Many men and women are simply dissatisfied with the size, shape, and contour of their buttocks. Underprojected, flat, or sagging buttocks do not fit their ideal self-image. Body-image is an important part of feeling good, desirable, and confident. For many people, this surgical procedure can make a dramatic impact in the quest for the body beautiful.

Are you a candidate?

Buttock implants (also known as gluteal augmentation, gluteal implants, or gluteoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to add fullness and projection to the underprojected or flat buttock area. This procedure involves inserting a soft, high-grade, solid silicone implant into the muscular space of the buttock area. To the touch, it has the feeling and consistency of a flexed muscle. These implants can be round or oval and come in a variety of sizes. A consultation and physical exam will help you and your surgeon determine the appropriate size and shape to achieved your desired results.

What is the procedure?

The surgical procedure takes approximately one and one-half to two hours to perform. Liposculpture, fat transfer, or both can add an additional one to three hours or longer. The implant must be positioned above the weight-bearing area while in the sitting position.

A 5- to 7-cm incision is made vertically in the midline between the upper aspects of the buttocks. A “pocket” or space is created under each gluteal muscle of the buttocks corresponding to the plan outlined on the skin. The implants are then inserted. Prior to closure, a long-acting anesthetic is poured around the implants, which dramatically reduces postoperative discomfort. The incision is closed with sutures below the level of the skin to avoid cross hatching and suture marks.

At the conclusion of surgery a light dressing and an elastic compression garment is applied over the surgical areas.

Can you undergo gluteoplasty and other procedures simultaneously?

The definition and contour of the buttocks is due, in great part, to the size and shape of the surrounding tissues. Excess and localized fat deposits of the hips, waist, lower back, and upper thighs may obscure the definition and shapely contour of the buttocks. Liposculpture of any combination of the hips, waist, low back and upper thighs is frequently performed in conjunction with buttock implants to further enhance the shape and contour of the buttocks. If excess sagging of the skin or folds of the buttocks is present, a Buttock Lift from above or a local skin excision from the crease below may be desirable.

What will the recovery period be like after surgery?

After surgery, you will experience some swelling and soreness or pain around the surgical area. The uncomfortable part of recovery generally lasts one to two weeks, during which pain may be alleviated with oral medications. Gentle stretching exercises with knee raises should be started immediately after surgery. You will remain on your stomach and sides for the first 48 hours. Compression garments are generally worn for two to three weeks. Routine activities may resume at two weeks and exercise at eight weeks after surgery.

Will incisions be visible?

Buttock augmentation incisions are typically made in the natural fold between the buttocks. The location of incisions vary with each patient’s needs. For many people, scars left from incisions can be easily hidden beneath a swimsuit.

Are the effects permanent?

The length of time your results will last is largely dependent on your lifestyle and health habits. To ensure a permanently enhanced shape, it is essential to make healthy lifestyle choices.

What are the risks of gluteoplasty

Complications are rare but may include reactions to the anesthesia, bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma) which may need to be drained, nerve damage, poor wound healing, and unsatisfactory scars. Other potential complications include asymmetry, displacement, hardening of scar tissue around the implant, and need for revisional surgery or removal of the implants.

At our facility, calf compression devices are used for every buttock (gluteal) implant surgery. Calf compression devices are pressure cuffs that fit over each lower leg from the ankle to the knee and compress every one to two minutes to circulate the blood. This reduces the pooling of blood in the lower extremities and further reduces the possibility of blood clots or emboli. Smokers must stop smoking well in advance of surgery because smoking seriously decreases blood circulation in the skin, which increases the risk of complications and poor healing.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Your surgeon will provide guidelines for you to follow. These guidelines will include instructions on eating, drinking, the use of certain vitamins or medications, and not smoking. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you will still be feeling the effects of anesthesia.

Where is the procedure performed?

Buttock augmentation surgery can be performed in either an office-based surgical center or a hospital, depending on your needs.

Do you have to use an implant?

Gluteal augmentation can be successfully performed with your own fat. This technique is accomplished by Fat Transfer. The results can be extremely natural. Because the procedure uses unwanted fat from your own body, there is no chance of rejection. The only drawback with this technique is that the amount of implanted fat that will remain cannot be predicted. Fortunately, Dr. Abuzeni has developed a proprietary technique to assure approximately 90% retention using platelet rich plasma (PRP). The use of PRP is common in many surgical procedures as it enhances healing and wound regeneration. PRP is prepared from your own blood during the first few minutes of the surgery.

Fat transfer technique is not associated with any of the risks associated with the use of a solid implant. There is minimal scarring and postoperative discomfort. You will need to wear a specially designed garment for about three to four weeks. You will be able to sit the following day and may return to work in about three to five days. After about two to four weeks you will be able to return to the gym.

What will your recovery period be like?

After surgery, you will experience some swelling and soreness or pain around the surgical area. The uncomfortable part of recovery generally lasts seven to ten days. During this period, pain may be alleviated with oral medications. Gentle stretching exercises with knee raises should be started immediately after surgery. You will remain on your stomach and sides for the first 48 hours. Compression garments are generally worn for two to three weeks. Routine activities may resume at two weeks and exercise at eight weeks after surgery.