SolveYourProblem Article Series: Cosmetic Surgery
Learn All About Cosmetic Surgery

What is a Buttocks Implant?
   

Ever yearn for a shapelier buttock? Well it can be yours with the help of buttock implants. Also known as gluteal implants or buttock augmentation this surgical procedure involves the insertion of artificial implants in order to improve the size and shape of the buttocks. This surgery is most often sought after by women who feel that their derriere is too flat and not round or sensuous enough looking for their taste. It is believed that the rise in this type of surgery in recent years has to do with the popularity of actress/singer Jennifer’s Lopez’s shapely figure. Singer Beyonce Knowles is another celebrity whose behind many women wish to replicate in themselves. Not only that but buttocks implants can plump up an underdeveloped backside and give a woman a much more proportional looking figure.

At your initial consultation with the plastic surgeon a number of things will be discussed. First of all as the patient you must discuss why you want to change the appearance of your buttocks and what you hope to achieve by having buttocks implants. It would be helpful if you bring pictures with you of buttock sizes you personally like the look of for your own. The plastic surgeon will be able to inform you of what size buttocks implants will be needed to reshape your backside. He/she will also discuss options for the surgery with you at that time. Some of the items that are necessary for you to know include the type of incision that will be made, the kind of implant that will be used, as well as the exact positioning of the implant. At this time you should make your doctor aware of any pre-existing health conditions you have as well as any medication you are taking. Find about the type of anesthesia that will be used during the procedure, what the procedure involves, how long it will take to perform, whether or not you will suffer discomfort afterwards and how long the recovery period will be. Any and all questions you have should be addressed at this time.

This type of surgery generally takes place over a period of two to three hours and depends on a variety of factors including the technique that the surgeon decides upon, the patient’s anatomy, the positioning of the buttocks implants and the type of anesthesia that is used for the procedure. Most of the time for this kind of surgery a general anesthesia is used (patient is asleep), however some surgeons prefer to use a local anesthetic accompanied by a sedative to allow the patient to be both relaxed and drowsy.

The incision for buttock augmentation can be made either down the crease of the buttocks or where the cheek of the butt meets the back of the thigh. The majority of the time the incision is made in the crease because the scars from the surgery will not be evident. However the drawback to this type of incision is that infections are more likely to occur here than if it is made in the back of the thigh.

The surgeon needs to create a “pocket” that is big enough to allow for the insertion of the buttocks implants. The implants can be placed in one of two places, either on top of the gluteus maximus muscle or under it. In some cases liposuction is also performed at the same time to remove excess fat, thus making for even better looking buttocks.

After finishing one side the surgeon then does the same to the other, making sure that both sides of the buttocks are natural looking as well as symmetrical. Finally to conclude the operation he/she stitches up the incisions.

Unfortunately this form of surgery carries with it the risk of a lot of pain afterwards as buttock augmentation stretches and pulls the tissues. The stretching is the worst if the implants were placed under the gluteus maximus muscle. The first 48 hours can be the most difficult for pain but it lessens after that time period. Taking a pain medication could help to relieve the discomfort somewhat. Many plastic surgeons will prescribe both an antibiotic as well as an anti-inflammatory medication to their patients after surgery.

Upon waking after the procedure, the patient will feel sore, stiff and most likely, very tired. These symptoms are all normal. A compression garment is put on patients after surgery for support and it should remain in place for the first few days following the surgery. Taking your medication as prescribed is very important in regards to healing. The patient will not be able to drive herself home and very likely will need someone to help her around the house for a couple of days afterwards. Most people find it necessary, and more comfortable to stay in bed for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Click here for all your cosmetic surgery needs, wants and questions answered. Over 100,000 healing and surgery products. Ask an expert. Find a specialist. It's my SovleYourProblem recommendation.

# # # # #

by SolveYourProblem.com : 2006

> Home > Cosmetic Surgery Articles : Main Page