Buttocks
[Gluteoplasty]
Butt augmentation, (also known as Gluteal Lifts, Gluteoplasty and Gluteal Shaping) involves harvesting fat from more fleshy areas of the body and replanting it on the buttocks, a technique known as “fat grafting.” Some practitioners harvest fat from the sides of the buttocks to make the patient’s rear end narrower while making the peak of the butt more pronounced. Of course, the outcome of the procedure depends on the patient’s wishes, the surgeon’s experience and the patient’s anatomy which will be either round, square V or A-shaped.
Who would be an ideal Candidate for Buttock Augmentation?
The ideal candidate for butt augmentation is in good health, within normal weight ranges and wears an eight to 12 dress size. But if a potential patient wears a size two to four dress, she may not have enough fat to spare. That’s one case in which the surgeon may ask her to go home and gain some weight before again being evaluated.
What are the Benefits to this Procedure?
Benefits include a trimmer, often athletic-looking rear end which enhances the most current fashions in slacks, dresses, workout garb, bathing suits (including thongs!) and other revealing garments. As with other surgical rejuvenations, you will most likely enjoy an increase in self-esteem and confidence after everything heals.
How is Butt Augmentation Performed?
Surgeons start by taking fat from the body via liposuction. But before they use an extraction wand (the cannula,) they inject large amounts of anesthetic agents and intravenous fluids into the fatty area. That makes collection easier and prevents some swelling. Often, while the patient is on the table, the surgeon will also perform liposuction on the upper and outer sides of the buttocks, the love handles and the outer thighs. Reducing those areas also help add to the appearance of a younger, curvy and more highly lifted derriere.
Where the procedure is performed depends on the patient’s overall health and weight. The operation can be performed on an outpatient basis in a surgeon’s surgical suite, in an ambulatory surgical center or in a hospital. Generally, heavy patients with a Body Mass Index over 31 have the procedure done in a hospital. Both excess weight and smoking cause problems for patients undergoing general anesthesia. Smokers are asked to stop four weeks before the operation.
When the fat cells have been separated from blood and other fluids, the surgeon, using a large syringe, injects the prepared fat cells into the peak of the buttocks by laying down “pearls” or strings of fat between layers of muscle. Some surgeons say fat grafting gives them more flexibility in the size and placement and that the patient suffers less pain, recovers faster and risks fewer complications.
What Should I Expect after Undergoing Surgery?
After the procedure, the patient’s buttocks may look boxy because of the swelling. But the swelling, along with some bruising, should only last about 48 hours. The typical period of down time after the operation is ten days to two weeks. Also, the typical patient must sleep on her stomach for about ten days while wearing a compression garment. Moreover, she can’t drive a car for those ten days and may return to her gym after one month.
