Part 3 of 3, BODY
For the body, the buttocks is taking center stage. An area previously overlooked in my training has gained considerable media attention and interest. On chat boards and plastic surgery websites such as www.realself.com, buttocks contouring is the most talked about. As plastic surgeons, it is important for us to renew interest in this area and perfect our techniques to contour this area. Curvy silhouettes are trendier these days than the previous waif-like silhouettes that were admired in the past.
Gluteal contouring is best achieved by a combination of liposuction and fat transfer to enhance key areas. In laymen’s terms, this is also known as “Brazilian Butt Lift”. Aggressive liposuction of the lower back and sacrum are key, while establishing roundness to the central and lateral buttocks. Think about shaping and sculpting rather than just making a butt bigger. The lateral body contour should curve from a narrow-appearing waistline to a smooth curve of the hip and buttocks and onto the lateral thigh. Buttock implants are not successful in achieving this look, and they are fraught with complications. Large volumes of fat are required to enhance the buttocks and patients need to be at a normal and very stable weight to avoid changes afterwards. A small amount of weight gain is encouraged before the procedure and needs to be maintained. Expect 50% volume reduction from fat reabsorption after the procedure, so that a second stage surgery may recommended one year after the first surgery to reach your desired result. Also expect a rough recovery process. You cannot sit on your butt for 2 weeks or longer and have to use a special donut cushion to avoid any pressure on the fat that is grafted. In addition, be prepared to sleep on your stomach for 2 months. Meticulous hygiene is important to prevent complications. Complications can occur including infection, asymmetries or irregularities, nerve damage, sagging or loose skin of the buttocks, and dimpling or the appearance of cellulite can occur if ligamentous bands are not divided during the procedure. Patients with very tight fibrous skin and tissues may not be the best candidates, or those with a “V” buttock shape where the lower trunk is much wider than the outer thigh area. Patients who eventually exercise doing squats and lunges get better results than those who do not exercise this area.
Dr. Hayley Brown MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center serving Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada
