Gluteoplasty

Gluteoplasty

Gluteoplasty, or Buttock augmentation, involves the surgical insertion of artificial implants into the buttocks in order to enhance their size and shape. This surgery is frequently sought by women who are unhappy with the size of their buttocks. Some feel their buttocks lack shape, while others want to have a more sensuous backside by making them larger and rounder.

Common Questions

What are some of the most common benefits of having gluteoplasty?
Gluteoplasty is usually quite successful at making the butt larger and shapelier. This has helped many women gain that 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 also many have gained a boost in their self-esteem and self-confidence.

How are gluteoplastys done?
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 gluteoplasty. 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.

How long does this surgery take?
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.

Do I have to stay in the hospital?
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.

How much pain is there?
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. Someone will need to drive you home, and you may need assistance at home over the next couple of days.
Your surgeon may prescribe an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory medication to be taken after the surgery. It is a good idea to have these prescriptions filled beforehand.

What can I expect after gluteoplasty?
Your will have a compression garment on after surgery to provide support, which should not be removed for the next few days following 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.

What is the recovery period like?
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 gluteoplasty 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.

Ideal Candidate:
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 augmentation.

Possible complications:
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 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.

Risks:
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.

Gluteoplasty Costs:
Costs for this procedure vary, depending on the doctor, the location, technique used and the difficulty of the specific case. The national average of 2003 surgeon fees for gluteoplasty was $3,681 (Source: The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). 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 augmentation.

Be sure to:

* 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 this procedure 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.