WHAT IS A GLUTEAL AUGMENTATION?
The gluteal augmentation or butt lift (BBL) is the technique that allows us to achieve an increase in the volume of the gluteal region. Currently there is no universal technique, but we have 3 techniques that allow us to choose the best one for each individual patient.
It can be carried out using silicone implants, the patient’s own fat or resorbable synthetic materials. Each one has its own indications, advantages and disadvantages.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE SURGERY?
Patients who want to improve the appearance of their body, and specifically the lumbar and gluteal region. Having more rounded and harmonious buttocks helps many patients enhance their global figure.
WHAT IS VALUED ON THE FIRST VISIT?
The first visit is the main step for the patient who has considered the possibility of undergoing a buttock augmentation.
Some of the characteristics that are evaluated during the consultation are:
– Medical and surgical history.
– Regular medication.
– Amount and location of fat.
– Exploration of not only buttocks, but also hips and thighs.
WHAT SHOULD I TAKE INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE THE INTERVENTION? PREOPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
There are a few considerations to keep in mind:
– Avoid certain medications that may complicate the intervention.
– Quit smoking for a period of time, before and after the intervention, since tobacco has been shown to worsen and hinder wound healing.
– Keep in mind that you will need some help after the intervention.
WHAT SHOULD I TAKE INTO ACCOUNT AFTER THE INTERVENTION? POSTOPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Some recommendations include:
– Avoid tobacco.
– Take the prescribed postoperative medication.
– Relative rest of one week.
– Wear compressive garments during a postoperative period of time.
HOW IS A GLUTEAL AUGMENTATION PERFORMED?
Augmentation using implants:
The augmentation using implants is performed through an incision in the gluteal sulcus. From there, a space is created on each side, where the implants are placed. Its greatest advantage is the permanence of results and resolution in a single intervention.
Fat transfer:
The augmentation using the patient’s own fat that is extracted from other body areas is called fat transfer. The technique consists in a liposuction that allows the fat to be obatined, processed, purified, and subsequently reinjected into the gluteal region, using an individualized design. Once the fat has survived in the area, the results are permanent. The posterior behaviour of the fat is physiological and free of late complications.
Augmentation using resorbable material:
The most frequently used is hyaluronic acid. After marking the areas that we want to increase, we anesthetize the area and proceed to inject the product. The biggest advantage is that the technique is possible with local anaesthesia and without admission in hospital. However, the volume to be injected is limited and the duration is temporary (around 12 months).
WHERE IS THIS INTERVENTION PRACTICED?
It is important to individualize each case, changing the duration between each type of surgery. Buttock augmentation is usually performed under general anaesthesia and requires one or two nights of hospital admission.
WHAT IS THE EVOLUTION AND POST-INTERVENTION CONTROLS?
The total recovery time will depend on the type of intervention. Although each patient has their own particularities, the postoperative course contains phases common to all patients:
During the first week:
You will notice some bruising, and you may feel numbness of the skin.
You will need to sleep on your belly.
During the second week:
Stitches will be removed.
The bruising and inflammation will begin to disappear and the results will begin to be evident.
You can gradually rejoin your work activity if fat has been used.
At 3 postoperative weeks:
You can return to work if you have used gluteal implants.
At 4 postoperative weeks:
You will no longer need to wear the compressive garment any longer.
You will be able to start doing progressive physical exercise.
After several months
Shortly after the intervention you will notice an important difference in the treated areas. Still, the final result is obtained after a period of 3-6 months.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE RESULTS?
After 2 or 3 months, the results with implants are permanent.
If fat has been used, it must be taken into account that the initial volume is usually overcorrected, since around 20-30% of the fat is reabsorbed. From 3-6 months, the result will be definitive.
If hyaluronic acid has been used, you will need to re-inject doses every 9-12 months.
ARE THERE CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR THIS SURGERY?
Each case must be assessed individually. Still, some contraindications for this surgery are heavy smokers who do not plan to interrupt the habit, since tobacco hinders the healing of wounds, preventing healing and decreases the survival rate of the fat graft.
