Buttock Liposculpture - Before and After
WHAT IS THE BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING?
The buttock lipofilling, also known as gluteoplasty, buttock augmentation with fat graft or Brazilian Buttock Lift, is a surgical procedure that consists in removing fat from “problematic” areas of the body through liposuction, treating that same fat, and injecting it into the glutes to remodel, increase the volume, or correct irregularities. It is a process that uses the body’s own fat to achieve natural, long-lasting results, with a minimum rejection rate, as it is the patient’s own fat.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATES
FOR A BUTTOCK AUGMENTATION
The ideal candidates for a buttock lipofilling are patients who want to increase the size and improve the shape of the glutes, without placing implants. The best candidates usually have the following characteristics:
- They want to increase the size and volume of the glutes, remodel or correct irregularities;
- They have excess fat in other areas of the body;
- They do not consider placing silicone implants in the buttocks;
- Skin with good elasticity in the buttocks / hips area;
- Healthy and stable weight;
- Overall healthy;
- Non-smokers;
- Realistic expectations.
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WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT
AFTER BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING
The final result of the buttock lipofilling is expected 3 to 6 months after the surgery – during this time, the body can absorb up to 40% of the injected fat, as the rest remains. Because fat absorption is different for every patient, in some cases, a second fat grafting may be required. To maintain the results over time, the patient should avoid significant weight fluctuations, engage in physical activity and follow a balanced diet.
BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING
SURGERY PROCEDURE
1. Consultation
The first step of your buttock lipofilling appointment is a conversation with the medical team to understand your expectations and goals. A detailed assessment of both your body and your clinical history will be made, to evaluate if you are indicated for surgery.
2. 3D simulation
In some cases, Vectra 3D XT can simulate the result of the surgery so that you get an idea of what is possible to achieve
3. Detailed explanation
During the medical appointment regarding buttock lipofilling, a personalized treatment plan will be presented and you will understand the risks of the surgery, pre and postoperative care, and the results you can expect.
4. Quote
After the medical appointment, you will be presented with an exact price for the surgery. This depends on the amount of fat to be extracted and injected as well as the combination of procedures required.
OTHER INDICATIONS FOR
BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING
The buttock lipofilling is not only performed for aesthetic reasons. Other indications for fat grafting in this area are:
- Atrophy or loss of local fat;
- Muscle hypotrophy;
- Correction of congenital deformities such as underdeveloped or atrophied buttocks;
- Correction of acquired deformities (accidents, tumors, retractions, etc.);
- Asymmetries;
- Irregularities.
WHAT CANNOT BE TREATED BY
BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING?
If you suffer from severe flaccidity in the glutes, a fat graft may not be enough to fill the “empty” space and achieve the desired result. You may be a good candidate for a buttock lift, combined with a fat graft, to eliminate excess skin and improve the volume and contour of this area.
FROM WHICH AREAS OF THE BODY
CAN FAT BE HARVESTED?
Fat is harvested by liposuction from any area where fat is available. The most common areas are:
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Back
- Hips
- Inner thigh
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA
Liposuction and buttock lipofilling can be performed with sedation and local anesthesia or epidural – it depends on the exact areas to be treated, the combination of procedures and the characteristics of each patient. It is up to the anesthesiologist to decide the type of anesthesia for each patient.
TYPE OF INCISION - SCAR
Buttock lipofilling is known as a scar-free surgery. Scars are millimeter incisions located in the natural folds of the body, through which the liposuction cannula is inserted. After being processed, the fat is infiltrated into the buttocks through injections – this second process leaves no scars.
BUTTOCK AUGMENTATION:
FAT vs IMPLANTS
FAT:
One of the main benefits of buttock augmentation with fat grafting is the use of the patient’s own fat (autologous fat). Fat provides very natural results to sight and touch, and the rejections and complications are very rare. This procedure is an excellent option for patients who not only wish to increase the glute volume, but also to reshape the body with liposuction. However, it has its limitations – it is not indicated for patients with very low BMI (body mass index).
IMPLANTS:
Buttock augmentation with implants is an alternative to fat grafting and is indicated for patients who do not have enough body fat or who want more evident results. Although this surgical technique provides excellent results, it is important to be aware that implants are associated with a greater risk of complications than autologous fat, namely capsular contracture, displacement of implants, infection of implants, etc.
BUTTOCK
LIPOFILLING STEP-BY-STEP
MARKING PATIENTS WHILE STANDING
Both the markings for the liposuction and for the fat graft are made with the patient standing - before being anesthetized, so that the areas of the body to be treated can be correctly visualized.
SEDATION
Sedation is administered by the Anesthesiologist. The local anesthetics or epidural are administered next, when the patient is asleep;
DISINFECTION AND DELIMITATION OF OPERATING FIELDS
Both the buttocks and the liposuction areas are cleansed and disinfected to decrease the risk of infection. Operative fields are then placed to isolate the areas to be operated from the external environment.
INCISIONS
Millimeter incisions are made for the liposuction cannulas to be introduced.
ASPIRATION OF FAT
The cannula is introduced in the areas to be treated. The liposuction cannula is connected to a vacuum suction device that aspirates the fat. After being treated and purified, the fat is injected into strategic areas of the buttocks.
INCISIONS CLOSING
The incisions are closed with small stitches, which are usually removed after a week. Drains are placed whenever necessary to avoid the accumulation of fluids and reduce the risk of infection.
POST-ANESTHESIA CARE
The patient is awakened by the anesthesiologist and is then transported to the recovery room where she/he remains under observation before being discharged
PREPARATION FOR A BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING
Before Surgery
- Perform all preoperative exams requested by the medical team and send them as early as possible.
- Do not smoke in the months before and after the surgery. Smokers have a higher risk of complications, namely difficulties in healing and fat reabsorption.
- Do not take aspirin, weight loss pills or any pills containing acetylsalicylic acid 10 days prior to the surgery. On the day of the medical appointment, you must inform the medical team of any medication she is on, and any medical condition you suffer from.
- Carefully read the documentation that was provided to you before the surgery as questions may arise.
- If you get sick or feel ill in any way in the days prior to the surgery, the medical team should immediately be informed.
- Organize your personal life in advance. You should have help at home; especially if you have small children.
- Do you have any questions about the surgery? Do not wait for the day of surgery and ask all your questions in advance.
The Day of Surgery
- On surgery day, you must be fasting since midnight (do not eat or drink any liquids, including water). On the day before surgery, you should have light meals only.
- Shower with the prescribed antiseptic shower gel the day before and the day of surgery.
- Wear large, easy-to-wear clothes.
- Do not use creams, perfumes, make-up or nail varnishes.
- Do not use accessories such as earrings, bracelets, piercings, etc.
- Do not wear contact lenses.
- You must be permanently accompanied during the first 48 hours after the surgery, and you can neither drive nor go home unaccompanied.
- Organize your social and professional activities in order to be able to rest in the days following the surgery.
Postoperative
- The recovery period depends on the extent of liposuction, but it also differs from person to person.
- You may experience discomfort or moderate pain. Resting and taking the prescribed medication will help to relieve these symptoms.
- Take short walks to promote circulation.
- Avoid any kind of physical effort in the first 8 days.
- Drink a plenty of water.
- Avoid baths and hot environments.
- Avoid direct sun exposure.
- Do not smoke during the month following the surgery and for as long as the healing process lasts.
- Do not perform physical activity before medical approval.
- Wear compression stockings until otherwise indicated by the medical team.
BENEFITS OF BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING
Specialist Doctors
About
Dr. Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nr. 47051
Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, she completed her master’s degree in human sexuality and is currently developing her PhD at this same institution.
She joined the University faculty academic staff in 2008 as a lecturer of the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, mainly in the area of surgical anatomy, whilst also supervising master’s thesis for undergraduate students.
About
Dr. Mariana da Rocha Martins / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association – Nr. 55124
Graduated by the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto and specialized in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.
Throughout her specific training in plastic surgery, she worked in internationally renowned institutions such as Institut Kaplan (Barcelona), La Clinic (Montreux) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (London).
About
Dr. Marta Gouveia Duarte / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nº 57817
Graduated in Medicine from the School of Health Sciences of the University of Minho, where she completed her Master’s thesis in Human Aging.
She concluded her specialty in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central – Hospital de São José.
Collaborates in several research projects at NOVA Medical School.
About
Dr. Filipa Oliveira/ Plastic Surgery
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: registration Nº. 59147, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, where she completed her Master’s thesis on pediatric scars.
PhD in Medicine from the University of Münster in Germany.
After completing her specialty, she became a Senior Graduate Assistant (Oberärztin) at the Fachklinik Hornheide and the University of Münster. She is currently involved in 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.
FAQ about
Buttock Augmentation
IS BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING A SAFE PROCEDURE?
Like any surgical intervention, buttock lipofilling has potential risks and complications. However, if performed in 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 reduced complication rate. Also, it is crucial that before surgery, you perform all the preoperative exams and strictly follow all the preoperative care.
HOW MUCH DOES A BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING COST IN LISBON?
The price of a buttock lipofilling is different for each individual, as it depends on the following factors: – Number of areas where to eliminate fat; – Amount of fat to be eliminated in each area; – Amount of fat to be injected; – Combination of procedures.
CAN I COMBINE THE BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?
Yes. The buttock lipofilling is always associated with liposuction (of one or several areas) and is often combined with other types of interventions such as abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, mastopexy, breast reduction and others.
CAN I COMBINE THE INCREASE IN GLUTES WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?
Yes. The increase in glutes with fat is always associated with liposuction (of one or several zones) and is often combined with other types of interventions such as abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, mastopexy, breast reduction and others.
HOW MANY LITERS OF FAT CAN BE INJECTED IN GLUTES?
The limit amount of fat we can graft on each buttock is determined by the skin’s ability to stretch and the capacity to distribute the fat homogeneously. In practice, we apply an average of 250-500 ml on each buttock. 3 months after the procedure, the transplanted fat has already been integrated into the receiving area, making it possible to repeat the procedure and graft more fat.
CAN MY BODY REJECT THE 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 very low.
FROM WHAT AGE CAN I PERFORM A BUTTOCK AUGMENTATION?
Technically, the buttock lipofilling can be performed by any patient who has an indication for surgery, an overall good health condition and realistic expectations.
DOES THE BUTTOCK AUGMENTATION CORRECT FLACIDITY?
By filling an “empty space”, the fat graft can improve the appearance of the glutes, including mild sagging and irregularities. In cases of severe flaccidity, the fat graft will not be sufficient, and a buttock lift might be indicated (to eliminate excess skin).
DOES BUTTOCK AUGMENTATION TREAT CELLULITE?
The fat graft will make the buttock skin plainer and smoother, but it is not a treatment for cellulite. If you have severe cellulite, you should combine the fat graft with specific treatments for cellulite, practice physical exercise, drink plenty of liquids and have a balanced diet.
I AM IN THE PROCESS OF LOSING WEIGHT. CAN I DO THE SURGERY NOW?
If you are in the process of losing weight, it is advisable to wait until you reach the desired weight, as weight fluctuations 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 THE BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING DEFINITIVE?
The results of a buttock lipofilling can last many years. The end result is visible 3 to 6 months after the surgery – during this time the body can reabsorb up to 40% of the injected fat. After this time, the surviving fat is expected to remain there over the years. For the result to be long-lasting, it is necessary to maintain a stable weight, to practice physical exercise and have a balanced diet.
ARE THE BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING RESULTS VISIBLE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SURGERY?
Yes, the result is visible right after the surgery, but the post-operative swelling can distort the actual result. Usually, the result is evaluated 6 months after the surgery, when the body will be free from residual swelling and the expected fat absorption (up to 40%) will have already taken place.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF A BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING?
Buttock lipofilling is a safe surgery, but, like any surgical procedure, it is not without risks and complications. The most common complications of liposuction with a fat graft are: infection, prolonged or unsightly scarring, changes in skin sensitivity, irregularities in the contour, asymmetry, reabsorption of fat, etc. Our medical team will work hard for the best possible outcome, and if you consider that the risk of complications for your specific case is too high, they will advise you on other treatment options.
IS THE POST-OPERATIVE PAINFUL?
Postoperative discomfort depends essentially on the extent of the liposuction. You are expected to experience moderate pain in the days following surgery, but this can be easily relieved by taking the prescribed painkillers.
ARE DRAINS USED?
Drains are used whenever necessary after liposuction to avoid the accumulation of fluids and reduce the risk of complications.
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK AND PRACTISE SPORTS?
Depending on the extent of the liposuction, you can return to work 3 to 7 days after the surgery (office type work). However, each case is unique and recovery is different for every patient. Physical exercise or physical effort in general can only be resumed gradually, one month past.
WHEN CAN I TRAVEL?
You will be able to travel 3 to 7 days after the procedure, if recovery is going as expected. If you live abroad and wish to do your buttock lipofilling in Portugal, it is important to stay in the country for as many days as necessary to recover, before returning to your country of residence. We have a specialized team that will give you all the support you need to perform your surgery in Lisbon safely.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF BUTTOCK LIPOFILLING?
The main limitation of the buttock lipofilling is the amount of fat that we can obtain, by aspiration. Very thin patients with little adipose tissue may not have an indication for lipofilling and may have to resort to other approaches such as silicone implants.
