Buttocks Augmentation, Butt Surgery or Butt Implant Surgery

Definition: The procedure usually consists of a combination of liposuction around the buttocks and many injections of fat into the buttocks. The fat is harvested by liposuction from ones buttocks, abdomen or elsewhere. Buttocks implants are "stronger than breast implants" and made of an elastomer so they do not leak. Implants are placed using a small incision atop of the muscles above the sitting area and below the surrounding fascia to secure them. A previous technique of intermuscular augmentation only augmented the upper third of the buttocks whereas implants can address the entire area. The incision scar should be unseen in about a year's time.

Is it right for me?
This surgery is frequently sought by women who are unhappy with the size of their buttocks. Some feel their buttocks lack shape, while others want to have a more sensuous backside by making them larger and rounder. Singer / Actress Jennifer Lopez is probably the biggest reason why women have been seeking plastic surgeons to enhance their buttocks and causing a rise in the number of butt implants procedures performed.

Surgery: The procedure generally takes between 2-4 hours. An incision may be made in any one of the following places: where the cheek meets the back of the thigh, or down the buttock crease. The incision is usually made in the buttock crease, where scars are not noticeable. However this area does carry a high infection risk. The doctor then creates a pocket large enough to insert the butt implants. The implants can be placed either under the gluteus maximus muscle, or on top of the muscle. Sometimes, the doctor performs liposuction in order to further enhance the shape of the buttocks. After performing the same procedure on the other buttock, the doctor makes sure the buttocks are symmetrical and look natural. Then he/she stitches up the incisions. Most likely, the anesthesia you receive will be general, although some doctors use a local anesthetic along with a sedative.

Risks: Bleeding, infection, nerve and muscle damage. Butt implants can shift and make one buttock different than the other. Other risks include adverse reaction to anesthesia, and the need for a second, or sometimes third, procedure. Risks of infection are higher when incisions are made near the rectal area.

Side Effects: Patients must avoid sitting on the buttocks while healing from surgery. With so much stress regularly placed on this area, patients may experience great pain during the recovery period.

Recovery time: Since this is an area of the body that is required for walking, sitting, and so many 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 5-7 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 surgery. It may take up to six or eight months until the results feel as if they're part of the body and the patient forgets about them even being there.