We talked previously about getting a
Brazilian butt with the help of buttock
implants, but Dr. George Lefkovits, a plastic surgeon in New York City, prefers
using another technique - micro
fat grafting. According to him, the use of fat grafting has revolutionized
buttock
augmentation. Compared to buttock implants, it is safer and requires less operative time
(just 90 minutes). It has less pain and discomfort post-operatively, and requires minimal recuperation. An additional benefit is that in removing fat from
the donor site(s) to be used for the grafting, such as the abdomen, the patient also benefits from a
modified liposuction to the donor site.
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During the procedure, the fat is injected through two very small incisions and is carefully layered through tunnels throughout the buttocks. In 30% to 35% of
the patients a
repeat fat grafting is necessary because of significant absorption of fat. However, it is unlikely that further fat grafting beyond the second
treatment will be necessary. Are you a good candidate?
An important consideration for buttock fat grafting is the availability of extra fat in different parts of the body. While fat is usually in abundance, there
are patients in whom there is no extra fat available. In these patients buttock augmentation with fat is obviously not
feasible and they have no choice but to opt for buttock
implants or padded
underwear.
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 What are the risks of buttock augmentation using fat grafting?
In about
one out of three patients, significant fat absorption occurs early on necessitating a second grafting procedure. “It is unlikely that further butt fat
injection procedures would be necessary. Other risks such as bleeding, infection, and scarring are rare,” says Dr.
Lefkovits. (Related:
Circumferential abdominoplasty)
What kind of results can you expect?
Newly shaped buttocks will usually feel natural after the healing process. Since the additional shape is created by a patient’s own living cells, the result
will look and feel normal. Patients will not even be able to distinguish which areas have been grafted. (Related:
Vida Guerra)
Following surgery patients wear a special surgical garment for 1-2 weeks for comfort and to minimize swelling. They are encouraged to
have massage and
ultrasound sessions beginning one week after surgery to minimize swelling, hardness, and to accelerate the healing process. When it comes to resuming
physical activity, each patient will have his or her timetable depending on the exact procedure performed and individual health factors. Most patients can
resume progressive exercise after 2 weeks, gradually getting back to the preoperative level after about 6 weeks. The good news is that patients can sit from
the first day of their buttock enlargement
surgery. However, sitting for prolonged periods of time right after surgery is not encouraged.
(Related:
Fat
grafting for big breasts)
How much does it cost?
The average cost of buttock augmentation via fat injection is approximately $10,000, though prices vary by surgeon and location.
(Related:
Buttock
augmentation and
Autologous fat transplant)
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