Buttock Augmentation
This plastic surgery procedure has become truly popular in recent years. It consists of the implantation of silicone gel prostheses similar to the ones used in breast augmentation surgery although with a greater robustness and cohesiveness in order to enhance the appearance and volume of the buttocks, making them firmer, rounder and perkier.
INDICATION
This intervention is recommended for both male and female patients showing flat glutes that lack projection especially from the side view.
ANAESTHESIA
Both general or epidural anaesthesia can be used for this procedure. It is necessary that the gluteus maximus muscle be fully relaxed in order to allow the surgeon to insert the implant through it.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
Through an incision in the intergluteal fold (between the buttocks) the surgeon gains access to the gluteus maximus muscle and traverses it to create a pocket in which to accommodate the implant. This cavity is located in the area where one would usually carry a wallet in the trousers, so the prosthesis will not receive pressure when the patient sits down.
There are two types of implants: round and almond-shaped. The choice depends on the characteristics of each case.
Closing the incision is done in successive layers: muscle, fat and skin, using intradermal suture, leaving a thin scar hidden in the intergluteal crease.
DURATION OF THE INTERVENTION
It lasts about one and a half hours to two hours approximately.
POST OPERATIVE
The patient is fitted with an adhesive bandage that applies compression to the area and immobilizes the implant. She is already allowed to stand during the first hours after surgery. Although allowed to walk after the procedure she must rest lying face down, avoiding to lying on her side to avoid subjecting the suture to undue tension. During the first week after surgery she must not sleep face up so as not to displace the implant from its position or excessively strain the stitches.
Hygiene and disinfection of the incision during the first 7 to 10 days after the procedure must be thorough. Infection, which after any surgery can be harmful, would specially be so in this case given the proximity of the wound to especially virulent fecal germs.
The patient is allowed to sit down, taking care not to exert pressure on the prosthesis or cause it to move out of its correct placement.
Normal daily activities (as long as they aren’t strenuous) can be resumed 48 to 72 hours after surgery, avoiding any long walks during the first two to three weeks
RISKS
The risks involved are those of any surgical operation: Haematoma, seroma, wound dehiscense (opening), scar alterations, etc., plus those related to the gluteal implant-related itself, which are: capsular contracture with asymmetries or changes of shape, gel exudation, calcifications, sensitivity alterations, prosthesis displacement, prosthesis rupture, as well as neurological alterations such as paresthesia, pruritus, pain, transient or definitive anesthesia, and paresis.