Buttock Implants

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Introduction

Buttock augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure for males and females that uses implants to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks.  Buttock implants can improve the appearance of small buttocks or underdeveloped muscles that are difficult to attain in the gym.  Implants create rounder, firmer, and more projecting buttocks.  Buttock augmentation can be combined with liposuction of the waist and thighs to create even more dramatic and desired results.

In the United States, only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved solid silicone implants can be used for buttock augmentation.  The implants come in various sizes and thicknesses.  You can choose from round or oval shapes. Your doctor will help you select the most appropriate implant to meet your expectations. 

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Treatment

Buttock augmentation is an outpatient surgery procedure that takes place in a doctor’s surgical center, a hospital, or outpatient surgery center.  General anesthesia will be used for the procedure.  Buttock augmentation usually takes about two hours.  The procedure time may be longer if you are also receiving liposuction.

Your surgeon will make a two to three inch incision on the skin crease between the buttocks.  Through the incision, a pocket is made on each buttock to insert the implants.  A submuscular procedure places the implant beneath the gluteus maximus muscle.  This technique is used to enhance the upper part of the buttocks.  An alternative approach is a subfascial procedure that places the implant between the buttock muscle and the tissue that covers the muscle.

After the implants are surgically inserted, the incision is closed with stitches.  Because of the location of the incision, a scar should not be easily visible, but there is an increased risk of infection.  Your buttocks will be firmly taped to immobilize the implants in their desired position while the surrounding tissues heal.  Temporary drainage tubes will prevent excess fluid from collecting around the implants. 

Following surgery you will receive antibiotics and pain medications.  It is important to keep the incision area very clean.  You will need to sleep on your belly until your stitches are removed. Walking may be encouraged to increase circulation and reduce muscle spasms. 

You will have follow-up appointments to remove your stitches, tape, and drainage tubes.  Your doctor will provide you with guidelines regarding how long you can sit or stand and when you may resume your regular activities.  Some people may return to work in as early as a week.  Others may take longer.  People typically need to wait at least 30 days before participating in hard work or physical exercise.
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Complications

Infection is a possible complication of any surgery, but somewhat more common with this operation due to the location of the incisions between the buttocks.  Implant shift can occur uncommonly, but can be corrected.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.