<< Back to FAQs

• What are some buttock procedures?

What are some buttock procedures?

Buttock shape and size can vary greatly over time. Taking hormonal considerations, age, weight gain and loss, the backside is an area of the body that undergoes considerable change over time.

There are several procedures that may be done to improve buttock shape and appearance. The backside can be sculpted, have implants put in, lifted or texture smoothed out. Once your surgeon determines what your goals are, it will be easier to determine what the realistic outcomes of the procedures may be. Although augmentation of the size is an option, one has to work within the boundaries of the given structure and body shape.

The appearance of a younger, tauter bottom can be accomplished by liposuction. With good quality skin and texture, liposuction of the upper buttock, love handles, and outer hip area can accomplish this. When patients are looking to increase the fullness of the region, the liposuctioned fat may be transferred deeply into the buttock region. Fat transfer is an acceptable method of doing this- it is accomplished in layers to avoid dimpling and striations. When using one's own body fat, there is no worry of the body rejecting the fat or of unforeseen allergic reactions. There is a possibility of the body absorbing the fat; since it is a natural substance of our own body it can be a bit unpredictable. It has been noted that whatever substance has remained after three months will be a permanent part of the body. Many mistake post-op swelling as the fat that was injected, but get disappointed when the swelling subsides and there does not appear to be as much fat as they previously thought. For patients that lack the ability to harvest their own body fat the only other option is an implant. It is important to remember that the value in the process is not how large it is, but how it is distributed in the buttock region.

The skin quality will determine whether a buttock lift or liposuction with or without implants is what is needed. The difference between the procedures will relate to the extent of scarring. If there is poor skin quality and a sagging buttock, then a lift may be in order. There are several options and combinations that may be done to accomplish the look you are seeking.

A patient with excellent skin tone but has poorly distributed fat deposits, liposuction alone may be the solution. When the concern was mainly shape and not the volume, augmentations may be done with either fat or with implants, the choice should be up to you after discussing it with your physician.

If the patient has good skin tone but just not enough volume then an implant may be the answer. Fat is an option when there is fat to allow for it. Fat is not an option in many cases because it is unpredictable and may disappear over time. Since volume is the main goal, an implant is the answer because of its reliability and certainty.

With patients who have average skin tone, options will vary and depending upon the goals that are achievable. If there are fatty deposits in inopportune areas, liposuction alone may improve the results. In combination with fat transfers or an implant this will add to the final results. Appearance may be improved without having to go through a buttock lift.

With loose skin, it is difficult to achieve an ideal backside, because no matter how much liposuction is done or what size implants are placed, the possibility of it looking droopy may always be there. This type of skin will require the buttock lift. The excess skin that is sagging will need to be removed and lifted. The difference made will be dramatic, but there may be extensive scarring. Scars are situated in the upper buttock area and are seen across the back, extending around to the sides of the abdomen.

The change in your body shape will be almost immediate, although with swelling, you will have to wait at least three months to determine the exact outcome. It will be vital that you wear a garment for about 3-4 weeks, providing support and help with the skin re-draping. With realistic expectations you should be quite happy with the outcome of your procedure.

Back To Top