Buttock Augmentation With Fat - Dr Filipa Oliveira
What is Buttock Augmentation with Fat?
Buttock augmentation with fat, also known as buttock augmentation, buttock lipofilling or buttock fat grafting, is a procedure that consists of removing fat from “problem” areas of the body by means of liposuction, and injecting that same fat into the buttocks after treatment to remould, increase volume or correct irregularities. It's a process that reuses the body's own fat to obtain a natural, long-lasting result with a minimal rejection rate, since it's the patient's own fat.
Characteristics of ideal candidates
for a gluteus augmentation
Candidates for buttock augmentation with fat are patients who want to increase the size and improve the shape of their buttocks, without having implants. The best candidates generally have the following characteristics:
- They want to increase the size and volume of their buttocks, remodelling or correcting irregularities;
- You have fat available in other areas of your body;
- Don't consider getting silicone implants in your buttocks;
- Skin with good elasticity in the buttocks/hips area;
- Healthy and stable weight;
- Good general health;
- Non-smokers;
- Realistic expectations.
What results can I expect
after a buttock augmentation with fat
The final result of buttock augmentation with fat is expected after 3 to 6 months - during this time, the body can absorb up to 40% of the injected fat and the rest remains. As fat reabsorption differs from patient to patient, in some cases you may need a second fat grafting session. To maintain the result over time, it is recommended that you don't have significant weight fluctuations, that you take part in physical activity and eat a balanced diet.
Surgery Procedure
buttock augmentation
1. A chat with the Doctor
The first step in your buttock augmentation consultation is a chat with the medical team to understand your expectations and the results you want to achieve. A detailed body assessment will be carried out, as well as your medical history, to see if you are suitable for surgery.
2. 3D simulation
In some cases, the Vectra 3D XT allows you to simulate the outcome of the surgery so that you can get an idea of the result that can be achieved.
3. Detailed explanation
During the gluteal fat consultation, a personalised treatment plan will be presented and the risks of surgery, care before and after surgery and the results you can expect will be explained.
4. Budget
After the medical consultation, you will be given an exact quote for the surgery. The cost of buttock augmentation with fat depends on the amount of fat to be aspirated and injected, as well as the combination of procedures.
Other Graft Indications
Gluteal Fat
What does the
Can't treat buttock fat?
If you suffer from marked sagging in the buttocks, a fat graft may not be enough to fill in the “empty” space and achieve the desired result. You may be a good candidate for a buttock lift, combined with fat grafting, to eliminate excess skin and improve the volume and contour of this area.
In which areas of the body
can the fat be harvested?
The fat is harvested by liposuction from any problem area where fat is available. The most common areas are:
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Back
- Culottes
- Inner thigh
Type of Anaesthesia
Liposuction and fat infiltration of the buttocks can be performed with sedation and local or epidural anaesthesia - it depends on the areas to be treated, the combination of procedures and the characteristics of each patient. It is up to the anaesthetist to decide the type of anaesthesia for each particular patient.
Type of Incision - Scar
Buttock augmentation with fat is known as “scarless surgery”. The scars are millimetre-long incisions located in the body's natural folds, through which the liposuction cannula is inserted. After treatment, the fat is infiltrated into the buttocks through injections - this second process leaves no scars.
Buttock Augmentation:
Fat V Implants
Fat:
One of the main benefits of buttock augmentation with fat is the use of the patient's own fat (autologous fat). The fat provides very natural results to the eye and touch, and the rate of rejection and complications is very low. This procedure is an excellent option for patients who wish not only to increase the volume of their buttocks, but also to remould their body with liposuction. However, buttock augmentation has its limitations - it is not suitable for patients with a very low body fat index.
Implants:
Buttock augmentation with implants is an alternative to fat grafting and is indicated for patients who don't have enough body fat or who want more obvious results. Although this surgical technique provides excellent results, it is important to realise that implants are associated with a higher risk of complications than autologous fat, namely capsular contracture, implant displacement, implant infection, etc.
Augmentation surgery
buttocks with fat step-by-step
MARKING THE STANDING PATIENT
The markings for the liposuction and the area where the fat will be injected into the buttocks are made with the patient standing - before being anaesthetised, so that the areas of the body to be treated can be correctly visualised.
SEDATION
Sedation is injected by the anaesthetist and then, when the patient is asleep, local or epidural anaesthesia is administered.
DISINFECTION AND PLACEMENT OF SURGICAL DRAPES
The buttocks and liposuction sites are disinfected to reduce the risk of infection. Operating drapes are then placed to isolate the area to be operated on from the external environment.
THE INCISIONS
Millimetre-long incisions are made through which liposuction cannulas are inserted.
Grease extraction
The cannula is inserted into the areas to be treated. The liposuction cannula is connected to a vacuum suction pump that sucks the fat outwards. Once the fat has been treated and purified, it is injected into strategic areas of the buttocks.
Closing the incisions
Small stitches are made which are usually removed after a week; drains are placed whenever necessary to prevent fluid accumulation and reduce the risk of infection.
Recovery
The patient is woken up by the anaesthetist and then transported to the recovery room where they remain under observation until they are discharged.
Preparation for a Gluteal Augmentation
Before Surgery
- Carry out all the medical examinations requested and send them in as early as possible.
- Don't smoke in the month before and the month after surgery. Smokers have a higher risk of complications, particularly difficulties with healing and fat reabsorption.
- Do not take tablets such as aspirin or those containing acetylsalicylic acid, or slimming tablets in the 10 days before surgery. You should inform the medical team of any medication you take or health problems you suffer from.
- Carefully read the documentation given to you before the surgery, as doubts may arise.
- If you become ill or unwell in the days leading up to the surgery, you should inform the medical team immediately.
- Organising your personal life: you'll need help at home, especially if you have young children.
- Do you have any questions about the surgery? Don't wait until the last day and ask all your questions in advance.
Surgery Day
- Fasting from midnight on the day before the surgery (not eating or even drinking water); - Eating light meals the day before.
- Bathe with the disinfectant gel the day before and the day of surgery.
- Take loose, easy-to-wear clothes.
- Do not use creams, perfumes, make-up or nail varnish.
- Do not wear accessories such as earrings, bracelets, piercings, etc.
- Do not wear contact lenses.
- Always be accompanied for the first 48 hours and don't go home alone or drive.
- Schedule all social and professional activities so that you can rest in the days following surgery.
Post-operative
- The recovery period depends on the extent of the liposuction, but also varies from person to person.
- You may feel discomfort or moderate pain. Rest and prescribed medication will help relieve these symptoms.
- Take short walks to promote circulation.
- Avoid any kind of exertion for the first 8 days.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid baths and environments that are too hot.
- Avoid sun exposure.
- Do not smoke during the month following surgery and while the healing process is ongoing.
- Do not take part in physical activity until advised by a doctor.
- Wear compression stockings until otherwise advised by the medical team.
Benefits of Buttock Augmentation with Fat
Medical Specialists
About
Dr Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 47051, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Subspecialist in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine.
Licensed by Lisbon Medical School, It was at this institution that she took her Master's degree in Human Sexuality and is currently working on her PhD.
She has been a member of the faculty's teaching staff since 2008, as Assistant Professor at the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, essentially in the area of surgical anatomy, and she is also the supervisor of master's theses.
About
Dr Mariana da Rocha Martins/ Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 55124, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
He graduated from Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto and completed his speciality in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the University Hospital Centre Lisboa Central - St Joseph's Hospital.
During his specific training in Plastic Surgery, he worked at internationally renowned institutions such as the Kaplan Institute (Barcelona), in La Clinic (Montreux) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (London).
About
Dr Marta Gouveia Duarte/ Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 57817, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, where she completed her Master's thesis in Human Ageing.
He completed his speciality in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central - Hospital de São José.
He collaborates in various research projects in NOVA Medical School.
About
Dr Sara Carvalho / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 60781, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Licensed by Lisbon Medical School. He completed his speciality in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central - Hospital de São José.
She has taken various courses in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast and aesthetic surgery of the face.
She is currently a member of the clinical staff of the Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery service at the Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central, where she excels in the areas of Breast Reconstruction, Body Contouring and Post-Bariatric Surgery, Paediatric Plastic Surgery, Trauma and Burn Surgery. She works as a hospital assistant, is a training supervisor and is responsible for Safe Surgery at the institution.
About
Dr Filipa Oliveira/ Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 59147, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, where she completed her master's thesis on paediatric scars.
She holds a doctorate in medicine from the University of Münster in Germany.
After completing her speciality, she became a Senior Graduate Assistant (Oberärztin) at the Fachklinik Hornheide and the University of Münster. She is currently collaborating on various research projects at the University of Münster, where she is supervising doctoral students. She is also a regular correspondent for scientific and leisure magazines in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Buttock Augmentation with Fat
Is buttock augmentation with fat a safe procedure?
Like any surgical procedure, buttock augmentation with fat has potential risks and complications. However, when performed by an accredited clinic and by a reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeon with experience in liposuction and fat grafting, it is a safe surgery with a low complication rate. It is also important that, before surgery, you undergo preoperative examinations and follow all the precautions to the letter.
What is the price of a buttock augmentation in Lisbon?
The price of buttock augmentation with fat varies from person to person and depends on the following factors: - Number of areas to eliminate fat; - Amount of fat to eliminate in each area; - Amount of fat to inject; - Combination of procedures.
Can I combine buttock augmentation with other procedures?
Yes, buttock augmentation with fat is always associated with liposuction (of one or more areas) and is often combined with other types of intervention such as abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, mastopexy, breast reduction and others.
What is the best area of the body to harvest fat?
Fat can be harvested from any area of the body where it is available and bothersome. The most common areas are: belly, flanks, back, culottes, inner thighs and knees.
How many litres of fat can be injected into the buttocks?
The limit to the amount of fat applied to each buttock in a fat graft is determined by the ability of the skin to distend and the possibility of applying homogeneously distributed fat. In practice, we apply an average of 250-500 ml to each buttock. After 3 months, the applied fat has already been integrated into the recipient area, and it is possible to repeat the procedure and apply more fat.
Can my body reject fat?
One of the main advantages of autologous fat grafting is that, because it is not a foreign body, the risk of rejection, allergies and adverse effects is greatly reduced.
From what age can I have a buttock augmentation?
Technically, buttock augmentation with fat can be carried out by any patient who has an indication for surgery, a good general state of health and realistic expectations.
Does buttock augmentation correct sagging?
By filling an “empty space”, fat grafting can improve the appearance of the buttocks, including mild sagging and irregularities. In cases of severe sagging, fat grafting will not be enough and you may be referred for a buttock lift (removing excess skin).
Does buttock augmentation treat cellulite?
Fat grafting will make the skin on your buttocks smoother and softer, but it is not a treatment for cellulite. If you have severe cellulite, you should combine fat grafting with specific cellulite treatments, exercise, drink fluids and eat a balanced diet.
I'm in the process of losing weight. Can I have the surgery now?
If you are in the process of losing weight, it is advisable to wait until you reach your desired weight, as fluctuations in weight can compromise the outcome of the surgery. If you lose weight after surgery, you will also lose volume in your buttocks.
Is the result of buttock augmentation permanent?
The result of buttock augmentation with fat can last for many years. The final result is visible after 3 to 6 months - during this time the body can reabsorb up to 40% of the injected fat. After this time, the fat that remains in the body is expected to remain over the years. For the results to be long-lasting, you need to maintain a stable weight, exercise and eat a balanced diet.
Are the results of fat grafting visible immediately after surgery?
Yes, the result is visible immediately after surgery, but post-operative swelling can distort the actual result. Generally, the final result is assessed after 6 months - at this point, the body will be free of residual swelling and the expected fat absorption will have taken place (up to 40%).
What are the risks and complications of buttock augmentation with fat?
Buttock augmentation with fat is a safe surgery, but like any surgical procedure, it is not without risks and complications. The most common complications of liposuction with fat grafting are: infection, delayed or unsightly healing, changes in skin sensitivity, contour irregularities, asymmetry, fat resorption, etc. Our medical team will do their best to achieve a good result and if they consider that the risk of complications for your specific case is high, they will advise other treatment options.
Is the post-operative period painful?
Post-operative discomfort depends essentially on the extent of the liposuction. You can expect to feel moderate pain in the days following surgery, which is easily relieved with prescribed painkillers.
Are drains used?
Drains are used whenever necessary after liposuction to prevent fluid accumulation and reduce the risk of complications.
When can I return to work and sport?
Depending on the extent of the liposuction, you can return to work between 3 and 7 days after surgery (for office jobs). However, each case is different and recovery may be slower or faster in different patients. Physical exercise or strenuous activities can only be resumed after a month and gradually.
When can I travel?
You can travel after 3 to 7 days if your recovery is going as expected. If you live abroad and wish to have buttock augmentation in Portugal, it is important to allow the necessary number of days to recover before returning to your country of residence. We have a specialised team that will give you the support you need to carry out your surgery in Lisbon safely.
What are the limitations of buttock augmentation with fat?
The main limitation of buttock augmentation with fat is the amount of fat we can obtain by aspiration. Very thin patients with little adipose tissue may not be suitable for lipofilling and may have to resort to other approaches, such as silicone implants.
Are there financing options or payment plans available to pay for a gluteal fat augmentation?
Having financing options to help patients manage the cost of surgery is often a crucial factor when choosing a plastic surgeon and clinic. At LMR, we have payment facilities to make it easier to pay for buttock augmentation surgery with fat. Patients should be aware of the payment policies and requirements associated with these options at the time of their initial consultation, so that they can make informed decisions about financing buttock augmentation with fat. For more information on payment facilities, please contact us using the contact form or by email - geral@lmrcirurgiaplastica.pt.
