CONSULTANT PLASTIC SURGEON
BUTTOCK ENHANCEMENT
What are buttock enhancement surgeries?
Buttock augmentation surgery, also known as gluteal augmentation, is used to improve the contour, size, and/or shape of the buttocks. This is done through the use of buttock implants, fat grafting, or sometimes a combination of the two. In the past ten years, this procedure has become increasingly popular worldwide, with round, firm buttocks often seen as a symbol of femininity and sensuality.
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Buttock implants are silicone-filled devices that are surgically placed deep within the tissues of the buttock. Buttock augmentation through the use of fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from one area of the body into the tissues of the buttocks. This technique is sometimes referred to as a Brazilian Butt Lift. For some people, shapely buttocks are synonymous with the women of Brazil, so to them, the procedure has been named for its goal: the ideal shape as seen in many women of Brazilian or South American heritage.
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The Brazilian Butt lift allows patients to knock out two surgeries at once. First, liposuction will be performed allowing the patient to get rid of unwanted fat; be it around the waist or the flanks (love handles), saddlebags (thighs), or the abdomen. Next, the fat is transferred to an area where it is desirable, namely the buttocks. Using fat instead of synthetic materials is preferable because the fat is more pliable and it gives the plastic surgeon more control over where it will go and how the patient will look following the surgery.
Buttock lift surgery, also known as gluteal lift, improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports skin and fat in the buttock area, increasing the fullness, roundness, and projection of your buttocks, improving the balance of your figure and enhancing your self-image and self-confidence. Ageing, sun damage, pregnancy, significant fluctuations in weight, and genetic factors may contribute to poor tissue elasticity that can result in sagging of the buttocks.
To achieve a smoother and more pleasing contour, excess sagging skin and fat are removed. A traditional gluteal lift will not make the buttocks larger but may improve a dimpled, irregular skin surface. This procedure may be included in a body lift or may be performed separately.
Buttock lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat nor are they intended to add volume to the buttocks. Fat grafting, buttock implants, or auto-augmentation (when some of your tissue is left underneath the skin) can be used to add volume. Liposuction is sometimes added for better contouring.
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​Other procedures that might be performed in conjunction with buttock enhancement surgeries are tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction. Buttock enhancement surgeries are often part of a mommy makeover surgery.​
“Buttock enhancement surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfil someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image, especially those coming from social media. Choosing a procedure based on “what’s new” is never a medically sound decision. Hearing about a procedure on television, through an advertisement or online does not necessarily mean it is the best procedure for you.”
Who is a good candidate for buttock enhancement surgery?
In general, you may be a good candidate for buttock enhancement surgery if your buttocks are too small for your body frame and you want a more balanced look, the shape of your gluteal region (buttocks) is too flat or square and you would like more curves and a more youthful appearance, you have significant skin laxity, excess skin, and ptosis (sagginess) of the buttocks, pregnancy and/or ageing have left you with loose skin and cellulite below the waistline, you recently experienced dramatic weight loss and are close to your ideal weight, clothes and swimwear do not fit properly on your figure, excess fat or skin make you uncomfortable or cause mobility problems, you are physically healthy, nonsmoker or have stopped smoking recently and if you have realistic expectations.
What should I expect during a consultation for buttock enhancement surgery?
During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Dr Ricardo will evaluate you as a candidate for buttock enhancement surgery and clarify what approach is best for you. Alternative and additional treatments may be considered, once he understands your goals and medical condition. It is important to be completely honest during the consultation and be prepared to discuss your surgical goals, medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use, and previous surgeries.
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Dr Ricardo will also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, evaluate the elasticity of your skin, take photographs, discuss the approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures and tell you whether your expectations are in line with typical results, discuss any risks or potential complications and share before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours.
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The success and safety of your buttock enhancement surgery depend very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. It's very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement about your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr Ricardo.
How should I prepare for a buttock enhancement surgery?
In preparing for buttock enhancement surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, take certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking in advance of surgery and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.
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The surgery will be performed in an accredited hospital and requires you to stay overnight for observation unless you and Dr Ricardo have made other plans for your immediate postoperative recovery. You must arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you the first night following the hospital’s discharge.
Dr Ricardo and the entire staff will provide thorough preoperative instructions and answer any questions you may have. The goal is to help you achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking results, as well as to make your surgical experience as easy, comfortable, and safe as possible.
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What are the steps of a buttock enhancement procedure?
Buttock augmentation can be achieved through either the use of implants or through transferring your existing fat, or sometimes a combination of both. The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on buttocks size and shape, the amount of fat you have on your body that is available for use through liposuction, your goals, and activity level, and skin quality and elasticity as well the amount of extra skin. Dr Ricardo may choose between a variety of incision patterns and techniques.
Buttock implant procedure
Step 1 – Anaesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Dr Ricardo will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The incision
An incision will be made. The incision can be made toward the top of both sides of the upper buttocks, toward the bottom in both of the gluteal creases (the areas where your "cheeks" meet the top of the thighs), incisions between both cheeks (hidden in the crease) or with one incision placed down the centre of the sacrum or the crease between the buttocks. The length of the incision and scar is directly related to the affected areas.
Step 3 – Implant placement
A silicone implant specially made for the buttocks is inserted either in the muscle, above or under the gluteal muscle on each side, placed through an incision hidden inside the natural buttock crease. The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and Dr Ricardo’s recommendations.
Step 4 – Closing the incisions
Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the buttocks tissue and with sutures to close the skin.
Step 5 – See the results
The results of buttock augmentation with buttock implant are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfilment of your goal of fuller buttocks. The results of this surgery are permanent.
Fat grafting / Brazilian butt lift procedure
Step 1 – Anaesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Dr Ricardo will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – Liposuction
Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. First, diluted local anaesthesia is administered to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through the incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula. In general, Dr Ricardo may liposuction up to three times the amount of fat than what will actually be injected into the buttocks.
Step 3 – Fat injection
The fat, tissue and blood that were removed through liposuction are then processed. The syringes are then connected to a special cannula. Dr Ricardo will use this cannula to add the fat to the buttocks through small injections all over your behind. The fat is grafted in layers at multiple levels, with the cannula moving back and forth to ensure that a smooth, linear deposit of fatty tissue is left to reshape and augment the buttocks area.
Step 4 – See the results
The results of buttock augmentation with fat transfer are immediately visible. This procedure offers natural-looking and feeling results. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfilment of your goal for fuller buttocks.
Buttock lift procedures
Buttock lift procedures are surgical procedures and they may require extensive incisions. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as surgical judgment. Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits.
Step 1 – Anaesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Dr Ricardo will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – Surgical procedure
One common technique of gluteal lift uses an incision just below the waistline and is commonly combined with an abdominoplasty incision in a body contouring procedure. Liposuction may be used for improved contouring as well. If it is determined by Dr Ricardo that you are a good candidate for auto-augmentation, some of the tissue that is normally removed is strategically left in a place hidden underneath the remaining skin.
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Another technique uses an incision just below the buttocks and is placed in the crease between the buttocks and the upper thigh. The excess skin and tissues are removed resulting in a more defined crease and sometimes smoothes the skin of the back of the upper leg.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Deep sutures within underlying tissues help to form and support the newly shaped contours. Sutures are used to close the skin incisions.
Step 4 – See the results
The results of a gluteal lift are visible almost immediately. However, the tissues will need to settle within the first 3-6 months and the incision lines can take up to two years to mature.
What should I expect during my buttock enhancement recovery?
After your buttock enhancement procedure, dressings/bandages will be applied to the incisions. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
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You will be asked to avoid prolonged sitting for about two weeks. You will also be encouraged to sleep face down or on your side. When you do have to sit, you will have to use a pillow or cushion placed behind the legs (hamstring muscles) to help raise the buttocks, avoiding pressure on the buttocks. This has not been proven to impact surgical results but is often advised as a precaution.
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You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr Ricardo. Remember to always follow his instructions to ensure the success of your surgery.
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The surgical incisions mustn't be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days. Sutures will be removed when it is appropriate. You should be ready to return to work and normal activity after 7-10 days. However, you must realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
What results should I expect after my buttock enhancement surgery?
The results of your buttock augmentation and/or buttock lift surgery are visible almost immediately. However, it will take some time for the final results of the procedure to fully develop. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery.
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The tissues will settle a little within the first 3-6 months and the scarring can take up to a year to fade to its mature level. Results from buttock lifts are very long-lasting. As with most surgery, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and ageing will take a toll on the body and the results of your buttock lift. The results of your buttock augmentation surgery will also be long-lasting. Over time, your butt's size and shape can continue to change due to ageing and gravity.