Buttock and hip aesthetics aim to restore the shape and volume of areas that have lost their form due to aging or rapid weight loss. Additionally, individuals with structurally deficient buttocks can benefit from these surgeries. Buttock and hip shaping surgeries are performed by injecting the body’s own fat tissue into the desired area or by using implants. Buttock shaping can be achieved through methods such as Brazilian butt lift, buttock implants, or buttock augmentation with fillers, with the choice of method determined after consultation with a doctor.
What is Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and How is it Done?
Brazilian butt lift, one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, aims to shape the buttock area. In a Brazilian butt lift surgery, which is typically performed under general anesthesia, fat is first removed from areas such as the waist, back, abdomen, and legs through liposuction. The extracted fat is then injected into the upper part of the buttocks using cannulas. This process not only slims down areas of localized fat but also increases the volume of the buttocks, resulting in overall body contouring. Brazilian butt lift, performed through fat transfer, can achieve a lifted, rounded, and natural-looking buttock appearance. If necessary, buttock implants can be combined with the procedure. While some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed over time, the effects of the surgery can be long-lasting.
What is Buttock Implant Surgery and How is it Done?
For individuals who desire buttock shaping surgery but do not have enough fat on their bodies for transfer, implants can be used instead. Buttock implants, similar to breast implants, are designed in round or oval shapes to add volume to the buttocks. The buttock implant can be placed either under or above the gluteus maximus muscle, which is the buttock muscle. During the surgery, which is performed under general anesthesia, a pocket is created at the site where the implant will be placed. After the implant is inserted into the pocket, incisions of approximately 5-6 cm in width are closed. Buttock implant surgery is less preferred compared to Brazilian butt lift due to the risk of implant displacement. In some cases, both methods can be combined for optimal results.
What is Buttock Augmentation with Fillers and How is it Done?
Buttock augmentation with fillers is another method that aims to increase the volume and improve the appearance of the buttock area without surgery. This nonsurgical medical aesthetic procedure is performed under local anesthesia using a special filler substance called Sculptra. FDA-approved Sculptra is a suitable method for addressing volume loss due to age or weight loss.
The filler substance is injected into the soft tissue of the buttocks through small incisions made on the buttocks. Immediately after the procedure, the filler substance adds volume to the buttocks. Over time, as collagen production increases in the area, the volume continues to improve. The results of the procedure can last between 2-4 years.
What to Expect After Buttock Shaping Surgery?
After both BBL surgery and buttock implant surgery, lying on the back and normal sitting activities are restricted for approximately 3 weeks. Special corsets and pillows should be used during the recovery period. It’s important to avoid strenuous physical activities such as exercise for 3-4 weeks after Brazilian butt lift and 4-6 weeks after buttock implant surgery. The recovery period after buttock implant surgery may be longer compared to BBL. In both types of surgeries, drains are usually inserted to remove any accumulated fluid and blood from the buttocks. Since buttock augmentation with fillers is a non-surgical method, the recovery process may be relatively easier.