Buttock Contouring, Buttock Implants (Butt Implants, Gluteal Implants)

The "Jennifer Lopez" type butt has become increasingly popular. For some women the butt is a hard area for them to fill out with the shape they are looking for. Genetics and race can play a major role in the shape of a persons butt and no amount of exercise can change it. Fortunately, a visit to your local cosmetic surgeon can help make up for what mother nature left "behind". Buttock contouring and micro-fat injections can be used to give you the "butt of your dreams". Liposuction is often used in conjunction with the buttock contouring procedure to further contour and smoothen the transition from the waist to the buttocks and the buttocks to the thighs.

Buttock contouring can be achieved through a couple of methods. Fat can be transferred to the gluteal region from another part of the body to give the buttocks volume and shape while at the same time decreasing the excess volume from the source location. The dilemma with the fat transfer method is that people who would like to add volume to their buttocks generally are thin and don't have a fat reserve to pull from. Another option is the buttock implant. Unlike the fluid filled bags used in breast augmentation, buttock implants are solid shapes made of soft silicone. Buttock implants are available in a number of shapes and sizes, however the right shape for each individual is based on their desire and on their current build and stature.

Fat Transfer Procedure Overview:
On the first visit, fat is harvested from the source location, typically the abdomen. This is done using liposuction. A portion of the fat is then injected into the desired location, in this case the buttocks. A reserve of fat is then kept for subsequent visits. Because a percentage of the fat injected is absorbed by the body, additional injections are required from the stored fat, usually at least six weeks apart. The subsequent injections are done at no additional charge and usually take only a few minutes.

Buttock Implant Procedure Overview:
The procedure is approximately two hours in length and is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. A 2-3 inch incision is made in between the buttocks along the midline or "crack". Through this incision the surgeon lifts the buttock muscle, or gluteus maximus, to make a pocket just large enough for the implant. The implant is then inserted into the pocket. Another implant is placed, using this same method, in the other "cheek". Before the incision is sealed, the surgeon examines the patient to ensure that the new implants appear natural and symmetrical and adjustments are made if needed. The incision is then stitched using dissolvable stitches and the area is wrapped in compression bandages for protection and to reduce discomfort and swelling. The patient is ready to leave the surgical center within an hour of completion of the procedure.

	Fat Transfer to the Buttocks Recovery :
	In order for the fat to keep it's positioning and to "take," it is recommended that the patient remain off of the buttocks for 5 days. There is very mild discomfort at first and some temporary swelling can occur in excess of the desired swelling. The fat injection itself is a low risk procedure. The liposuction risks are the same as with any liposuction procedure and can be found by clicking here. Surgical risks may include: infection, hematoma.

	Buttock Implant Recovery :
	Since this is an area of the body that is required for so many movements, patients may experience greater pain during the recovery period than other common cosmetic surgery procedures and the recovery time is usually longer. Pain medications typically are prescribed to help with the discomfort, but after approximately 5-7 days the patient is able to be up and about; moving, walking, and sitting more comfortably. After the procedure the patient will be uncomfortable for the next several days and should have someone to stay with them at least for the first night or two. After two to three days the bandaging may be removed and some normal activity including showering may resume. Once the bandaging is removed, the patient will immediately see the results of the surgery. After several months, once the muscle has stretched, the implants will appear much more natural. Four weeks following surgery, the patient may resume full activity including running, bicycling, swimming, etc. The implants may take as long as six or eight months before the implants go unnoticed by the patient and feel as though they are part of the patient's body. Surgical risks may include: infection, bleeding, nerve and/or muscle damage, slippage and asymmetry.

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