Buttock Augmentation Using Silicone Implants

The desire to have a firm and sensuous buttocks, like that of Beyonce or Kim Kardashian, has sprouted over the past several years. Unfortunately, exercise alone is not sufficient to acquire this voluptuous buttock that some women desire. During the past decade, buttock augmentation has gained popularity in the United States. Before one contemplates on having a buttock augmentation performed, whether with the use of silicone implants or with the use of fat grafts, one should be fully informed about these various procedures.

Buttock Augmentation Techniques

Buttock augmentation using a solid silicone elastomer implants
Brazilian butt lift with the use of fat grafts
Augmentation with autologous tissue by rearranging the tissues in one's buttock. It's the typical procedure used for body contouring surgery after a massive weight loss.

Photograph by Paolo Brandao from Caldas de Reis, España (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Fast Facts about Buttock Augmentation Using Silicone Implants

Associated with a higher risk of dehiscence (wound separation) of the midline low sacral incision ~14-30%. However, a recent study has shown a 1.5% risk of wound dehiscence.
Most common complication of buttock augmentation using silicone implants is formation of seroma (19-28%).
Overall re-operation rate is ~13% in one study.
Infection rate is approximately 6.5% (subfascial and intramuscular implants.)
One study showed that placing the buttock implants below or above the muscle did not show any significant difference with regards to complications.
If a patient has inadequate fat available, buttock implants may be the only choice available.

Disadvantages of Buttock Augmentation using Implants placed Sub- or Intramuscularly

Risk of sciatic nerve injury
Inability to enhance the lower buttock or lateral buttock since the implant can only be placed in the upper to mid buttocks
Wound dehiscence/separation rate with implants which typically occur 1 to 2 weeks after surgery
Recurrent or chronic seromas around the implant (2-4%)

Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D. The Woodlands Plastic Surgeon

References: Bruner, et al. Complications of Buttocks Augmentation: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2006, Vol 33 (3): 449-466 Gonzalez R. Augmentation gluteoplasty: the XYZ method. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2004;28:417-425 Mendieta CG. Gluteoplasty. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2003;23:441-455. Senderoff, Douglas. Buttock Augmentation With Solid Silicone Implant. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2011;31(3): 320