What is Gluteal Sculpting?
Surgery to correct deformities of the buttock is often termed “buttock lift”, “butt lift” or “gluteoplasty” or “Brazillian Butt lift” In reality, these terms encompass a wide variety of surgical corrections all aimed at creating more aesthetic appearance fo the buttocks and hips.
When is Skin Excision Needed?
Some patients after weight loss may have considerable excess skin and need a lift only. This involves removing of a wide strip of skin from the upper buttock/lower back region and elevation of the lax skin from below. Other people tend to have loose skin and little buttock volume giving them a rather flat appearance. In this instance the buttock lift includes removal of the excess skin AND repositioning of the gluteal tissue to provide more fullness where it is needed. The buttock and thighs are different anatomic areas but they have a very close and interactive relationship. Some patients may wish to address only the buttock area while others will need to correct changes in the buttocks and thighs, particularly the lateral or outside areas of the thighs. This is often done at the time of the buttock lift through the same incisions but provides a significant correction to the contour and shape of the hip and lateral thigh area. Some surgeons might also refer to this portion of the case as a “lower body lift.”
What about just Injecting the Buttocks with Fat?
In many cases skin excision is not necessary, but fat injection alone it typically not the answer. Rather there is a greater need to decrease the volume of the low back and upper hips which can be addressed with liposuction. This helps better define the accentuate the curves of the buttocks as swell as provides fat needed for injection. Finally, there is a subset of patients who have good skin quality and tone but need more volume. In this case, fat grafting alone can provide the solution and is performed by taking fat with liposuction from another area of the body and injecting it into the buttock region.
During your Consult
At the time of your consultation we will review your goals. Dr. Brown will evaluate your medical conditions, drug allergies, current medications/herbal supplements and prior surgical history. He will ask about your general health and stability of your weight.
He will examine your hips, thighs, lower abdomen, buttocks and legs. Dr. brown will take measurements, and finally take photographs. Dr. Brown will discuss findings and needs for either liposuction, enhancement with fat injection, and possible skin excision. Dr. Brown will outline a course of treatment, likely outcomes, and discuss potential complications as well as the type of anesthesia.
Prior to Surgery
To get ready for surgery there are a number important steps. We will obtain recent blood work and sometimes obtain medical clearance from your primary doctor.
You must stop smoking. In most cases Dr. Brown will not perform a gluteal augmentation on anyone who is actively smoking. You must avoid taking Aspirin, anti-inflammatories and herbal supplements for 3 weeks prior to surgery as these can increase the risk of bleeding. Certain hormones must also be stopped as these increase the risk of Deep vein thrombosis.
The Procedure
Medications are administered for your comfort and most cases these surgeries are performed with deep sedation or general anesthesia.
Prior to surgery several marks are made on thighs and backs to determine the areas where fat is to be removed and added. Extensive liposuction of the back hips and out legs are done. In many cases if additional fat is need for grafting areas of excess fat such as the lower abdomen will also undergo liposuction.
Recovery
After surgery the legs and buttocks are placed in special compression garment. Mild drainage from liposuction sites is expected. Swelling in present for several weeks. Post-operatively we ask that you avoid sleeping on your backside or buttocks for 2 weeks.
Strenuous exercise is avoided for the first 3 weeks. Most people feel ready to return to work by 2 to 3 weeks.
Risks
- Anesthesia Risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid Accumulation (seroma)
- Poor Wound Healing
- Skin Loss
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Skin discoloration
- Unfavorable scarring
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Fatty tissue
- Deep Vein thrombosis
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Asymmetry
- Suboptimal Aesthetic result
- Possibility of revision surgery
- Persistent pain