Not every woman feels satisfied with their natural derriere, which is why butt augmentation is one of the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures in the US. At MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center in Milford, Pennsylvania, we understand that every individual has unique concerns when it comes to their body, and we are passionate about helping patients look and feel their best.
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Richard E. Buckley and the team at MilfordMD are committed to providing the best care to our clients. This guide will provide you with information on exactly what you should expect from start to finish in the butt augmentation process.
The Basics of Butt Augmentation
What Is a Butt Augmentation?
A buttock lift is traditionally the removal of excess skin on the buttocks, restoring a firmer, smoother, and more slender appearance. Butt augmentation, however, is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure that can reshape and enhance the buttocks. With round, firm buttocks on everyone’s wish list, it comes as no surprise that, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it is one of the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures.
Results are achieved by a skilled doctor reshaping the gluteal area and adding volume by using the bodies own natural fatty tissue or by using buttock implants. The final result of this procedure is a lifted, more rounded, and voluptuous behind.
How Is It Performed?
Nowadays, more and more people are opting to use their own body fat rather than implants to create their dream derriere. This type of procedure is more commonly known as the Brazilian Butt Lift. At MilfordMD, Dr. Richard E. Buckley has used this approach for years to achieve each client’s desired look. Sculptra, a type of dermal filler, can also be used alongside a Brazilian Butt lift to achieve maximum volume.
The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia with the patient awake and comfortable throughout. Fat cells are harvested from areas of the body with extra fatty tissue such as thighs, hips, abdomen, and the back. These fat stores are then purified and then gently transferred to the buttocks to create fullness and curvature.
Why Choose Fat Tissue Over Implants?
By using the bodies own fatty tissue rather than the insertion of silicone implants, a more natural, rounder looking result is achieved without the worry of implants shifting or flipping. By choosing this method, clients benefit from losing excess fat in unwanted areas to create a more slender and curvaceous figure, and a lifting, plumping, and rounding of the buttocks, all in one procedure.
Since the fat cells are your own, it eliminates the risk of the body rejecting a foreign substance, drastically lowers the risk of infection, and is much safer and long-lasting. Clients of MilfordMD will need no stitching and so recovery and healing are much quicker than the implant method. Plus, the stem cells in the transferred fat help to speed up the healing process. There is also very minimal scarring associated with this method.
Who Does It Work For?
The shape and size of an individual’s buttocks are mainly determined by the skeletal structure and how their body stores fat. Even those who actively work to promote growth in the derriere with exercise and diet can remain unhappy with the lack of volume. There are many reasons as to why people may choose to have this procedure, the most common being:
- Buttocks do not match body shape and a more balanced look is wanted
- Weight loss or aging has left buttocks flat or sagging
- Clothing does not fit comfortably
- Feeling self-conscious and a more curvaceous look is desired
A good candidate for this procedure must be over 18 years of age, in good general health with realistic expectations, and have no personal or first degree relative with a history of cancer. Another key factor is to have sufficient fat stores on the body. Excess fat will be removed from areas such as the abdomen, lower back, thighs, and hips. This fat will be treated and reinjected into the buttocks. Without available excess fat, the procedure cannot be performed and alternative options will need to be investigated.
Getting Started
You’ve thoroughly researched the procedure and given it a lot of thought to how it will affect your life and you think it is the right option for you. So, where do you go from here and how do you start your journey?
Choosing Your Surgeon
It is important to find a surgeon you can trust, you feel comfortable with, and who has experience and accreditations in this type of procedure. Dr. Richard E. Buckley has over 30 years of experience and is one of the most sought-after experts in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania tri-state area. With a collection of awards under his belt, such as America’s Most Honored Doctors and Pennsylvania’s Favorite Physicians Five Year Honoree, he is a doctor you can trust.
The MilfordMD Surgery & Laser Center has been accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This is the highest accreditation a surgical center can receive, and clients can feel assured they are in the best possible hands with Dr. Richard E. Buckley at MilfordMD.
Consultation
Once you have found the right surgeon for you, a consultation will be arranged. During this consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss your cosmetic goals and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Your surgeon will examine your buttocks and evaluate if you are a good candidate for the procedure. You will need to disclose your complete medical history, including any information about previous surgeries, any medical conditions, allergies, and current medications.
Together, you will create a treatment plan that best serves your unique body and aesthetic goals. You will discuss how the procedure will be done and the results you will achieve. Your doctor will also inform you about financial costs, any associated risks, pre-procedure preparations, and what to expect after the surgery and recovery.
Before, During, and After the Procedure
Now you have been approved for the buttock lift with augmentation and you will have a procedure date booked in. What exactly happens from here?
Before
Before the procedure, your surgeon will give you a list of instructions and ensure you have a clear understanding of what is to come. You will be asked to stop smoking at least six weeks before to promote better healing. Blood-thinning and drugs which can cause increased bleeding, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and some herbal medications, should be avoided.
As the procedure is done on an outpatient basis, the client should arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for the first night after the procedure.
During
All procedures will vary depending on the individual and their surgeon, at MilfordMD, the procedure is generally performed as follows. Once the client has been administered the anesthesia, the buttocks and harvest site will be prepped and cleaned with an antibacterial soap. The surgeon will then harvest fat from the donor sites, using very thin, blunt-tipped tubes known as cannulas. The fat is gently melted by carefully controlled laser energy and then removed using microcannula liposuction.
The fat is extracted from the body and into a sealed container designed to prevent exposure to contamination. Once extracted, the fat is transferred into syringes where it is purified and prepared to be transferred into the buttocks. A smaller cannula, similar to the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen, is used to transplant fat into the buttocks. Dr. Richard E. Buckley’s approach to skilled artistic placement of fat cells helps to improve the plumpness and curvature of the buttocks. The procedure typically lasts 2-4 hours.
After
Once the procedure is completed you will be monitored before being sent home. You may be given compression garments and any other medicines prescribed by your doctor. You will also be given specific recovery instructions unique to you and your procedure and it is important you take these seriously and follow them to the letter in order to see optimum results.
Recovery
Recovery time differs among individuals, however, generally, patients should rest for 24 hours after the procedure and keep activity light in the weeks following. After 24 hours, general, light activity such as walking is fine but patients should avoid placing any weight on the buttocks and avoid sitting positions. Lying on the stomach and using a pillow to sit without putting any pressure on the buttocks is recommended.
After a week most clients can return to work and after three to four weeks feel fully recovered. A return to exercise regimes is not recommended until after at least eight weeks. Smoking is not advised during the healing process as it can lower the fat transfer survival rate and increase the chance of infection. A follow-up appointment with your surgeon will be scheduled to ensure everything has gone as planned and the healing process is going well.
How Long Will Results Last?
Under normal circumstances, results are generally long-lasting. Fat cells removed from the donor site will not return to the area and the fat cells that have been transplanted will be there for the rest of your life and should behave just as normal body tissue does. To ensure the shape and contour of your new derriere is maintained, it is recommended to follow a healthy diet and exercise regime.
Will There Be Any Scarring?
There is very minimal scarring associated with this type of procedure, as the cannulas used to extract and insert the fat cells are very small. Typically, if any scarring exists it is smaller than a staple punch.
Will There Be Any Scarring?
Your doctor will give you specific aftercare and recovery instructions to ensure you achieve the best possible results from your procedure. Typically, patients should avoid driving as sitting directly on the buttocks will suffocate the newly transferred fat cells. Instead, it is recommended to sit on a donut-shaped pillow or something similar that directs pressure to the thighs rather than the buttocks. These, however, are not practical for driving. Sleeping on your front is really the only way you should be sleeping whilst in recovery.
Keep hydrated to aid recovery, sports drinks, or Himalayan rock salt added to water can be very beneficial. Eat nutrient-packed foods that will fuel your body with the essential minerals and vitamins needed to support recovery. Avoid fluctuations in weight and wear loose, comfortable clothing. And as already mentioned, do not smoke.
Learn More
A buttock lift with augmentation is a serious decision and there is a lot to think about. If you would like to change the appearance of your derriere, Dr. Richard E. Buckley will help guide you in your decision with professionalism and compassion. Contact MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center in Milford, Pennsylvania to schedule a consultation appointment and learn more about your options in buttock augmentation. Our staff are ready to assist you in every step of the process.
