BUTTOCK AUGMENTATION

Dr Chia Hui Ling
Buttock enhancement, also referred to as gluteal augmentation, aims to improve the symmetry, size, shape, projection and contour of the buttocks. This is with the use of implants, fat grafting or a combination of the two. Implants are silicone based, placed within the buttock tissue whereas fat grafting involves the use of fat from another region of the body into the tissue of the buttocks. Fat grafting of the gluteal region is sometimes referred to as a Brazilian butt lift (BBL).

In addition to buttock augmentation procedures, a buttock lift can also be done. Buttock lifts, also referred to as gluteal lift, aims to improve the shape and tone of the buttock tissue. It is commonly done when there is sagging and irregularity of the buttock skin/tissue. Poor elasticity of the buttock tissue leading to sagging is multifactorial, ranging from aging, sun damage, pregnancy to weight fluctuations and genetics factors.

TREATMENT

  • Preparing for Surgery

    Do inform your plastic surgeon of previous surgeries, any medical conditions and medications. Avoid blood-thinning medications, anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplementations as they can increase the risk fo excessive bleeding during surgery, unless indicated by your doctor.

  • Surgery

    1. Buttock implant 


    This procedure can be done under sedation or general anesthesia. An incision can be placed at your lower buttock crease, hidden between your buttock cheeks etc. A silicone implant specially made for the buttocks is inserted in the muscle or on top on the muscle. Results can be seen immediately and are permanent. 


    2. Fat grafting/Brazilian butt lift


    This procedure can be done under sedation or general anesthesia. Liposuction is perfomed to harvest the fat graft which are subsequently injected into your buttocks with small injections. Results are immediately visible however final results may only be seen after a year of the surgery. This procedure offers results that look and feel natural but the buttock projection may decrease overtime as some of the orginal volume of fat is absorbed by the body (60-80% of transferred fat is retained in most individuals). Transferred fat retains the nature of  other fat in the body and can grow or shrink in weight gain/loss.


    3. Buttock lift


    This procedure can be done under sedation or general anesthesia. A common technique uses an incision placed just below the waist line and is commonly combined with an abdominoplasty incision in a body contouring procedure. Liposuction may be used for contouring as well. Incisions may also be placed below the buttocks and in the buttock and upper thigh crease. Excess skin and tissues are removed to provide a more defined crease and smoothens the skin of the back of the upper leg. Reults are visible almost immediately however time is required for swelling and normal post-operative inflammation to resolve.

  • Post-Surgery Care

    In the immediate post-operative period, patients may experience some bruising and mild pain, which are expected and can be managed very well with medication. Small thin tubings may be placed uner the skin to drain excess blood or fluid. You may go home after a few hours post surgery. You will be instructed to wear a support garment at all times after surgery. If you underwent fat grafting you may be asked to avoid prolonged sitting for about 2 weeks as sitting may damage the fat from fat grafting. 


    Further down the road, patients are followed up for healing and scar management. 

COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Risks of buttock agumentation include:
  • Anaesthetic risks
  • Poor wound healing
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Major wound separation (dehiscence)
  • Asymmetry
  • Contour irregularity
  • Skin pigmentation
  • Skin loss
  • Poor scarring
  • Skin numbness
  • Revision surgery to address complications