an accredited clinic or hospital, depending upon your choice, and anesthesia considerations.

Understanding the process involves knowing about anesthesia, the surgical steps, post-procedure recovery, return to normalcy, risks involved, and expected results.   

• What anesthesia is used?  

The procedure will be done under general anesthesia.

• What are the surgical steps during the procedure? 

The surgical procedure has 5 stages:

Stage 1 – Administering the anesthesia

Stage 2 – Making the incision/s based on the type of surgery being done, existing buttock shape, volume of sagging skin & tissue, and extent of correction needed.

Stage 3 – Inserting the implants into the cavity made by lifting the buttock muscles (gluteus maximus) through the incision, repeating the procedure for the opposite buttock, assessing and ensuring the symmetry of both butts.

Stage 4 – Closing the incisions with self-dissolving sutures, or ones that might need manual removal.

Stage 5 – Viewing the results once the swelling has dissipated.

I will customize the plan for each patient, depending on the issues to be corrected, and your expectations.

During our initial consultation, I will explain the procedure as appropriate to your specific case.

At this stage, you are likely to have some more questions for me to clarify. Some such questions are covered herein. I will be glad to answer these and any other concerns you have.

• What are the different buttock shapes that I can get via gluteal implants?

There are 4 basic buttock shapes:

1. A shaped – with narrow upper part of buttock and wider lower part
2. V shaped buttock- is wider upper part and narrow lower part of buttocks
3. Square shaped – as name suggested it is squarish in shape with wider upper and lower part and a narrow midpart
4. Round shaped

A- shape tends to be the most attractive and desired buttock shape and it occurs in about 30% of the population.

Globally, round shape is the second most popular shape of buttock, but in modern days and mostly in the Central Asia and Latin America, round shape is the most sought-after shape by women.

• Where will the incisions be made?

The incision for the buttock implants is usually made in the gluteal crease (the fold where the top of the thigh meets the bottom of the butt cheeks). It will be about 2-3 inches (5-7cm) in size, and easily hidden under a bikini or underwear. The buttock muscle is lifted through the incision, creating a pocket for the implant to be inserted.

An alternate incision site is between your butt cheeks, i.e. intergluteal cleft (butt crack). This is also a preferred incision site, because the scar is completely hidden even without any clothing, and the size of the scar is smaller too.

The third possible option, though sparingly used, is on the upper buttocks – at the top of both buttocks. This incision results in the scar being more noticeable and needs appropriate underwear to cover the site.The incision length depends on the incision site, and the choice of the incision site itself is a decision that I will make after physical evaluation of your body contours and the surgical need.     

• Where will the implants be placed?

The butt implants can be placed above the buttock muscle, under it, or within the muscle. Implant placement behind the muscle is usually a preferred option, as it reduces the risk of damage, and provides a more natural-looking result. Each placement position has its pros and cons, depending on the correction needed, and I will discuss that during our consultation.

• What are the different types of butt implants?

Modern buttock implants are made of soft-solid silicone that is designed to mimic the buttock tissue in look and feel. These do not have the risk of rupture. Besides standard shapes and sizes, custom butt implants designed for your specific case, are also an option.  

• What are the recovery steps immediately after the procedure? 

After completing the procedure, as the effects of the anesthesia wears out, there will be medium to high pain and discomfort which will be managed with pain killers. You will need to wear special compression garments to support the buttocks, keep the skin in place, and minimize swelling for up to 6-8 weeks, or longer. Drainage tubes may also be put in place to drain excess fluids from the incision sites for up to 7 days. You will also need to take oral antibiotics for a few days.

If the surgery is an outpatient one, you will be able to go home the same day, accompanied by a family member or friend.

On the day following the surgery, you are advised to remain in bed all day, and to move your hands and feet regularly just to keep blood circulation going. By the second day, you can walk slowly around the house. You will need help at home for the first 2-3 weeks for the routine household chores, and taking care of the children.

For the first 3 weeks after surgery, you will need to avoid putting pressure on your buttocks. It is recommended to lie or sleep on your stomach or side. Sitting should be avoided for 10-14 days, except for using the toilet. After 2 weeks, you can sit, but you should put a “doughnut” pillow or cushion under your hamstring muscles, but not touching your buttocks, so your buttock is elevated, and there is no pressure on it. You must continue to sit on a pillow and avoid pressure on your buttocks for up to 8 weeks.

After a week or so, the sutures are removed, and general check-up is done. Most of the swelling disappears within 2-3 weeks, and you can resume work then.

You should avoid strenuous exercises, bending and lifting weights for at least 12-16 weeks, and until after my express permission.

Since the gluteal muscles are responsible and involved in routine movement – sitting, standing, walking – the overall recovery period is longer, and slightly more painful.

When will the results be visible? 

You will see the enhanced results immediately after surgery, despite the swelling from the surgery. After the swelling diminishes, which is around 2-3 weeks, you will be able to see the impact. Full results are visible in 3-4 months as the swelling fully subsides, the implant settles into position, and the new buttock shape and structure come into place.

The incision marks will take much longer to fade – up to 1 year.