Reasons for Considering Buttock Augmentation:

• Smaller buttocks than desired.
• Flat buttocks.
• Desire for firmer buttocks.
• Poorly fitting clothing.

 

While previously rarely performed in the United States, buttock augmentation is becoming a popular procedure.  Many men and women suffer daily frustration and humiliation as they attempt to find clothing that does not "droop" or "fall" off of the buttock region.  Many also simply desire a firmer and rounder backside for themselves, their significant other, or their occupational clothing needs.

Buttock augmentation is commonly performed in two different ways.  The first technique is often called the "Brazilian Buttock Lift" and involves transferring fat from one part of the body to the buttocks.  This technique is popular in that patients have the benefit of liposuction in one area with too much fatty tissue.  This form of buttock augmentation is also "natural" since no foreign materials are left in the body.  Unfortunately, the procedure's major drawback is that some of the injected fat will die, which may result in smaller buttocks that desired.  The amount of fat that may die is not always predictable, and thus the results after the first surgery are not always as dramatic as expected.  The good news is that this procedure can be repeated until the desired results are achieved. 

The second technique used in buttock augmentation is placement of buttock implants.  Buttock implants are made of silicone and are firmer than those used in breast augmentation.  They come in various shapes and sizes, which can be chosen by the patient prior to surgery.  This augmentation technique ensures consistent results that are visible immediately after surgery.  The major drawback to this approach is the presence of a foreign body in the gluteal region, though most patients do not even notice the implants after several weeks.

Both buttock augmentation techniques are performed under general anesthesia.  If the "Brazilian lift" technique is used, small incisions are placed on the area to be liposuctioned.  Liposuction is performed to allow "harvesting" of the fat.  The fat is then prepared in a special way and injected into the buttock muscle via small incisions placed in the "crease" area.  After all fat is placed into the buttocks to the desired size (actually more than is desired, secondary to the fact that a significant portion will die), the small incisions are closed and covered with special tape.  The buttock implant procedure begins with determining the placement of the imlants and marking this area on the skin.  Incisions are made within the buttock crease in order to keep them hidden.  After the incisions are made, a pockets are created in the gluteal muscles to accommodate the implants.  The skin markings help to ensure that the pockets are positioned correctly to insure optimal placement.  The implants are then placed into each pocket and the incisions are closed in several layers.  Special tape is applied.

After both techniques, patients are placed into support garmets that help to keep the fat or implants in proper position.  Patients are not able to sit on their buttocks for more than 20 minutes a day for the first 2 weeks. All patients undergoing buttock augmentation must be able to rest on their stomachs during this period to prevent fat death and fluid collections within the pockets.  After 2 weeks, the patients can return to work though are encouraged to minimize sitting.  After 6 weeks, patients can resume all activities.

If you are interested in buttock augmentation, please feel free to call Dr. Dampier's office for a confidential consultation.  When your clothes fit properly and comfortably, you'll be glad you did!