Buttock augmentation

Round, full buttocks have always been a sign of feminine attractiveness and fertility. Which is why the buttock augmentation (gluteoplasty) procedure is gaining in popularity.

Lipofilling is the most appropriate technique for buttock augmentation. This involves extracting fat from a different location and then injecting it into the buttocks. This technique offers several distinct advantages. This ensures that the buttock augmentation will always look natural, with no risk of rejection, and the chance of infection or wound issues is much lower. Sometimes a second procedure is needed to achieve the desired buttock volume, as a small amount of fat may be lost after the initial transplantation. What remains, however, is permanent. Additionally, a buttock augmentation with one's own fat leaves no scars.

• Your self-image is negatively affected by flat buttocks that are out of proportion with the rest of your body. A buttock augmentation can improve the overall balance of your body.
• If the skin on your buttocks has lost its elasticity entirely (e.g. after significant weight loss), you may be more suited for a buttock lift (possibly in combination with a buttock augmentation).

A buttock augmentation with your own fat tissue (lipofilling) is always performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes about 2-3 hours. First, atraumatic liposuction is performed using Waterjet-Assisted Liposuction (WAL). By loosening fat cells with a fine jet of water, fewer fat cells are damaged and the survival rate of fat cells is higher (up to 80%). The fat is purified and injected into both buttocks through several small (1 mm) incisions. The liposuction and lipofilling incisions are closed. An elastic compression bandage is applied to the liposuction area (e.g. an abdominal band or lipo tights). You may leave the hospital the same day (day hospital admission).

Try to avoid applying pressure to the buttocks for 6 weeks. So, you may not sleep on your back. Sitting as little as possible (and sitting quite upright) is also necessary. Showering is allowed from the first day after surgery. The pressure garments are best worn for 6 weeks. Standard painkillers are necessary for 10-14 days. Your buttocks may feel numb or, conversely, hypersensitive for several weeks.

Post-operative bleeding and infection are very rare complications of buttock augmentation with one’s own fat tissue. Smoking reduces the survival rate of the injected fat cells and increases the risk of infection. For this procedure, it is therefore necessary to stop smoking.

Thromboembolic phenomena (clot in the calf veins, fat embolism or lung embolism) are avoided by wearing special compression stockings during the procedure and possible administration of a blood thinner before and after the procedure for high-risk patients. Stopping smoking can also reduce the risk of these complications.

Buttock augmentation is considered a purely aesthetic procedure and is not eligible for reimbursement by health insurers.

Latest publication date: 13/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vertriest Rudolf