Buttock Contouring, Buttock Implants (Butt Implants, Gluteal Implants)
The “Jennifer Lopez” type butt has become extremely popular. For some women, the butt is very hard to fill out with the shape that they would like. Genetics and race are two important factors that influence the shape of a person’s butt and no amount of exercise can change that. Buttock contouring and micro-fat injections can provide you the “butt of your dreams”. Liposuction is often used in conjunction along with buttock contouring in order to further contour and smooth the area from the waist to the buttocks and the buttocks to the thighs.
There are a couple of methods that can be used to perform buttock contouring. Fat can be transferred to the gluteal region from a different part of the body to give the buttocks volume and shape. At the same time, this will reduce the excess volume from the fat source’s location. The dilemma with this method is that people who want to add volume to their buttocks generally do not have a fat reserve to pull from due to their small body frame. Another option is the buttock implant. Unlike the bags used in breast augmentation that are filled with fluid, buttock implants consist of solid shapes of soft silicone. Buttock implants are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes. However, the right shape for each individual is based on their desire, as well as current build and stature.
Fat Transfer Procedure Overview
On the first visit, fat is harvested from the source location, usually the abdomen. This is done using liposuction. A portion of the fat is then injected into the buttocks. A reserve of fat is kept for subsequent visits. Since a percentage of the fat injected is absorbed by the body, additional injections are required from the stored fat. This normally occurs every six weeks. The subsequent injections are done at no additional charge and usually take only a few minutes.
Buttock Implant Procedure Overview
The procedure typically takes two hours to perform and is done with the patient under general anesthesia. A 5-7cm incision is placed in between the buttocks near the midline. Through this incision, the surgeon lifts the buttock muscle, or gluteus maximus, in order to make a pocket that is large enough for the implant. The implant is then inserted into the pocket. Another implant is placed, using this same method, in the other “cheek”.
Before the incision is sealed, the surgeon checks the patient to ensure that the new implants appear natural and symmetrical. If they are not, adjustments will be made. The incision is then stitched using dissolvable stitches and the area is wrapped in compression bandages in order to protect and reduce discomfort and swelling. The patient can typically leave within an hour after the procedure is completed.
Fat Transfer to the Buttocks Recovery
In order for the fat to keep its positioning and be absorbed, it is recommended that the patient stay off of the buttocks for 5 days. There is very mild discomfort at first and some temporary swelling can occur in excess of the desired swelling. The fat injection itself is a low risk procedure. Surgical risks may include: infection, hematoma.
Buttock Implant Recovery
Since this area of the body is required for so many movements, patients may have more pain during the recovery period and the recovery period is usually longer compared to other common cosmetic surgery procedures. Pain medications typically are prescribed to help with the discomfort, and it normally takes approximately 5-7 days before the patient is able to be up and about; moving, walking, and sitting more comfortably.
After the procedure, the patient will experience discomfort for the next several days and should have someone to stay with them for at least the first night or two. After two to three days the bandaging may be removed and some normal activity including showering may resume. The patient will immediately see the results of the surgery once the bandaging is removed. After several months, the implants will appear much more natural once the muscle has stretched.
Four weeks following surgery, the patient may resume full activity including running, bicycling, swimming, etc. It can take the implants as long as six or eight months before the patient no longer notices the implants and feels like though they are part of the patient’s body.
Surgical risks may include: infection, bleeding, nerve and/or muscle damage, slippage and asymmetry.