Buttock Augmentation using Fat Injection

The buttock region has been associated with allure and sex appeal for centuries. Unfortunately, many people lose the full, natural buttock contour with age and weight loss. Luckily, buttock augmentation provides a natural solution to these common problems.

There are two main surgical options for patients. The most common option (95% of cases) involves the transfer of the patient’s own fat tissue to the buttock region. A less common option (5% of cases) involves the use of silicone implants. The following discussion refers to buttock
augmentation using fat injections.

The use of fat injections has revolutionized buttock augmentation. It is much simpler to perform, with a usual operative time of 1-? hours. It has minimal pain and discomfort post-operatively, and requires minimal recuperation. An additional benefit to this procedure is that in removing fat from the donor site, such as the abdomen, the patient also benefits from a modified liposuction to the donor site. This differs from the use of silicone implants to enhance the buttocks, as the procedure is technically more difficult, more painful post-operatively, and more costly. There are also more risks involved, and requires a longer recovery period.

Who Is a Good Candidate

The best candidates for buttock augmentation are people 18 years of age or older who are in good health and have realistic expectations. They must understand that the goal is to improve their overall appearance. The doctor will evaluate the upper/mid/lower buttock regions for volume, shape, and skin quality. Your age, skin type, ethnicity, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, and bone structure are important factors in choosing this procedure. Patients will be advised to avoid smoking, taking aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory medications in the peri-operative period.

Before the Surgery

At your initial consultation, the doctor will review all relevant details including anesthesia, the procedure, incisions, pre/post operative care, possible complications, fees, recovery, and results. A second visit will then be arranged to do a general exam, take blood, and take photographs; this second visit is to prepare patients for the future surgery.

The Surgery

The surgery is performed in our fully equipped surgery center under intravenous sedation and local anesthetic. The patient sleeps comfortably through the procedure and wakes up in the recovery room with no ill effects of general anesthetic.

Initially, small incisions are made approximately one half an inch in length or less, near the area where the fat is to be removed. The area to be treated is then anesthetized with a tumescent solution using a fine needle. The incision sites are less than 1 centimetre in length. A thin, hollow tube, called a cannula, is inserted and is attached to a machine or syringe that creates a vacuum. The cannula is strategically manipulated under the skin to remove the fat deposits.

Once it is removed, your fat is processed to remove excess fluids and the re-injected into the buttock region using small incisions. This process may be repeated until the desired correction has been achieved. The site of fat removal is then covered with a compression bandage.
Harvesting fat cells for re-injection is often performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as liposuction, tummy tuck or cosmetic breast surgery. When fat is harvested during another procedure, it is often possible for your surgeon to harvest a larger amount of fat, then freeze and store your fat for future injections when they become necessary.

After the Surgery

The procedure is performed as a day surgery. You’ll likely experience temporary tenderness, swelling and some bruising. Keep in mind the healing is a gradual process. Swelling and redness at the treatment site may last 4-5 days. Any discomfort following the procedure can be controlled with medication. Approximately one to two hours after surgery, patients are ready to be picked up by a responsible adult. Most patients are mobile immediately after the surgery.

Walking and general activity is usually permitted the next day. Patients are advised to take 5 days off work for the procedure. It may be recommended that you wear a tight-fitting garment, similar to a girdle, after the surgery to reduce swelling. This garment may need to be worn for up to 4 weeks. Your stitches will be removed within a week and a half if they are not absorbable. You will be able to return to work within 4-5 days.
Patients may choose to do the injections at a later date, but keep in mind that more time off from work will be required.

The Results

Every year, many patients undergo buttock augmentation with fat tissue transfer to produce a well-contoured appearance. Patients are extremely satisfied because the process uses their own fat (no risks of complications associated with implant use), there is a short recovery period, it is less costly, and the results are long lasting. If you are interested in buttock augmentation, please contact our office to book a complimentary private physician consultation.