In today’s culture, full bodied figures are the in thing, as popularized by such women like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, both of whom are proud owners of round and imposing buttocks.
But not everyone is gifted with such plump rear ends, which is why plastic surgery has now developed an operation designed to give those with flat buttocks the enhancement they need; silicone buttock implants.
What are Buttock Implants?
Like its more popular cousin, the breast implant, buttock implants involve the use of artificial implants made of silicone that are inserted into the buttocks to augment its size, making it rounder, larger, and more pronounced.
Buttock implants are commonly stronger in composition that breast implants because the buttocks are usually under more physical pressure than the breasts, with activities such as sitting, walking, and even just standing exerting pressure on that muscle group.
Suitable Candidates for Buttock Augmentation Surgery
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for buttock implant surgery. The ideal candidate is someone in good physical health with realistic expectations about the results.
People who have naturally flat or underdeveloped buttocks, or those who have lost volume due to aging or weight loss, often seek this procedure to restore or enhance the shape of their posterior.
It’s also important that candidates are non-smokers, as smoking can interfere with healing. During a consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will evaluate skin elasticity, body type, and medical history to determine if buttock augmentation is the right choice.
Implant Composition and Placement Techniques
The implants are inserted on top of the muscles that are located just above the sitting area and below the surrounding fascia. This is done to secure the implants properly and to prevent them from being dislodged.
There are some techniques though, that place the implants under the muscles, instead of over them. These have the effect of “hiding” the implants, so the touch of the buttocks feel more natural.
Buttocks implants surgery can take around two to four hours to finish, depending on the skill of the doctor, the techniques applied, and the patient’s body and requirements.
Most of the time patients are not even required to stay in the hospital. Clinics are a good enough venue for the performance of the surgery, and patients can be sent home within hours of finishing the procedure.
Pain and Post-Operative Discomfort
Buttocks implant surgery can be painful, as it stretches the tissues, and depending on the size of the implants applied, the tissues can be stretched to their very limits. The pain can also vary with the varieties of implants that are placed underneath the muscles.
However, while the pain will be at its peak during the first two days or so, it will begin to subside, usually on the third day, especially if the patient is diligent in taking the medications prescribed by the surgeon. These will usually be composed of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory, and pain medications in order to help alleviate the pain, and the feeling of being sore and stiff.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Results
Recovery from buttock implant surgery can take several weeks. Most patients are advised not to sit directly on their buttocks for at least two weeks post-surgery and to sleep on their stomach or sides.
Special cushions may be recommended to help distribute pressure evenly while sitting. Swelling and bruising are normal and can last for several weeks, but results become more noticeable as inflammation subsides.
Full results are typically visible after three to six months. When properly maintained, buttock implants can last for many years, providing a lasting boost in confidence and silhouette.
Buttock Implants vs. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
Many patients compare buttock implants to the increasingly popular Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). While implants involve placing silicone into the buttocks, BBL enhances the area using the patient’s own fat, harvested via liposuction from other parts of the body.
Buttock implants are ideal for individuals who don’t have enough fat for grafting or who want a more dramatic increase in volume. Each technique has pros and cons—implants provide a more predictable size and shape, while BBL offers a more natural feel and added body contouring from liposuction.
Aesthetic Benefits and Patient Satisfaction
Through plastic surgery, buttock implants can give the end result of having a more shapely, more imposing rear end. This can enhance a person’s appearance and give them a more feminine, more sensual appearance.
Majority of buttocks implants surgery patients are very satisfied with the results. Some of the advantages are purely ornamental; these include having a figure more suited to wear long dresses, having more well-rounded buttocks for bikinis during summer, and being able to wear apple bottom jeans.