Butt Augmentation With Implant
Butt Augmentation with Implants is ideal for those patients who want very full projection and more dramatic proportions.
Overview
Buttock augmentation is one of the fastest growing procedures in the U.S. over the past few years. Buttock augmentation is sought when a male or female perceives that their buttock shape, size, or proportions are not adequate for their body. Common causes may be genetics, fluctuations in weight (especially weight loss), pregnancy changes, and aging. It is common to hear that patients are tired of trying to achieve the buttock they want with good old-fashioned diet and exercise. Currently, there are two surgical options for buttock augmentation. The first is autologous fat grafting (The Brazilian Butt Lift “BBL”) in which “your own fat” is harvested with liposuction and transferred to the buttocks. The second is augmentation with a semi-solid silicone implant.
Surgical Technique
There are three implant pocket techniques for buttock augmentation. The first is a submuscular approach which places the implant under the gluteus maximus muscle. The advantage to this is that the implant is “protected” with more soft tissue, reducing the visibility and palpability of the implant. A common disadvantage is that it has a longer recovery, and may have long-term pain sequela. The second approach is intramuscular and places the implant within the gluteus maximus muscle. However, this is not a true plane, and may impair the function of the muscle. The third option, and less common is placed under the soft fatty tissue fascia. Historically, this implant pocket technique had high complications rates of infection and implant malposition. We prefer a new technique of a true sub-muscle fascial pocket technique. This plane is created under the gluteus maximus fascia, giving the benefit of decreased visibility and palpability, decreases malposition, and long-term pain syndromes.
The preferred implant incision is two concealed incisions within the gluteus crease at the level of the tail bone. Two incisions vs one incision reduces the risk of infection, and buttock crease tenting.
We also uses fat grafting as an adjunctive technique to enhance the final shape of the augmentation. Liposuction is used to harvest fat from the waistline and then transferred to “soften the edges” of the implant to ensure a more natural appearing result.
During – After Surgery
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an out-patient accredited surgicenter. The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours to complete.
We first perform the liposuction for the fat harvesting. The patient is then carefully positioned in the prone (face down) position for the augmentation. The implant pocket is created on both sides through the two crease incisions. The implants are then prepared, rinsed with triple antibiotics, and placed into the pocket using a special funnel (decreases contamination and damage to implant). Drains are usually not required. The incisions are closed in multiple tissue layers and the sealed with a skin glue. Fat grafting is then performed on the periphery of the implant to improve the shape and contour. Garments are placed to support the areas of the liposuction.
Recovery
The patient goes hotel 1 day later, with a strict restriction of a prone position only to reduce the risk of complications with the augmentation. No sitting is allowed for 2 weeks, other than for using the restroom to decrease risk of bleeding and malposition complications. A sitting protocol begins two weeks after surgery. Full resumption of normal and exercise activity is allowed at two months after surgery.
Expected Cost
The price for buttock augmentation will vary depending on the technique used, the patient’s condition and aesthetic goals, as well as other factors relating to the surgical case. However, on average, most patients can expect to pay between $4,000-$5,500 for their procedure (liposuction, fat grafting, with buttock implants).
Buttock Implant FAQ
What Size Should I Get?
The biggest consideration in buttock augmentation is finding the right size AND shape. Every patient is “designed differently” in that there are different shaped buttocks. These different shapes are due to the anatomical variances in pelvis, and spine curvature.
We will examine you and determine what shape you have and which implants will meet your expectations.
Biggest Implant That Will Fit?
It is important to understand that one cannot compare fat transfer and butt implants in terms of volume. Buttock implants will give more projection and volume per cc than fat will do for augmentation. Unlike breast implants that are half under the muscle, the buttock implant is placed under the muscle fascia, which is not as expandable as the breast. Thus, most patients may not have large enough gluteus muscle to accommodate a large implant. However, We routinely augments with additional fat grafting to improve the shape and appearance.
Will I Need Drains?
We usually does not use drains.
Where Are The Incisions?
The preferred buttock implant incision is two incisions within the gluteus crease at the level of the tail bone. Two incisions vs one incision reduces the risk of infection, and buttock crease tenting.
How Long Do Implants Last?
Unlike breast implants, buttock implants are semi-solid silicone and will not leak gel silicone if the implant fractures. These implants are therefore very durable and can withstand the normal activity of life for years. There is currently no recommendation to change out your butt implants. As long as you love them you just keep.
Are Buttock Implants Painful?
We prefer a true sub-muscle fascial pocket technique. This plane is created under the gluteus maximus fascia, giving the benefit of decreased visibility and palpability, decreases malposition, and long-term pain syndromes.
Will The Implant Be Visible?
We prefer a true sub-muscle fascial pocket technique. This plane is created under the gluteus maximus fascia, giving the benefit of decreased visibility and palpability. We routinely augment with additional fat grafting to improve the shape and appearance to appear more natural.
Will I Be Able To Workout?
Yes! The sub-fascial pocket technique does not impair the function of the gluteus maximus. This technique also has decreased risk of malposition as it is a very strong layer to support and protect the implant.
