Butt Implants

Butt implants are usually quite successful at making the butt larger and shapelier. This has helped many women gain a more sensuous appearance. For those that have had underdeveloped buttocks, buttock implants can now provide them with a more proportionate figure. Not only has this helped enhance their appearance, but for many they have also gained a boost in their self-esteem and self-confidence.

During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. Because this is a highly personal decision, you'll want to take time to discuss all of your concerns and desires, including how large and shapely you want your buttocks to be.

Show your doctor pictures of buttock sizes you like. He/she will be able to determine which size of butt implants will achieve your preferred results. He/she will also explain the different options available to you, including incision type, location of the implant, type of implant, and whether a butt lift might also be beneficial.

Your doctor should also explain the anesthesia he/she will be using during your procedure. You should tell him/her about any medications you currently are taking, and any health conditions you have. Be sure to ask all the questions you have about the surgery, and ask to see photos of the doctor's recent patients, before and after butt implants. Also, ask for, and follow up on, patient references.

Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.

An incision may be made in any one of the following places: where the cheek meets the back of the thigh, or down the buttock crease. The incision is usually made in the buttock crease, where scars are not noticeable. However, this area does carry a high infection risk.

The doctor then creates a pocket large enough to insert the butt implants. The implants can be placed either under the gluteus maximus muscle, or on top of the muscle.

Sometimes, the doctor performs liposuction in order to further enhance the shape of the buttocks.

After performing the same procedure on the other buttock, the doctor makes sure the buttocks are symmetrical and look natural. Then he/she stitches up the incisions.

Most likely, the anesthesia you receive will be general, although some doctors use a local anesthetic along with a sedative. Anesthesia type should be discussed with your doctor during the initial consultation.

Buttock implant surgery usually takes about two to three hours to complete. The length of the procedure varies according to the technique used, the placement of the implants, the patient's anatomy, and type of anesthesia used.

Probably not. Most buttock implant surgery is performed in a surgical suite as an outpatient procedure you'll be able to return home within a few hours of the surgery.

Buttock augmentation stretches the tissues, and can be painful. This is especially true when the implants are placed under the muscle. The pain is greatest within the first 48 hours, but improves with each day and is somewhat relieved by pain medications. In spite of the initial discomfort, most women report that they are very satisfied with the results of the surgery.

When you wake up you will feel tired, sore, and stiff. It is important to take the medication prescribed to you by your doctor. Your surgeon may prescribe an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory medication to be taken after your buttock implant surgery. It is a good idea to have these prescriptions filled beforehand.

You will have a compression garment on after surgery to provide support, which should not be removed for the next few days following butt implants surgery.

It is important to take the medication prescribed to you by your doctor. Someone will need to drive you home, and you may need assistance at home over the next couple of days. Expect to be in bed for the next 24 hours following surgery.

It is critical that you review post-procedure care with your doctor. Following his/her instructions carefully will help ensure you have a speedy, healthy recovery. Also keep in mind that:

• Rest is important to the healing process, so do it as much as possible following your procedure. Drink plenty of fluids, and be sure to take the doctor's prescribed medications.
• Most likely, you will be able to resume calm, quiet work within a few days to weeks following butt implants surgery. You should still avoid physical exertion for several weeks, depending on the advice of your doctor.
• The stitches will come out within a week to ten days, but swelling may continue, gradually subsiding over several weeks. As the swelling subsides, the results will become more apparent.
• You will probably be able to resume exercise and normal physical activities within a month or two, when the soreness has subsided. Recovery varies from patient to patient and depends upon the technique, type of implant, and site of placement that the doctor uses, as well as the level of activities in your daily routine. Ask your doctor for more specific information.

In general, the best candidates for buttock augmentation are:

• 18 years of age or older
• In good physical health
• Psychologically stable
• Wanting to improve their appearance
• Realistic in their expectations
• Having this surgery for the first time

The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he/she considers you an ideal candidate for buttock implants.

With buttock augmentation, there is a possibility that the implants may shift and cause the buttocks to appear asymmetrical. However, the implants are placed above the sitting area, this is done to keep patients from sitting on them and thus reducing the risk of implants shifting.

Another complication is that the butt implants may rupture, or break. However, this occurrence is rare.

Many times patients will not be aware of complications until days or months after the procedure has been performed.

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. The risks of undergoing buttock implant surgery can include (but are not limited to) infection, unsatisfactory results, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and the need for second, or sometimes third, procedures.

Costs of butt implants vary, depending on the doctor, the location, technique used, and the difficulty of the specific case. The national average of 2007 surgeon fees for butt implants was $4,772 (Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeon). These fees do not include anesthesia, operating room facility, hospital stay, and other related expenses.

In most cases, health insurance policies do not cover the cost of buttock implants.

It is critical to select a physician who is adequately trained and experienced in buttock augmentation (butt implants) procedures. See our Physician Locator feature to find a surgeon in your area, including detailed profile information for many of the listed doctors. Also, read How to Select a Plastic Surgeon for a more detailed discussion on choosing the right doctor.

1. How long has the surgeon been performing buttock augmentation?
2. What is the total number of augmentation procedures that the doctor has performed?
3. Has the plastic surgeon ever had his/her malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
4. Does the FDA approve the buttocks implants the doctor will be using?
5. What procedure is the doctor recommending and why? (Discuss different incision types, location of the implant, and type of implant, just to name a few topics.)
6. Please explain the risks associated with the procedure, including: infection, rippling, and rupture (see Risks section for detailed explanations).
7. Percent of patients who experienced any of the aforementioned risks?
8. In the event that a second procedure is needed, does the original cost cover the additional expense?
9. Is there a warranty on the implants?
10. Where will the procedure be performed?
11. Who will be assisting the doctor during the surgery? What are their qualifications? Does the plastic surgeon perform the entire surgery?
12. What type of anesthesia will be used, and who will administer it?
13. Will the doctor provide references of patients who have had buttock implants? (The doctor should have a list of references available.)
14. Will the doctor provide before and after butt implant photos?
15. What are the guidelines and recommendations for selecting the implant size?
16. Can you observe the exact procedure you are having before you decide to have the surgery? (If yes, ask to view one either on videotape or in real life.)
17. What should you expect post-operatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
18. Do you offer patient financing?
19. Are there other procedures that can be performed to further enhance my results?
20. How soon can I have the surgery?

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
• Tell your doctor about all medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
• Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
• Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to butt implant surgery and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.

Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing was available. With iEnhance's patient financing options, butt implant cost no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our on-line application you can qualify for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.

• Dr. Mendieta - Miami, FL

At iEnhance, find information on top plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, tummy tuck, BOTOX ® Cosmetic, eyelid surgery, thermage, rhinoplasty; as well as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Locate a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic dentist, or specialist today!