Procedure Description: Gluteal augmentation surgery is usually successful at making the butt larger and shapelier. An incision may be made where the cheek meets the back of the thigh or down the buttock crease. The incision is usually made in the buttock crease, where scars are not noticeable; however, this area does carry a high infection risk.
The doctor then creates a pocket large enough to insert the gluteal implants. The implants can be placed either under the gluteus maximus muscle or on top of the muscle.
Sometimes, the doctor performs liposuction in order to further enhance the shape of the buttocks.
After performing the same procedure on the other buttock, the doctor makes sure the buttocks are symmetrical and look natural. Then he/she stitches the incisions.
Length of Procedure: Buttock implant surgery usually takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. The length of the procedure varies according to the technique used, the placement of the implants, the patient’s anatomy and type of anesthesia used.
Recovery: When you wake up from the procedure, you will feel tired, sore and stiff. It is important to take the medication prescribed to you by your doctor. Someone will need to drive you home, and you may need assistance at home during the next couple of days. Expect to be in bed for the 24 hours following surgery. Your will have a compression garment on after surgery to provide support, which should not be removed for the next few days following surgery. Most likely, you will be able to resume calm, quiet work within a few days to weeks following the surgery. You should still avoid physical exertion for several weeks, depending on the advice of your doctor. The stitches will come out within a week to ten days, but swelling may continue, gradually subsiding over several weeks. As the swelling subsides, the results will become more apparent. You will probably be able to resume exercise and normal physical activities within a month or two, when the soreness has subsided.
Risks: The most common complications associated with this procedure include infection, bleeding, and scarring. Other, less common complications; hematoma (collection of blood), seroma (fluid buildup) Other potential risks include malpositioning or shifting of the implants resulting in the buttocks appearing asymmetrical. However the implants are placed above the sitting area in order to keep patients from sitting on them and thus reducing the risk of implants shifting.
Another complication, although rare, is that the implants may rupture, or break. All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. The risks of undergoing buttock augmentation can include (but are not limited to) infection, unsatisfactory results, excessive bleeding and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Results: In spite of the initial discomfort, most women report that they are very satisfied with the results of the surgery. There is occasionally a need for second or, sometimes, third procedures.
Estimated Cost: According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the average cost for buttock implant surgery is $4,000- $6,000 including hospital and anesthesia fees.
