Liposuction and Plastic Surgery Information

Buttock Augmentation

Thursday, 17 November 2005

What Is Buttock Augmentation?
These procedures are for the individual who is unable to develop proportionate Gluteal muscles, lacks buttock fat, or simply desires more augmentation in the buttock area. The buttocks are augmented with the use of implants specifically designed for such a use or with your own fat, if applicable. Weightlifters sometimes request Buttock implants to augment underdeveloped Gluteal muscles to give a more balanced look as they have less actual body fat percentage to liposuction and re-inject. Sometimes these individuals request Calf implants as well to complete the package, if need be. But you don't have to be a weightlifter to desire a well balanced physique; buttock implants and buttock augmentation with fat grafting are for anyone who would like more curves where they have none.

With Buttock Implants
The implants are either made from solid silicone, a firm yet pliable material or a more softer form of cohesive silicone encased in a silicone bag. With cohesive silicone, there is a more natural feel and if there is a rupture these cohesive silicone is reported not to leak. The solid silicone implant is made of the same material as used in some chin implants, male pectoral implants and calf implants. This implant was once "clear" but is now mostly manufactured brilliant white. However the demonstration models are bright blue for easier contour viewing.

This implant is more resistant to wear and tear than a gel or saline filled mammary type of implant. You are measured at your pre-operative visit for the size and shape beneficial to your individual needs. It is quite possible that your surgeon may elect to customize implants for your specific needs. This will be discussed at your consult.

With Fat Grafting
You must have a plentitude of existing body fat, say in the flanks, back, thighs, abdomen, arm, etc. to harvest for use in augmentation. When fat is transplanted into areas that are not predetermined fat areas, like the lips, the chance of fat survival is nominal after the first implantation if no vascularity is introduced to the inner most areas of fat. This results in fat necrosis (fat cell death) which your body will safely absorb and your augmentation results, lessened. With this procedure, reportedly there is nominal fat necrosis/absorption.

Preparing For Your Surgery
You will be given a pre-operative information packet that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. The packet should include all the medications you should not take for up to 2 weeks before your surgery. These medications will include, but are not limited to, aspirin containing products. Would you like to view a typical Medication & Supplements List? Also, your surgeon may or may not advise you of the benefits of Arnica montana for swelling and bruising.

It is quite possible that you will have preliminary blood work performed. This is normally an extra out-of-pocket expense that the patient must participate in to check your white and red blood cell count (CBC, complete blood count)and check for disease or disorders beforehand.

How These Procedures Are Performed

In the Buttock Implant procedure... the implant is placed between the fascia (the thick, white connective tissue, covering the actual muscle) and the muscle itself. The implants are placed above the sitting area so you never actually sit on them. To get a better idea as to where Buttock implants would be placed, sit down, with good posture and feel where your jean back pockets are (or would be)... that is where the implants would sit.

... the implant is placed between the fascia (the thick, white connective tissue, covering the actual muscle) and the muscle itself. The implants are placed above the sitting area so you never actually sit on them. To get a better idea as to where Buttock implants would be placed, sit down, with good posture and feel where your jean back pockets are (or would be)... that is where the implants would sit.

The incisions are made where the cheek meets the back of the thigh. Within a year, after full maturation of the scar, you will be unable to tell that you had a surgery.

Another incision is also being made within the "crack." This scar placement is ideal but the infection rate may be higher. As with any procedure there is always a plus and minus of the various techniques or placements of incisions.

In the Micro Fat Grafting Technique... the fat is gently removed using low-vacuum liposuction with a special cannula that is very thin and least-damaging. The fat particles are then purified, then inserted into the layers of the buttocks through a single 1/8" incision. The tiny droplets of fat are carefully implanted near tiny vessels so that improved vascularity and adequate blood supply is given to the newly placed fat cells to increase chances for survival.

The Road To Recovery

Implants: You will need to sleep on your stomach for 2 weeks or more with this procedure. Expect to be down for about 2 weeks. There will be swelling and bruising which can be remedied with your prescribed pain medication and ice packs. The sutures are taken out in about 10 days and you MUST be very careful not to move around too quickly. Take it easy.

Sub Gluteal (Buttock) Implants Pre-operative Instructions

Your Buttock implants will more than likely be done under wither General or Light Sleep Sedation and probably discharged about 1 1/2 hours after surgery.

Discontinue alcohol, recreational drugs, and smoking several weeks prior to surgery. If your lungs are congested or have wheezing, the surgery cannot be done as the risk of pneumonia and poor healing is too great. If surgery must be canceled at the last minute due to any of the above, you may be charged.
Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, large doses of Vitamin E, or algae-containing food supplements for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. They may act as a blood thinner and promote excessive bruising. You may use Tylenol or similar medications.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening prior to your surgery.
Do not bring rings, watches, or other jewelry or large sums of money to the the surgery center or hospital; leave these items at safely at home.
If you bruise easily, notify the office immediately and certain medications will be prescribed for you prior to surgery to help prevent bruising.
Take Vitamin C capsules or tablets for approximately 3-4 weeks prior to surgery. This is necessary to promote good healing. You may continue this vitamin after surgery.
Laboratory tests or blood work may be required several days prior. This checks your CBC for any present bodily infections, immune system deficiencies and general health.
Prescriptions will be given to you at your preoperative visit for antibiotics and pain medications. Have these filled immediately and begin taking them after you arrive at home if instructed. Refills will generally not be necessary.
Prior to surgery, should you develop any fever, chills or other signs of a cold or other infection, call the office immediately.
Wear loose fitting clothing to the surgery center or hospital. The shirt should button or zip down the front.
You will need 2 compression garments. The office should provide with them or provide you with information on obtaining them. Be sure to bring them to you surgery.

Typical Sub Gluteal (Buttock) Implants Post-operative Instructions

Discharge: You will be discharged approximately 1 1/2 hours after surgery. Go home to bed for 24 hours, get up only to go to the bathroom. It is advisable to have a responsible adult drive you home after your surgery. Your State's laws may not allow patients to leave a surgery center or hospital following surgery in a public conveyance if alone. They may leave this way if a responsible adult is with the patient and the driver is willing.

Prescriptions: On your preoperative visit you should be given several prescriptions to have filled. Begin taking the medicine as soon as you return home or as your surgeon instructs. The medicine will last about 4-7 days and will generally not be refilled.
Bandages: You will have a compression garment on after surgery. Make sure the garment is flat against your skin, without any wrinkles r folds. Do not remove it until the 5th day when you shower. You can change it before coming to the office. You will continue to use the compression garment for 6-12 weeks.

Office Visits: Your first post-operative office visit will be 2-3 days after your surgery. Your next visits are usually scheduled at weekly intervals for 2-3 weeks, then at the 6th week, 3rd month, 6th month, 1 year, and annually thereafter.

Warm soaks: After the bandages have been removed and after your first office visit, you must soak in the tub using very warm water twice a day for 20 minutes each time with the water covering the entire calf area. Continue soaks until all swelling and bruising is gone. DO NOT USE A HEATING PAD OR HOT WATER BOTTLE - SEVERE BURNS COULD OCCUR.

Showering: You may sponge bathe 24 hours after the surgery. DO NOT get the bandages wet.

Activity Level:
First Day: Bed rest for 24 hours.
First Week: Do not drive a car; no physical activity.
Second Week: Gradually resume routine activities. You should be back to normal by the end of the second week except for exercise.
For Six Weeks: Do not engage in any exercise using the lower body. Do not play golf, tennis, swim laps in a pool, ride horseback or motorcycles, or participate in other strenuous activities involving the lower body for 6 weeks.
Sun Exposure: Do not expose the buttock or scars to the sun (or tanning bed) for at least 2-3 weeks after the surgery as severe burns can occur from minimal exposure. Scars must be covered when exposed to sun or tanning bed (so as not to hyper-pigment) until all redness is gone, about 3-6 months. You may use tanning creams.
credit: List compiled with the help of John A. Rusca, M.D. of Atlanta, GA

With Micro Fat Grafting: is not as difficult as augmentation with implants or major liposuction. You will have to stay near the clinic for 3 to 4 days in case of complications and for a first week follow-up. You are able to return to work within 5 to 7 days, normally. You may return to normal activities within in 2 weeks, although to be safe, three.

Risks & Complications
Implants: There is is the possibility of infection and a higher shifting rate. Especially in those patients who do not allow themselves proper recovery time. Also reported: hematoma, seroma, misplacement, rotation, asymmetry and the implant falling to a lower region, ending up with a saggy rear end. This is normally due to doing too much, too soon and not letting the implant settle correctly. You MUST let your body heal or you will be sorry, period.

With Micro Fat Grafting: the risks are nominal. With the exception of possible infections at the incision and harvest sites as well as possible anesthesia reactions.

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