Gluteoplasty is a surgical intervention with the objective of improving and accentuating the contour of the gluteus region (buttocks). Thus, the improvement of the contour can include the increase of volume or the redistribution of existing fat, to improve the proportion between the waist and the hip. Thus, Gluteoplasty is often associated with Liposuction, but to remove unwanted fat from the back, belly or thighs. It is known by other names like “Brazilian Butt Lift”, “BBL”, “Brazilian Butt”.
WHO HAS INDICATION TO PERFORM A GLUTEOPLASTY?
Anyone who wants to improve the contour of the buttocks, accentuate the contour, or improve the ratio between the waist and hip. Who wants to increase or decrease the volume of the buttocks. It is also indicated for those who have ptosis (“fall”) of the buttocks and need a facelift of the buttocks.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED?
Gluteoplasty can be performed in several ways: with silicone implants, with fat transfer or with a combination of implants and fat. Each situation should be examined in a particular way to decide which technique is best.
The silicone implants are placed through a small incision between the two buttocks, the implants are placed between the nadegueiros muscles to be more protected and the buttock to look natural. They are more indicated in lean patients who do not have enough fat to be used to increase glutes.
The transfer of fat (lipofilling, liposculpture or lipograft) is performed through very small incisions (less than 1 cm) and that are hidden between the two buttocks and in the groove below the buttocks. First, it is necessary to do a liposuction to remove fat from unwanted areas; then the fat is treated (it can be in several ways: decanting, centrifugation or washing) and is finally transferred (injected) into the buttocks, to improve or accentuate the contour of the buttocks.
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia. Surgery can take between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the areas that are liposuctioned. The usual hospitalization period is 24 hours. It may be 48 hours, in case liposuction involves several areas of the body.
CAN GLUTEOPLASTY BE PERFORMED WITHOUT SCARRING?
Like any surgery, Gluteoplasty cannot be performed without scarring.
Nevertheless, the latest techniques allow you to easily hide the scars, so that they are not visible when wearing underwear or bathing suits. Moreover, they become less evident over time.
The size of the scar is usually less than 1 cm when the fat transfer is performed. When nadegueiros implants are placed, the scar is usually about 5-6 cm.
Therefore, your Plastic Surgeon will be able to advise you on how best to treat your scars.
WHAT ARE THE ADVERSE EFFECTS?
The most frequent adverse effects are transient (transient) and disappear spontaneously. The most frequent are ecchymosis (bruising) and edema (“swelling”). Usually, ecchymosis disappears between 2 to 3 weeks and edema progressively improves in the first 4 weeks.
A feeling of pressure in the buttocks is also frequent, resulting from increased volume and the skin stretching suddenly with increased volume.
In case liposuction is done to remove fat, it is normal to feel some numbness (which progressively improves from 2 to 6 months) or small irregularities in the skin, which will be attenuated over time.
It is still customary to feel more tired and trapped in movements the first time you get out of bed and so should do it gradually and with help.
WHAT IS THE EXPECTED RESULT?
The result of Gluteoplasty is the improvement of the contour and shape of the buttocks and the improvement of the proportion between the buttocks and the waist; the improvement of the proportion between the buttocks and thighs and the improvement of their self-esteem.
The final result will only be visible between 4 to 6 months after surgery, when the edema is already resolved, without bruising and the skin has already acquired its usual tonicity.
Therefore, to obtain the desired result it is essential to comply with the postoperative recommendations.
Small touch-ups or scar corrections may be required.
WHAT CARE AFTER A GLUTEOPLASTY?
Usually, the patient is discharged the day after surgery and can recover in the comfort of his home. Only in cases where high-volume liposuction is performed may more days of hospitalization be required (usually 2 days).
In this way, it is advisable to wear compressive clothing (post-surgical shorts) for a period of 1 to 2 months to avoid edema (“swelling”) and bruises (“bruising”).
Manual lymphatic drainage is also advised to speed up recovery, improve comfort and decrease edema and fibrosis. Lymphatic drainage should begin 2 to 3 days after surgery. What we recommend is that you perform daily treatments in the first week, 3 treatments in the second week and 1 treatment in the following weeks.
In cases of gluteoplasty with prostheses it is recommended to avoid sitting and pressure the operated region for 1 week. You can sit down, but you always have to stand on your thighs and not on your buttocks.
All patients screen for the risk of thrombosis prior to surgery and prevention of the risk of thrombosis with the measures indicated before, during and after surgery. It is also recommended that patients move early.
We also advise the follow-up of a Rehabilitation Physiotherapist in the first weeks to help the recovery of strength and mobility after surgery, with an individualized and adequate plan for each patient.
WHEN CAN YOU RESUME DAILY ACTIVITY/ROUTINE AFTER SURGERY?
The return to daily routine depends on the characteristics of the patient, the type of activity and the extent of the abdominal procedure, which is the one that usually has the most prolonged recovery.
All patients are advised to walk early, preferably the day after surgery. Most return to work 4 to 6 weeks after the intervention, although a period of 2 months is recommended until they resume more intense physical exercise.
Therefore, it is important that you get up early and move to help reduce edema and to reduce the risk of thrombosis.
WILL I GET BETTER AFTER PERFORMING SURGERY?
Gluteoplasty is a surgical intervention that aims to provide an improvement of your physical appearance and also a strengthening of your self-esteem. However, the new image you will acquire will not change, by itself, all other areas of your life (professional, family, social), so it is essential to have this awareness.
In fact, emotional balance is indispensable to undergo surgical intervention, especially if it is aesthetic in nature.
IS IT SAFE?
Like any surgery, Gluteoplasty is not without risks.
Thus, the first step is to consult a Plastic Surgeon, who is well experienced.
In addition, you should choose a clinic with an appropriate environment for consultation and surgery.
It is also important to choose the appropriate time to perform the surgery, whether socially, personally or professionally.
You should talk openly with your doctor, ask all questions, clarify your goals and expectations and listen to the possible results, the necessary postoperative care and possible complications.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A GLUTEOPLASTY?
The value of a Gluteoplasty-like intervention is dependent on the technique that is used. Thus, to give you a reference price that is as close to your case as possible, report your problem to Dr. Bhupendra Gaidhane through our Contact Form.