Buttock augmentation
Buttock augmentation, also known as gluteal augmentation, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the contour, shape and size of the buttocks. It can be done with the help of a buttock implant, it can also be done with fat grafting, AKA in English Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), or sometimes – depending on your needs – it can also be a combination of the two, i.e. hybrid buttock augmentation.
Who could benefit from buttock augmentation?
Undergoing surgery is a very personal decision. You need to be sure that YOU want this! Don’t let others persuade you to have this or any other surgery. You may benefit from buttock augmentation if you are not happy with the shape, size, projection or symmetry of your buttocks.
You need to be fresh and have realistic expectations about what can be safely achieved.
Evaluation for buttock augmentation!
The surgeon will know why you want to undergo this procedure, and what your expectations are when it comes to buttock augmentation. During the buttock augmentation consultation, the size, shape and projection of your buttocks will be examined and discussed in addition to a detailed health history. The quality of your skin will also be taken into consideration. Pictures are taken and the options available to you are discussed.
If you want to undergo BBL or hybrid buttock augmentation, the surgeon will identify the body parts that are best suited to recruit fat from. You will need to know which are the body parts where it is hardest for you to get rid of fat. This could be your stomach, sides or thighs. Depending on how much fat is available, some places will be marked for liposuction as appropriate to gain fat from for lipo filling.
In the course of the conversation, different buttock implants and their placement according to your buttock tissue and muscle will be discussed. It is important that you understand all the aspects involved in the planned augmentation, and in case you are unsure, just ask.
How is buttock augmentation done?
It is possible to improve the size, shape and projection of the rump either by implant, fat transfer or a combination of the two, depending on your needs and presentation.
The procedure is performed under anaesthetic. There are different incisions that can be used to insert an implant, the most common being made between the setae. There are also other options, such as incisions placed on top – this is not ideal, as it is visible – or right in the crease under the setae. The incision makes it possible to prepare an implant pocket between the muscle layers. A drainage tube is inserted before the implant is inserted, and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures.
In the case of fat grafting augmentation, i.e. BBL, anaesthesia is recommended except if a very limited procedure is planned. Liposuction is done with special collection cannulas. The fat is processed and grafted according to the marks made in the fat layer of the buttocks. In the case of fat grafting, it may take several months to obtain the final result, since there may be accumulation at the beginning. The accumulation will subside over a few weeks. This does not mean that the procedure was unsuccessful, but it is expected that some fat grafts will be absorbed afterwards, but most (60-70%) should remain in place.
The result of BBL is more natural, looks finer and gives less projection than the insertion of implants. At the same time, there is a limit to how much fat can be grafted TRYGT. This means that the magnification may not be as great as the insertion of an implant, and therefore it is sometimes necessary to repeat the procedure – up to 3 times – to achieve the desired result. The advantage is that complications that can occur with space implants are avoided.
Please note that the graft fat may grow or shrink in size in line with fluctuations in body weight. This means that if you lose weight, the buttocks may become smaller, and vice versa. The above principles apply in the case of hybrid – i.e. implant insertion plus BBL – augmentation.
Please note that implants have a tendency to wear out. Irrespective of the type and manufacturer, it is good to go for an annual check-up, and to evaluate the replacement of implants after 10-12 years.
Recovery following buttock augmentation
You stay overnight at the clinic after the procedure. There will be a drain tube – plastic tube – coming out on each side, which collects extra fluid/blood. Usually these are removed the following day, before you are discharged. The balls of your buttocks will become swollen, and they will stay that way for the first 2-3 weeks, the swelling gradually subsiding. The pain and discomfort usually do not last for more than 5-7 days. The site where the fat was collected also becomes sensitive and swollen for a few weeks. The surgeon will prescribe painkillers and other medicines as deemed necessary.
The special compression garment must be used for 8 weeks. If fat grafting was part of the buttock augmentation, you should avoid sitting for long periods during the first two weeks. You should preferably sleep on your stomach during the period you are told to do so. During the first two weeks you should avoid walking, lifting heavy objects and making sudden movements. The suture threads will be removed after two weeks. Exercise should be avoided for the first 6-8 weeks, depending on recovery. After the operation, you should return to us for follow-up after one week, 2 weeks, 3 months and 12 months, then annually.