Buttock augmentation
Mr Omar Tillo - Plastic surgery
Created on: 11-13-2012
Updated on: 05-23-2023
Edited by: Sophie Kennedy
What is buttock augmentation?
Buttock augmentation is a type of aesthetic surgical procedure that has become more popular in recent years. Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their body and one particular area that has been receiving more attention in recent times is the buttocks. Some people feel that this part of their body has lost its aesthetic appeal, due to a loss of volume or the distribution of fat. In these cases, patients may wish to enhance the appearance of the buttocks via surgical procedures collectively called buttock augmentation, gluteal augmentation or gluteoplasty.
Why do people opt for buttock augmentation surgery?
Depressions or cellulitis in the buttocks can affect people's confidence and in some cases, may be visible through clothing. With buttock augmentation, the surgeon reshapes the area, reducing fat, improving contours and appearance, rejuvenating tissues and increasing volume in specific zones.
However, the final result depends on which zone is targeted and the desired outcome, i.e. whether the patient wants to increase the size or projection of their buttocks or to reshape the buttocks. This tends to vary from patient to patient and particularly so between men and women as they may seek more masculine or feminine characteristics thus requiring different techniques.
What does buttock augmentation involve?
There are several ways of augmenting the buttocks. Although all buttock augmentation procedures require surgery, there are also aesthetic non-surgical treatments that can improve the contour or the texture of the skin, including radiofrequency.
The first step to achieving a satisfactory result is for patients to know exactly what they want. Therefore, after assessing the patient’s buttocks, the surgeon will advise them about the various possibilities.
Buttock augmentation surgery generally takes about 90 minutes to perform. There are various ways of performing buttock augmentation surgery: using an implant, using the patient’s own fat and using hyaluronic acid.
- Buttock augmentation with implants: the volume of the buttocks can be increased by placing implants using an intramuscular technique. The surgeon makes a minor 8 cm incision up to the gluteus maximus muscle and then inserts the implant. The scar is hidden between the buttocks. Silicone cohesive gel implants are used for buttock augmentation.
- Buttock augmentation by fat transfer: if the patient does not want to have implants, a completely natural result can be achieved using their own fat, and at the same time remodelling their figure via liposuction. Normally, fat is extracted from the hips, abdomen, back or thighs.
- Buttock augmentation with hyaluronic acid: this technique consists of injections of hyaluronic acid into the buttock area, leading to a moderate increase in size. It is performed under local anaesthesia and the result is temporary.
How should patients prepare for buttock augmentation surgery?
As with any type of surgery, preparation is required. You will undergo a complete assessment, focusing on aspects such as buttock height, width and projection, whether you do exercise and other factors. After this examination, you will able to choose the technique that best fits your needs.
Post-operative care
During recovery, you will have to follow strict guidance to ensure that the scar remains stable, the implant does not move, and no asymmetry occurs. Patients tend to spend the first two days in the clinic to begin the recovery process and are made comfortable in a face-down position. After the first two days, you will be able to get up and be mobile but it's vital not to remain seated longer than absolutely necessary. For at least two weeks, you will have to sleep on your front and avoid any physical activity involving the buttock muscles for at least 5 or 6 weeks.