Who
Are The Best Candidates?
An area of the body not easily enlarged, shaped
by weight training or diet is the buttocks
region. Individuals that wish to enlarge,
lift, and shape the buttock mounds, have a
variety of different size and shape buttock
implants from which to choose. The decision
for the shape and size of the implants is
made depending on each person's individual
desires and on their general body build. Buttock
implants are very soft, SOLID SILICONE implants
and are completely unlike breast implants,
which are soft, FLUID-FILLED sacks.
About
the Procedure and Recovery Time:
Placed into each buttock area through a single
incision overlying the tailbone, buttock implants
are positioned to look as natural as possible
for the optimal cosmetic effect.
Since
this is an area of the body that is required
for walking, sitting, and so many other movements,
patients might experience greater pain during
the recovery period than other common cosmetic
surgery procedures and the recovery time is
usually longer. Pain medications typically
are prescribed to help with the discomfort,
but after approximately 5-7 days the patient
is able to be up and about; moving, walking,
and sitting more comfortably.
There
is generally very little swelling and bruising
after buttock augmentation so the results
may be seen very soon after surgery. Full
physical activities are usually permitted
within a month after surgery.
Surgical risks may include: infection, bleeding,
nerve and/or muscle damage, slippage and asymmetry.
What
to Expect:
With the patient asleep (general anesthesia)
a two to three inch incision is made between
the buttocks in the midline. Through this
incision the buttock muscle (gluteus maximus)
is lifted up and a pocket is made just large
enough for the implant. The implant is inserted
into its pocket. The opposite side is then
completed. Both sides are carefully examined
in order to assure that the results look natural
and symmetric. Dissolvable stitches placed
in the skin incision. A bandage is placed
that provides compression to the buttocks
which in turn helps reduce discomfort and
swelling. The person leaves the office surgical
center within an hour or so after the two
hour procedure. The patient may be very uncomfortable
the first several days. It is difficult to
turn in any position to get comfortable and
it is important that someone be with the person
at least overnight and probably for the next
several days just to help get out of bed,
prepare meals, etc.
The taped dressing that is applied during
surgery to provide compression and support
is usually removed two to three days following
surgery. At this time the patient can take
showers and begin to move around more normally.
The results can be seen immediately but the
buttocks look more natural and become more
soft as the muscle stretches during the several
months after surgery.
Full activities including gym work, bicycling,
and running can usually be resumed about four
weeks following surgery. It may take up to
six or eight months until the results feel
as if they're part of the body and the patient
forgets about them even being there.