Butt Augmentation With Implant
Butt Augmentation with Implants is ideal for patients who want very full projection.
Overview
Buttock augmentation is one of the most preferred procedures in recent years. Butt augmentation is sought when a man or woman perceives that the shape, size or proportions of the hips are not sufficient for their body.
Common causes can be genetics, weight fluctuations (especially weight loss), pregnancy changes, and aging. It’s common to hear that patients are tired of trying to achieve the hip they want with old-fashioned diet and exercise. There are currently two surgical options for hip augmentation. The first is autologous fat grafting (Brazil Butt Lift “BBL”) liposuction to remove your “own fat” and transfer it to the hips.
The second is augmentation with a semi-solid silicone implant.
Surgical Technique
There are three implant pocket techniques for hip augmentation.
The first is a submuscular approach that places the implant under the gluteus maximus muscle. The advantage of this is that the implant is “protected” by softer tissue, thereby reducing the visibility and tactile feel of the implant. A common disadvantage is that it has a longer recovery time.
The second approach is intramuscular. Inserts the implant into the gluteus maximus muscle. However, this is not a real plane. It can impair the function of the muscle.
The third option, and less common, is placed under the soft adipose tissue fascia. Historically, this implant pocket technique has had high complication rates, such as infection and implant misplacement.
We prefer a new technique of a true submuscular fascial pocket technique. This plane is formed under the fascia of the gluteus maximus. Decreased visibility and palpability reduces malposition and prolonged pain syndromes.
The preferred implant incision is two hidden incisions in the gluteal fold at the level of the tailbone. Two incisions versus one incision reduces the risk of infection and hip crease.
We also use fat grafting as an additional technique to enhance the final shape of the augmentation. Fat is removed by liposuction. It is then transferred to “soften the edges” of the implant for a more natural-looking result.
During – After Surgery
Buttock Augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgery center. The process usually takes 2-3 hours to complete.
First, we do liposuction to remove fat. The patient is then carefully positioned in the prone (face down) position for magnification. The implant pocket is created on both sides from two folding incisions. The implants are then prepared. It is rinsed with triple antibiotics. It is inserted into the pocket using a special funnel (reduces contamination and damage to the implant). Drains are not usually necessary.
The incisions are closed in multiple layers of tissue. It is closed with skin glue. Fat is then grafted around the implant to improve shape and contour. Clothes to support the liposuction areas are placed.
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.
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 submuscular facial pocket technique. In this way, it provides the advantage of reduced appearance and perceptibility. We routinely strengthen it with additional fat infusion to improve the shape and appearance to make it look 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.
