What are buttock implants?
Butt implants provide a reliable method for enhancing the shape, size, and prominence of the buttocks. These implants, while reminiscent of those used for breast enhancements, are made from semi-solid silicone, ensuring greater durability and eliminating the risk of rupture. For individuals looking to accentuate their buttocks' projection, these implants are a top choice.
It is possible to incorporate butt implant surgery with a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), a procedure that injects repurposed body fat (extracted through liposuction) into the buttocks and hips. This can impart a softer, more organic appearance.
Nevertheless, BBLs come with their own set of challenges, especially when performed by an unqualified surgeon. Given this, silicone butt implants are often seen as a more trustworthy and safer alternative for enhancing the buttocks.
Ensuring that the implants are accurately placed and that the surgeon chooses the right size and contour is key to achieving the best outcome, mirroring the process with breast implants.
Additionally, this cosmetic surgery can be seamlessly integrated with liposuction or other body-shaping treatments.
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What are the pros & cons of butt implants?
Advantages
- Silicone buttock implants cater to those who might lack the necessary surplus fat for a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), individuals desiring more pronounced results after a BBL, or those in search of a safer butt enhancement procedure.
- Crafted from solid silicone, these implants deliver a well-defined, rounded backside with consistent projection throughout. Such even projection remains a hallmark of implant butt enhancement.
- In contrast to a Brazilian butt lift which might only retain half of the transferred fat, silicone implants offer predictable and enduring volume enhancement. It is notable that many who opt for butt implants might have previously undergone unsuccessful BBLs.
- Given their semi-solid nature, there is no apprehension about implant rupture or leakage, as they do not contain gel.
Drawbacks
- This procedure requires two weeks of recovery, and your doctor may recommend abstaining from sitting directly on the buttocks for up to six weeks.
- The wrong implant, either in terms of size or shape, or one improperly positioned in the gluteal muscles, might result in contour inconsistencies, or complications like the implant rotating, shifting, or drooping. Addressing these issues might necessitate removal or corrective surgery, another cost for the patient.
- Overly large implants, disproportionate to one's physique, could lead to the implant becoming visible.
- Potential side effects and risks include incision separation, infection, seroma (fluid accumulation), scar tissue stiffening around the implant, known as capsular contracture, and persistent discomfort.
How much do butt implants cost?
Average Cost: $18,645
Range: $12,100 - $24,900
The cost of your butt implant procedure varies based on factors like the expertise of your plastic surgeon, the location of their clinic, the kind of implant selected, and the anesthesia provider.
Many professionals provide instalment options like buy now pay later or are open to third-party financing solutions.
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What are the potential risks and side effects of getting butt implants?
While buttock implants are often viewed as safer than Brazilian Butt Lifts, they're not entirely risk-free.
According to a 2013 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, of the 2,226 patients who underwent butt implant surgery, 38% encountered complications. However, by 2016, this figure had decreased to 21.6%, largely attributed to increased surgical expertise.
Incision separation during the healing process was the most common complication. Other potential issues included enduring pain beyond the usual 2-week recovery period, infections, and seroma (fluid accumulation). Although implant displacement is rare, its early symptoms include pain and fever.
The 2016 study also showed that around 5% of patients required revision surgery, while 3.8% had their implants removed due to complications like infection or fluid buildup. This complication rate is relatively high for cosmetic procedures but the risks are considered less severe when compared to a Brazilian Butt Lift.
A study in 2017 indicated that patients undergoing implant revision surgery had a 17.8% complication rate, and was particularly high when a single implant was replaced.
Complications are often linked to inexperienced surgeons or outdated surgical techniques. Opting for a board-certified plastic surgeon with a strong history of successful buttock implant procedures increases your odds of a favorable outcome.
In terms of comparable risks, when done by a qualified surgeon who places the implant within the gluteal muscle, the rate of complications for butt implants is not significantly different from that of breast implants. One seasoned surgeon reported a mere 0.5% infection rate and a 1.5% incision healing complication rate across more than 2,000 procedures.
A 2019 report by the Aesthetics Surgery Journal cited the first case of gluteal-implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (GIA-ALCL). The patient while treated quickly did not survive, and the cancer was notably aggressive.
However, this study has been subject to criticism for its lack of implant-specific data. Until further evidence comes to light, this report should be considered inconclusive.
To reduce your risk, you may want to consult with your plastic surgeon about choosing implants with smoother or very lightly textured surfaces.
What to look for in before & after photos for Butt Implants
When selecting your plastic surgeon, search for images showcasing the results of butt implants on individuals with a physique resembling yours, who achieved the projection you had in mind.
Pay attention not just to the buttocks but also the seamless transition from the lower back to the butt, ensuring that the hips appear balanced and natural. If any scars or visible implant outlines are apparent beneath the skin, it might be wise to consider a different surgeon.
The benefits of Butt implants over a Brazilian Butt Lift
Here are the primary benefits of butt implant surgery over a Brazilian butt lift:
- Enhanced safety: While the Brazilian butt lift has evolved with improved safety measures, when not executed correctly, it can present considerable health concerns.
- Predictable outcomes: Implants are a more consistent solution for enhancing and projecting the centre and bottom buttocks area, where the BBL often does not deliver. While BBL mostly enhances the upper section of the buttocks, its impact on the middle and lower sections is less prominent.
- Improved projection: For those with flatter butts, implants can ensure a curved appearance, irrespective of the initial flatness.
- Suitable for those with limited fat: While butt implants are ideal for individuals lacking surplus fat, it's worth noting that some surgeons now provide a ‘skinny BBL’, broadening the eligibility criteria for the fat transfer method.
How popular are butt implants?
Among the various buttock augmentation procedures available, butt implants rank as the least popular. As per the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020, only 1,179 of these procedures were carried out in the United States.
Yet, there is a noticeable uptrend, butt implant procedures saw a 21% increase from the previous year, while BBLs witnessed a decline of 27%.
Butt implant patients are overwhelmingly women, constituting over 86% of the patient base.
Around a third of these augmentations were performed on individuals between 30 and 39. Interestingly, 39% of the patients were in the 40-54 age bracket, indicating that the allure of butt enhancement isn't limited to the young; it resonates with the middle-aged and even older.
Who can get butt implants?
Ideal candidates for butt implant surgery include:
- Adults who don't smoke
- Those in generally good health
- Individuals with minimal skin sagging (or those open to butt implant surgery with procedures like a butt lift or a butt tuck)
Different from BBLs, there is no specific body mass index (BMI) restriction for butt implant patients.
Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to guide you in determining if this is the optimal buttock enhancement approach for you.
How does butt implant sizing work?
Butt implants, similar to breast implants, are available in many different shapes and sizes. While the range is not as expansive as that of breast implants, there are still many options for patients.
Butt implants can be as small as 100 cc and go all the way up to 715 cc. Picking the right size is pivotal to achieving your desired outcome. Collaborating closely with your plastic surgeon is essential to select an implant that aligns with your body type and cosmetic aspirations. Often, patients are surprised by the level of projection and form they get even from a modest-sized implant. A frequent pitfall is opting for implants that are excessively large. Those who choose implants that fit their body frame usually over time remain satisfied with the results.
Butt implants come in either an oval or round shape. From an anatomical perspective, around 95% of individuals naturally possess a more oval than round gluteal muscle. To determine the ideal shape and size, a physical assessment is done, measuring the muscle's length and width. The firmness and tautness of your muscles decide how large an implant can safely be inserted.
Besides the size, your surgeon should discuss implant positioning with you: either above the gluteal muscles or within them (intramuscular placement). Many experts in buttock surgery vouch for intramuscular placement and will likely be what your surgeon recommends. External placement poses risks like unnatural shaping, noticeable implants, eventual drooping, implant rotation, wearing down fat and skin layers, and a heightened chance of capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant). Intramuscular positioning also ensures that implants do not jeopardize the sciatic nerve in the buttocks.
Nonetheless, implant positioning alone does not negate risks if the size is excessive. It is vital to realize that although intramuscular placement might mitigate complications, the results are contingent on selecting a suitable-sized implant. An overly large implant, regardless of its position, can present challenges.
What happens during butt implant surgery?
The operation is conducted under general anesthesia, ensuring you're completely unconscious during the process. Here is what typically happens during a buttock implant procedure:
- Your surgeon will begin with an incision inside your buttock crease, ensuring scars remain as inconspicuous as possible. The implant is then positioned either inside the gluteal muscles (intramuscular) or above them (subfacial). The majority of experts in this field strongly advocate for the intramuscular method. External positioning can lead to potential issues like abnormal shaping, visible implants, potential sagging, rotation of the implant, thinning of adjacent fat and skin, and a heightened risk of capsular contracture.
- Once the implants are securely positioned, your surgeon will suture up the incision and the underlying tissue.
- Subsequently, they might introduce tiny surgical drains to help prevent fluid accumulation during the healing process.
- Post-procedure, you might be dressed in compression gear to minimize swelling and to maintain the shape as you recover.
Upon regaining consciousness, you'll feel a bit drowsy, so it's important to have a trustworthy individual ready to escort you home and preferably to stay with you for the initial night. If needed, the clinic can often provide a contract nurse, especially if you lack a personal caregiver.
Melon Hint: Consuming tobacco or even vaping can increase the risk of surgical complications and impede your recovery. If you are a smoker, your physician will likely advise you to refrain from smoking, ideally a couple of weeks prior to the procedure and a month post-operation.
How long does butt implant recovery take?
After undergoing butt implant surgery, the usual healing period is approximately 2 weeks. However, to ensure the optimal healing of incisions, surgeons often advise refraining from sitting for anywhere from 2-6 weeks post-operation. During this recovery phase, anticipate some mild pain in your glutes and thighs, including swelling, bruising, and a sensation akin to muscle fatigue after intense exercise.
The initial 2 weeks can be a bit challenging, but many patients find relief with over-the-counter solutions after several days of using prescribed medications. However, if you experience heightened pain, skin redness or warmth, or a rise in body temperature, it could signal potential complications like an infection, requiring antibiotics.
Your surgeon will provide comprehensive post-op care guidelines, possibly containing the following advice:
- If surgical drains are used, you will need to periodically empty the accumulated fluid. These drains are typically removed during a subsequent check-up about a week post-surgery.
- For enhanced comfort and to mitigate swelling, compression gear might be recommended for around 2 to 3 weeks post-operation.
- For the first fortnight, patients can adopt positions like lying on their back, standing, walking, or kneeling while facing a chair. Sitting should be reserved only for when you use the bathroom.
- It is essential to refrain from sitting directly on the operated area for up to 6 weeks to help the healing process and help stabilize the implants.
- To help bowel movements, your physician may suggest a squat stance, accompanied by stool softeners to avoid undue pressure caused by constipation (a common side effect from anesthesia and certain pain meds). Opt for fragrance-free baby wipes for cleaning while steering clear of the surgical incisions.
- You'll also be advised on a gentle incision-cleaning regimen while showering.
- Driving might be off the table for the initial weeks, with some professionals suggesting up to a 6-week break.
- When resuming work sitting might require supportive cushions (options will be recommended by your surgeon). 6 weeks in, you should find it easier to sit without discomfort on traditional seating.
When will I see my butt implant results?
Right after the procedure, you'll notice a more rounded appearance to your buttocks, although the middle and lower areas may not seem fully lifted.
Your final, sculpted shape will gradually become apparent over a half-year period as post-operative swelling subsides and your body's tissues comfortably adapt to the implants.
Although scars from the incisions are inevitable, their visibility can be minimized if they are strategically located within the crease of your buttocks.
The surgical approach to buttock enhancement via implants usually involves making a cut within the gluteal fold, the natural dividing line between your two cheeks. Surgeons typically opt for one of two incision methods; either a single, central cut or 2 incisions situated on each cheek. These incision locations are discreet, effectively camouflaged by regular underwear or swimwear.
Choosing the dual-incision method has been shown to reduce the likelihood of wound separation issues compared to using a single, central incision.
Are butt implants permanent?
Butt implants are designed to be permanent, although some individuals may opt for follow-up surgeries later on to alter the proportions or renew the look.
Additionally, while the possibility of requiring corrective surgery due to complications exists, proper implant placement should minimize issues like shifting. When performed correctly, the lifespan of your implants should not necessitate replacement.
Do butt implants look natural?
Choosing the right implant size can produce results that appear and feel natural, even offering a bit of jiggle. The overall feel of an augmented buttocks relies on your skin's thickness. For individuals with thinner skin, even ultrasoft silicone implants might give a firmer feel, similar to tensed muscles.
The size of the implant is a crucial factor in achieving a natural appearance. Larger implants may become increasingly conspicuous, leading to a less authentic look and feel.
It generally takes about 6 months for the implants to assume their permanent position and achieve full roundness. They then continue to soften over a year. In terms of feel, the final result is often comparable to the toned buttocks of a competitive sprinter. And yes, there are instances where patients with implants have demonstrated their ability to twerk, showcasing that a natural 'jiggle' is achievable
Are butt implants uncomfortable to sit on?
In the beginning, you may find sitting on your new implants a bit awkward, it can feel like you are sitting on a solid, inflated ball. However, this discomfort is temporary and should subside as the surrounding tissues soften post-healing.
Much like breast implants, there is an acclimation phase. After you have fully recovered, the sensation of the implants should diminish and they'll feel like a natural part of you. Patients often report that after the non-sitting phase of healing, they can resume their regular activities and sitting patterns just like before.
Proper placement of the implants is crucial to how natural and comfortable they will feel. When installed correctly, the implants should not turn rigid. If placed superficially or above the muscle, the body could react by forming constricting scar tissue around the implant, affecting both appearance and comfort. If this happens, implant repositioning into a deeper location within the buttocks becomes necessary.
What are some alternatives to butt implants?
If you are undecided about getting buttock implants, there are other methods available to augment your butt that you might want to explore.
Dermal Filler
One option is a Filler butt lift, which uses an TGA-approved injectable filler originally designed for facial wrinkles but is increasingly used for butt augmentation. Dissolvable filler not only adds size but also promotes your body's own collagen production. However, this approach can be quite costly due to the amount of filler required, and the results are not permanent. As always, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider to determine if a filler butt lift aligns with your aesthetic goals.
Emsculpt
Another alternative is Emsculpt, a non-invasive treatment that employs high-intensity electromagnetic waves to tone glute muscles. While it can enhance muscle definition, it won't significantly boost volume or create the rounded look that implants offer. Those looking for a more dramatic transformation may find Emsculpt insufficient.
Butt Lift
A traditional butt lift involves removing and tightening excess skin, commonly performed after substantial weight loss. It's worth noting that this procedure doesn't increase size; in fact, it could make the butt appear flatter. On the flip side, a lower buttock tuck can lift hanging skin from the back of the thighs and reposition it into the lower butt crease, also known as the infragluteal fold, leading to a more contoured transition between the butt and hamstrings.
Melon Hint: Medical professionals strongly advise against using silicone liquid, PMMA, Bio-polymer, acrylic, or hydrogel injections for butt augmentation. These substances are not TGA-approved for body sculpting and can result in severe, irreversible side effects like tissue necrosis or even death. Fixing complications from these materials, like silicone removal, can be excruciatingly painful, exorbitantly expensive, and sometimes not even feasible.
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