Buttock augmentation surgery, sometimes referred to as a Brazilian butt lift when fat transfer is involved, uses implants, fat grafting or sometimes a combination of both to increase the size of your buttocks. This procedure can:

• Increase fullness, roundness and projection of your buttock
• Improve the balance of your figure
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

Buttock augmentation surgery is right for someone who does not like the shape of their buttock or is looking to balance their body. It is commonly performed in one of two ways, with implants or fat transfer. The fat transfer procedure is commonly known as a "Brazilian butt lift."

Buttock augmentation is a very personal procedure and you should do it for yourself, not for someone else.

You may be a good candidate for buttock augmentation if:

• You are physically healthy
• You have realistic expectations
• You are bothered by the feeling that your buttock is too small
• You are unhappy with the roundness or general shape of your buttock
• Your buttock is asymmetrical

At the time of discharge you will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your buttocks and any areas that may have been liposuctioned following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

You will be instructed to wear a support garment "around the clock" following your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you how long you need to wear the garment and if there are any other garments that you may have to wear during your recovery. Each buttock augmentation procedure has specific steps that you need to take to ensure a healthy recovery and good results:

Buttock Augmentation With Implants

You will need to wear a support garment for approximately two to three weeks after your procedure. This will help the skin redrape properly and provide support to the augmented buttocks. Final results are noticeable three months after surgery. At this point, most of the swelling will be gone and the implants will be settled in their normal position.

Buttock Augmentation With Fat Grafting Recovery

You will be asked to avoid prolonged sitting for about two weeks (some surgeons prefer longer). This is very important because prolonged sitting will damage the fat.

You will also be encouraged to sleep face down or on your side. When you do have to sit, you will have to use a pillow or cushion placed behind the legs (hamstring muscles) to help raise the buttock avoiding pressure onto the fat grafts.

You will also be provided with a support garment that will apply even compression to the areas that were treated with liposuction. In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid.

You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Your surgeon may encourage you to seek a lymphatic massage from a licensed massage therapist. You can generally resume exercise after six to eight weeks.

With either procedure, it is important to be informed about the steps you can take to aid your recovery.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
• How long will I wear the compression garment?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.

Following your physician's instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It's important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Your buttock augmentation results are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery.

Buttock augmentation incision lines are permanent, but will continue to fade over time. The final results of your buttock augmentation with implants will appear over the next few months as your implant, buttock shape and position continue to settle.

If your procedure was performed with fat transfer, it can take up to a year to see your final results. Some of the fat that leads to the initial shape after surgery will be reabsorbed by your body.

The results of your buttock augmentation surgery will be long lasting. Over time, your buttock size and shape can continue to change due to aging and gravity. You'll be able to retain your new look longer if you:

• Maintain your weight
• Keep a healthy lifestyle

If your surgery was performed with fat transfer, it is important to keep in mind that this fat can behave like any other fat in your body. If you gain weight, the fat in your buttocks may grow. If you lose weight, you may lose some of the volume in the buttocks as the fat shrinks.

The decision to have buttock augmentation surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any buttock augmentation risks and potential complications.

The risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

During your consultation for buttock augmentation surgery be prepared to discuss:

• Why you want the surgery, your expectations, and the desired outcome
• Medical conditions, drug allergies, and previous medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use

Your plastic surgeon will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Take photographs
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of buttock augmentation and any risks or potential complications

Prior to buttock augmentation surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get a blood test
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon questions. It's very important to understand all aspects of your buttock augmentation surgery. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

Use this checklist as a guide during your consultation:

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• What surgical technique is recommended for me?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• How can I expect my arms to look over time?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my arm lift?
• Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?