Liposuction vs. GLP-1 Agonists (Ozempic/semaglutide, Mounjaro/tirzepatide, Wegovy, Zepbound and More): Weighing Your Options for Weight Loss and Body Contouring
December 3, 2024
Buttock augmentation has surged in popularity over recent years, becoming one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures worldwide. Whether influenced by cultural trends, celebrity endorsements, or personal aesthetic goals, many individuals are considering enhancing the shape and size of their buttocks. If you’re contemplating this procedure, it’s crucial to be well-informed before stepping into your consultation. Here are ten key things you should know to ensure you’re fully prepared for your buttock augmentation journey.
There are primarily two types of buttock augmentation procedures: the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and buttock implants.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): This procedure involves liposuction to remove fat from other parts of your body (like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks) and transferring it to the buttocks. The BBL not only enhances the buttocks but also contours the donor areas, providing a more sculpted overall appearance.
Buttock Implants: Silicone implants are surgically inserted into the buttocks to increase volume. This option is typically considered when patients lack sufficient fat for transfer or desire a more significant augmentation than fat transfer can provide. Unfortunately, buttock implants have been associated with a high incidence of rotation and infection.
Understanding these options helps you discuss with your surgeon which method aligns best with your body type and aesthetic goals.
Choosing between an awake Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) under local anesthesia and one performed under general anesthesia involves weighing various factors related to safety, comfort, and recovery. An awake BBL under local anesthesia means the patient remains conscious but experiences numbness in the surgical areas. This approach can reduce risks associated with general anesthesia, such as adverse reactions and prolonged recovery times. Patients may benefit from shorter postoperative downtime, less nausea, and potentially lower costs. Additionally, being awake allows for real-time communication between the patient and surgeon, which some patients find reassuring.
On the other hand, a BBL performed under general anesthesia renders the patient completely unconscious, eliminating any awareness during the procedure. This may allow the surgeon to work more vigorously without concern for patient movement. However, since the buttock muscles are paralyzed, the risk of fat embolism by mistakenly injecting fat into or below the gluteal muscles are much higher, making it a much more hazardous procedure than awake BBL under local anesthesia.
Ultimately, the decision between local and general anesthesia should be made in consultation with an experienced surgeon. Factors such as the patient’s overall health, the extent of the procedure, personal comfort levels, and specific medical considerations will influence the most appropriate choice. An individualized assessment ensures that the selected anesthesia method aligns with the patient’s safety and desired outcomes.
Selecting a qualified, experienced cosmetic surgeon is perhaps the most critical step. Look for a surgeon who performs a lot of these per year and adheres to high ethical standards.
Additionally, review before-and-after photos of the surgeon’s previous patients, read testimonials, and consider scheduling consultations with multiple surgeons to find the best fit for your needs.
It’s essential to have realistic expectations about what buttock augmentation can achieve. While the procedure can enhance your buttocks’ size and shape, it won’t necessarily transform your entire body image or resolve underlying self-esteem issues.
Discuss your goals openly with your surgeon. They can provide a professional assessment and help you understand what results are attainable based on your anatomy and the chosen procedure.
Recovery from buttock augmentation requires patience and adherence to post-operative instructions. After surgery, you’ll need to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for at least three weeks (in the case of a BBL) to ensure proper fat grafting and healing.
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common during the initial recovery phase. Understanding the recovery timeline and arranging for necessary support at home—such as help with daily activities—will facilitate a smoother healing process.
Buttock augmentation can be a significant financial investment. Costs vary widely depending on the surgeon’s experience, the type of procedure, geographic location, and facility fees. On average, the price can range from $7,000 to $15,000.
Many plastic surgery practices offer financing plans or work with third-party financing companies. Discuss all associated costs during your consultation, including pre-operative tests, post-operative garments, medications, and follow-up visits.
Our practice at BodyLuxe with Dr Farrugia performs BBLs exclusively awake under local anesthesia, thus avoiding both the risks and costs of general anesthesia. We do not typically require preoperative testing for healthy clients since there is no general anesthesia involved. We provide the pos-operative garment (faja) and BBL pillow free of charge. Similarly, we do not charge for follow-up visits.
Your overall health plays a vital role in the success of the surgery and recovery. Surgeons often recommend that patients:
Maintain a Stable Weight: Fluctuations in weight can affect surgical results. Aim to reach and maintain your ideal weight before surgery.
Quit Smoking, Vaping and Marijuana Use: Smoking impairs circulation and can hinder healing. It’s advised to stop smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery.
Avoid Certain Medications: Blood-thinning medications and supplements can increase bleeding risks. Provide your surgeon with a full list of medications and supplements you’re taking.
Adopt Healthy Habits: A balanced diet and regular exercise can improve your body’s resilience and recovery capabilities.
All surgical procedures involve placing some sort of access site or incision. With fat removal and fat transfer procedures including BBL, incisions are minimal and associated with the liposuction sites. While in most people, the incisions fade away to not be noticeable, Dr Farrugia prefers to place access sites in skin creases or in locations that hide very well in the uncommon situations that the sites don’t fade well enough.
Discuss with your surgeon where the incisions will be placed and how visible the scars may be. They can provide strategies for incision care and minimization during the healing process.
Results from buttock augmentation can be long-lasting, but they are not entirely permanent. Factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, and gravity can alter the appearance over time.
In the case of a BBL, some of the transferred fat may not survive, which is why Dr Farrugia places more fat than is expected to survive to account for the amount of fat that “goes away” over time. Typically, what you keep at 3 months will stay with you long term. On the other hand, buttock implants may require replacement or removal in the future due to complications or personal preference.
Understanding the potential need for future interventions helps you plan accordingly and maintain your desired results.
Embarking on the journey toward buttock augmentation is a significant decision that requires thorough research and consideration. By understanding the different procedures, evaluating risks and benefits, choosing a qualified surgeon, and preparing both mentally and physically, you set the foundation for a successful outcome.
Remember, open communication with your surgeon is paramount. Don’t hesitate to voice your questions and concerns. With the right information and professional guidance, you can confidently move forward toward achieving your aesthetic goals.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss your specific situation.
Fat removal, Liposuction, BBL, Fat Transfers, and Body Contouring on Michigan Ave in downtown Chicago by Daniel J Farrugia MD PhD FACS
John Hancock Center – 875 N Michigan Ave Ste 3620, Chicago, IL 60611
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