Brazilian Butt Augmentation

Butt Augmentation with Fat Transplant -or- Gluteal Implants

If you feel that you have a "flat butt" that does not match the rest of your body, or you just want to improve the curves you already have, butt augmentation may be a good choice for you. Buttock augmentation may be achieved with either buttock implants, an autologous fat graft, or a combination.

There are individual factors that will determine the right procedure to achieve your desired results. Fat grafting may be performed in patients who need a small to moderate enhancement. This procedure is an option if you have enough fat to be liposuctioned for injection into the buttock area. Enhancement with this method is limited to patients desiring small to moderate enhancement because many patients don't have a lot of fat to give, larger amounts of fat injection increases risk of lumpiness, and some of the fat placed during the procedure may be reabsorbed. Although we expect approximately 60% of the fat will remain, individual differences do occur.

If you desire more of an enhancement and don't have any significant amount of fat for grafting, you may be better served with a buttock augmentation using soft, solid silicone gel implants. In some cases, a combination may be used to achieve a natural look with maximum enhancement.

Buttock Implants

Buttock implants are normally placed under the muscle using an incision in the intergluteal crease or "butt crack." This incision is approximately 3 inches long and is well hidden within the crease and beneath most thong panties. Normally, there is minimal bruising or swelling after the procedure, so results may be noticeable very soon.

The Surgery

Butt augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 2 hours for buttock implant only or up to 3-4 hours if combined with liposuction and autologous fat grafting. After general anesthesia is obtained, an incision is made, the gluteus maximus (buttock muscle) is lifted, and the surgeon opens a pocket, just large enough to house the implant.

This pocket is normally made just above the "sitting area" to reduce the risk of the implants shifting. After the implants are placed in the pockets, the surgeon carefully examines both sides to ensure symmetry and optimal aesthetic placement. The incision is then closed using internal, absorbable sutures and then steri-strips are placed to protect the incision while it heals (approximately two weeks). A compression garment is then placed to minimize swelling and discomfort, and you will be transferred to the recovery room where you will stay for about an hour, until you are comfortable and stable enough to go home.

The Recovery

You will be required to stay off your buttocks for two weeks after surgery. You will need to rest most of the time, laying on your stomach. For the first several days after surgery, your gluteal muscles feel sore and tight. Medication will be prescribed for you to make you as comfortable as possible during the recovery period.

During the first week or so, you will need help to get in and out of bed, prepare meals, etc. The strict adherence to instructions after surgery may help reduce the risk of serious complications including infection, seroma (fluid collection), and displacement of the implant. Light activities may be resumed 2 weeks after surgery and most activities can be resumed about 4 weeks after surgery. Full activities including weight lifting, bicycling, and running can usually be resumed about eight weeks following surgery.

The Result

The results can be seen immediately but the buttocks get softer and look more natural over the next few months as muscle continues to stretch. Patients often report that their clothing fits better, they feel better about their appearances, and they feel more confident. Patients should realize that butt augmentation is intended for cosmetic improvement, not perfection. Butt implants carry no risk of fat reabsorption, which may occur after fat injection. However, butt implants may feel firmer as compared to natural buttocks or buttocks augmented with fat.