Creating a balance in the contours and appearance of the body is a leading reason for cosmetic surgery: buttock augmentation is a prime example of the way in which a relatively simple procedure can re-craft the silhouette. Buttock augmentation can be requested for a number of different reasons: to create the appearance proportionate gluteal muscles, increase buttock fat, or simply to augment the existing buttocks. Some patients have their buttock augmentation surgeries performed in conjunction with liposuction, tummy tucks, breast augmentation, or other procedures, while others only want to have the single procedure done.

Surgical buttock augmentation takes one of two forms: fat grafting, or buttock implants. In micro-fat grafting, body fat is liposuctioned from one area of the body, then used for buttock augmentation by being re-injected into the buttocks of the patient. Individuals who seek a more muscular appearance or who don't have enough body fat to perform a fat graft can accomplish buttock augmentation through the use of implants.

In order for buttock augmentation to be performed using fat grafting, the patient must have a plentitude of existing body fat to harvest for use in the buttock augmentation. The fat may be taken from almost anywhere on the body: flanks, back, thighs, abdomen, arms, etc. For a buttock augmentation to be successful using the fat graft method the fat tissue must receive a certain amount of blood supply (known as vascularity), otherwise the fat cells will die and be safely reabsorbed by the body. This will diminish the results of the buttock augmentation, however, so it is important that enough body fat be available to anticipate the potential loss of some volume.

When performing a fat grafting buttock augmentation, the cosmetic surgeon gently removes body fat using liposuction with a very thing cannula. The fat particles are then purified, and the buttock augmentation is performed by inserting fat into the layers of the buttocks through a single incision that is 1/8" inch long. Successful fat grafting buttock augmentation requires that the tiny fat droplets be carefully implanted near small blood vessels that will provide adequate circulation-increasing chances for cell survival.

Buttock augmentation may also use implants, either made of solid silicone, or a softer form of cohesive silicone encased in a silicone bag. If cohesive silicone is used for buttock augmentation implants, the results feel more natural, and there is a low reported risk of leakage. Solid silicone used in buttock augmentation is made of the same material used in chin implants, male pectoral implants, and calf implants. Solid silicone implants result in a buttock augmentation that is firmer and more resistant to wear and tear than a gel or saline filled implant. Patients who choose to have their buttock augmentations performed using either kind of implants will be measured at the pre-operative visit to help determine the size and shape that will achieve the desired results.

Implant buttock augmentation requires that the implant be placed between the fascia (the connective tissue covering the muscle) and the muscle itself. The implants used in buttock augmentation are placed fairly high up on the buttocks-you will never actually sit on them. The incisions used in this method of buttock augmentation are made in the crease between the cheek and the top of the thigh. Any scarring will be fully concealed within a year of the buttock augmentation. An incision may also be made within the "crack" between the cheeks of the buttocks, but the risk of infection may preclude this incision placement in some buttock augmentation surgeries.

Following either micro fat grafting or implant surgery, the patient should plan on a recovery time of up to two weeks following the buttock augmentation. Most individuals will be able to return to normal activities within three weeks of the procedure, although patients who have had buttock augmentation implants will generally have a slightly longer, more difficult recovery than those who have fat grafting.

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