What is buttock augmentation?

Buttock augmentation, sometimes referred to as a “Brazilian butt lift” when fat transfer is involved, uses butt implants, fat grafting or sometimes a combination of both to increase the size of your behind.

What buttock augmentation surgery can do

• Increase fullness, roundness and projection of your butt or buttocks
• Improve the balance of your figure
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

Buttock augmentation surgery is right for someone who does not like the shape of their butt or is looking to balance their body. It is commonly performed in one of two ways, with butt implants or fat transfer. The fat transfer procedure is commonly known as a Brazilian butt lift.

Buttock augmentation candidates

Buttock augmentation is a very personal procedure and you should do it for yourself, not for someone else.

You may be a good candidate for buttock augmentation if:

• You are physically healthy
• You have realistic expectations
• You are bothered by the feeling that your butt is too small
• You are unhappy with the roundness or general shape of your butt
• Your butt is asymmetrical

Buttock augmentation recovery

After buttock augmentation surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area to be closely monitored.

You may be permitted to go home after a few hours. Before leaving, you will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your buttocks and any areas that may have been liposuctioned following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

You will be instructed to wear a support garment “around the clock” following your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you how long you need to wear the garment and if there are any other garments that you may have to wear during your recovery.

Each buttock augmentation procedure has specific steps that you need to take to ensure a healthy recovery and good results:

Buttock augmentation with implants

You will need to wear a support garment for approximately two to three weeks after your procedure. This will help the skin redrape properly and provide support to the augmented buttocks. Final results are noticeable three months after surgery. At this point, most of the swelling will be gone and the implants will be settled in their normal position.

Buttock augmentation with fat grafting

You will be asked to avoid prolonged sitting for about two weeks (some surgeons prefer longer). This is very important because prolonged sitting will damage the fat.

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 onto the fat grafts.

You will also be provided with a support garment that will apply even compression to the areas that were treated with liposuction. In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid.

You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, 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 your plastic surgeon.

Your surgeon may encourage you to seek a lymphatic massage from a licensed massage therapist. You can generally resume exercise after six to eight weeks.

With either procedure, it is important to be informed about the steps you can take to aid your recovery.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
• How long will I wear the compression garment?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It’s important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Buttock augmentation risks and safety

The decision to have buttock augmentation surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any buttock augmentation risks and potential complications.

Buttock augmentation with implants risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Opening of the incisions with implant exposed requiring removal
• Scarring
• Nerve damage
• Firmness
• Implant rupture
• Implant migration
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Pressure on your sciatic nerve
• Anesthesia risks

Buttock augmentation by fat transfer risks include:

• Excessive loss of blood
• Blood clots
• Bruising
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Numbness and pain
• Fat embolism, injection of fat into the bloodstream that causes inflammation in the lungs
• Infection
• Fluid shifts and lidocaine toxicity
• Complications of liposuction
• Complications of anesthesia
• Swelling and bruising
• Asymmetry
• Possible need for a revision surgery at a later date
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Anesthesia risks
• Oil cyst
• Hematoma
• Stretch marks
• Cellulite

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.