Butt Augmentation

Latest update: May 05, 2024
Medically reviewed by: Jordan Frey, MD

Details

Butt augmentation surgery can add volume to the buttocks and shape the hips. Surgeons use two main surgical methods for butt augmentation: fat grafting and silicone implants.

Fat grafting is also known as the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). It is the most common method used. It is also an intricate procedure with potentially significant complications that requires a skilled and experienced surgeon. During this technique, surgeons first use liposuction to remove excess fat from other body areas such as the waist, tummy, or thighs.

The extracted fat is then purified and transferred into syringes. It is then injected into the butt and hips. The surgeon precisely contours the body by adding volume into the areas to create the desired figure.It is worth noting that not all transferred fat will survive over the next few months. The results of the fat grafting method will be noticeable a year after the 
procedure.

The other surgical method is gluteal implants. This surgery is recommended for those who do not have enough fat to extract during liposuction or patients who wish to have more prominent buttocks. The implant comes in different shapes and sizes. The selected implant will depend on the patient’s overall physique and goals. The semi-solid silicone implant has a lower risk of rupturing and is inserted through an incision made on the butt cheeks. The implant has to be positioned below the fascia covering the gluteal muscles or within the gluteal muscle. Due to the nature of this method, it will require a longer recovery period and also comes with more risks. 

Implants can last a lifetime and do not need to be removed unless there are complications.

Some patients may opt for the combination of these two techniques.

Butt augmentation surgery can give natural-looking results. Recovery will take around two weeks. Patients will have to wear a compression garment and avoid putting pressure on their bum. 

Besides surgical methods, there are minimally invasive butt augmentation procedures. These can create modest volume in the butt. Sculptra is an injectable filler that is usually used to treat wrinkles. It is also known to add volume and stimulate collagen production in the buttocks. Results are temporary as the filler dissolves over time. It can also be costly as a large amount is needed to fill the buttocks.

Another treatment is Emsculpt. This procedure uses high-intensity electromagnetic energy to tone the muscles in the buttocks. This method does not create a larger, rounder butt as it only enhances muscle definition and burns fat. 
Anesthesia
general
Operation Time
Inpatient Period
0-2 days
Number of Appointments
Recovery Period
2-6 weeks
Invasiveness
yes

FAT GRAFTING/TRANSFER Brazilian Butt Lift BBL - Line Plastic Surgery Center

Dr. Charles Hsu, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, talks about fat transfer or fat grafting to the buttocks. This procedure is also known as the Brazilian Butt Lift. He explains the intent of the procedure and talks about how trends have made this more popular. He describes who would be a good candidate for the BBL. He goes over the steps of the procedure.