Your rear end doesn’t have to get left behind in your beautification process. A better figure can sometimes be achieved through enhancement of what lies behind- your buttocks.
The lifting of this part of the body is no longer limited to the bulking up of foam in your undergarments to make it look fuller. It can now be done through plastic surgery.
There are two types of surgical procedures that can make this happen: the first type is through the insertion of artificial buttock implants and second is the micro grafting of fats harvested from your own body.
Artificial Implants
Solid or semisolid implants that are teardrop, oval or egg shaped are inserted under the upper muscles of the buttocks. The materials are usually made of silicone that prevents leaking and gives the feel and consistency of the real buttocks.
An incision of about two or three inches is made in the crease between the butt cheeks, where the implants can be slipped in between the muscle gluteus maximus and the fascia or connective tissues surrounding the muscle. They are implanted into the upper portion so that you do not sit on them.
The shape and size of the implants to be inserted will be determined by your cosmetic surgeon to properly match your body type. The implants are permanent, thus they need not be replaced later on. This method is a popular butt enhancer; however it has more associated complications than that of fat grafting.
Fat Grafting
The Brazilian butt lift is the other term for the butt enhancing procedure making use of your own fats from different areas of the body. Liposuction is typically done to shape the butt and harvest the unwanted fats from other parts of your body such as those from the abdomen, thighs, flanks and lower back.
The combination of liposuction and injection yields a more natural looking body profile. The collected fats will then be processed and injected in very thin layers to the muscles and subcutaneous tissues of your buttocks.
Due to the natural resorption of the introduced fats by about 30%, the volume will diminish over time, necessitating repeat procedures after a few months.
Suitable Candidates for a Butt Lift
Persons unhappy with how their behind looks like could go through the butt lift surgery if they are 18 years old or older, have good general health condition, is psychologically fit and have realistic expectations regarding the outcome.
Preparations
Both the application of implants and fat grafting require general anaesthesia, done on an outpatient basis. It is important for your cosmetic surgeon to gather information about your, medical history, maintenance medications and other relevant information to ensure your safety.
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to refrain from smoking for a while because it could interfere with your natural healing process. Pre-operative laboratory tests will be done around 10 days prior to your butt lift to rule out bleeding disorders and check for your general health status.
After the Surgery
You are not advised to drive yourself home because of the general anaesthesia that may leave you groggy for several hours. Enlist the help of a relative or a friend to assist you after the operation. Having buttock implants will also not allow you to sit for long periods of time for at least 2 weeks.
You will have to sleep on your stomach for the first 2 week and make sure you put cushion on your butt when sitting. The healing period of a butt lift plastic surgery is more challenging than having a breast implant because your gluteal muscles are important for sitting, standing and walking. These simple activities will be difficult to execute post-surgery but pain medications should lessen the discomfort.
Possible Risks and Complications
The risks are usually minor. Note that the application of artificial implants carry more risks than surgery through fat grafting.
During liposuction for harvesting of fats, there could be an altered sensation within the area, manifesting through either pain or numbness. Massaging it could help improve the circulation and bring back the normal sensation in a few months. In rare cases, this could be permanent.
There may be swelling and bruising of the butt lift site, which could extend towards the dependent areas like the back of your thighs and the genitalia. These, should however resolve in less than 2 months. Post-operative pain can be managed through the intake of analgesics that your doctor will prescribe.
The areas injected with fat could show some dimpling or contour irregularities due to the uneven absorption of the fat. Scarring can also occur, hardening the tissues. Asymmetry may likewise be accentuated in the presence of spine deformities.
In rare instances, severe complications may arise. These include infections, embolism, protrusion of implants due to excessive pressure, injury to the sciatic nerve, and reactions to anaesthesia. To learn more about the safety of butt augmentation, talk to your plastic surgeon regarding your concerns.
Cost of Buttock Surgery
In general, a butt lift may range from $4,000 to $10,000. Micro fat grafting typically costs more than the insertion of artificial implants. For a more accurate approximation of the costs, you may ask for a quote from your cosmetic surgeon.