Buttocks
Lipofilling — Fat grafting (“Brazilian Butt Lift”)
What is it?
Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, fat injections or lipofilling, is a surgical procedure that uses a patient’s own fat to fill irregularities or grooves and to increase volume.
Aesthetic uses include restoring facial volume, lip augmentation and smoothing some irregularities, including those resulting from liposuction or injury. Increasing breast or buttock volume with the patient’s own fat is currently one of the most requested aesthetic procedures.
The required fat is obtained through one or more 3–5 mm incisions, usually from the abdomen or thigh. The procedure can complement liposuction in other areas by using the fat that has been removed.
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Procedures that may be combined
Buttock lift (“Posterior bodylift”)
What is it?
A buttock lift, or posterior bodylift, is commonly used when there is significant buttock laxity, particularly after substantial weight loss or bariatric surgery, resulting in sagging, loose tissue and loss of projection.
The procedure removes excess skin from the lumbosacral region above the buttocks and part of the fat. Some of the remaining fat may be used to add volume and projection. The scar is concealed within the underwear line, and liposuction may complement the procedure by improving definition of this area and the flanks.
Performing the posterior lift and abdominoplasty as separate procedures, rather than completing a circular bodylift in a single operation, makes it possible to maximise skin tension without compromising healing and may provide a more favourable aesthetic result.
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Procedures that may be combined
Buttock augmentation with implants
What is it?
Buttock augmentation with implants, also called augmentation gluteoplasty, consists of placing a silicone implant in each buttock. The silicone is more cohesive and less soft than that commonly used in breast implants, allowing an increase in volume and projection.
The team prefers to place the implant within the gluteus maximus muscle rather than outside the muscle and directly beneath the skin, as the latter position is associated with a higher complication rate, including deformity and capsular contracture. When suitable fat deposits are available elsewhere on the body, fat grafting obtained by liposuction may also be combined with the procedure.
Procedures that may be combined
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about fat grafting, buttock lift and buttock augmentation with implants.
What is buttock fat grafting or a Brazilian Butt Lift?
It is a surgical procedure that uses the patient’s own fat, harvested from another area of the body, to increase buttock volume and improve projection and contour.
Where is the fat used for buttock fat grafting obtained?
Fat is usually harvested from the abdomen or thigh through one or more small 3–5 mm incisions.
How long does fat grafting take?
The duration depends on the extent of the treated area and any combined procedures, and may range from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
What anaesthesia and hospital stay may be required for fat grafting?
General anaesthesia is usually used. Minor procedures may be performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation. Depending on the extent of surgery, it may be performed as an outpatient procedure or require one day in hospital.
How long should pressure on the buttocks be avoided after fat grafting?
Pressure on the treated area should be avoided for approximately three weeks to support fat viability and reduce pressure-related deformity.
Who may be suitable for a buttock lift?
It may be considered when there is significant buttock laxity and sagging, often following substantial weight loss or bariatric surgery.
How is a buttock lift performed?
Excess skin is removed from the lumbosacral region together with part of the fat. Some of the remaining fat may be used to improve buttock volume and projection.
Where is the buttock-lift scar placed?
The scar is horizontal, lies in the upper buttock region and follows its curvature, usually remaining concealed by underwear.
What is recovery like after a posterior body lift?
Pressure on the operated area should be avoided for two to three weeks. Work may usually be resumed within that period, depending on the activity, and exercise at six weeks.
What are the main risks of a buttock lift?
Seroma and minor healing difficulties may occur. Haematoma, infection, excessive scarring and fat necrosis are less common. Pulmonary thromboembolism is a serious complication, which is why early mobilisation is important.
What is buttock augmentation with implants?
It is a surgical procedure in which a silicone implant is placed in each buttock to increase volume and projection.
Where are buttock implants placed?
The team prefers intramuscular placement within the gluteus maximus, avoiding a position directly beneath the skin, which is associated with higher rates of deformity and capsular contracture.
Where is the scar for buttock augmentation with implants?
The scar is vertical, approximately 6–7 cm long and placed in the cleft between the buttocks, where it is usually inconspicuous.
What is recovery like after buttock implant surgery?
Pressure on the operated area should be avoided for two weeks. Work may usually be resumed after two weeks and physical activity at six weeks.
Can implant augmentation be combined with fat grafting?
Yes. When suitable fat deposits are available elsewhere on the body, fat obtained by liposuction may be grafted to complement the contour.
What is capsular contracture?
It is thickening and tightening of the scar tissue that naturally forms around an implant. It may cause firmness, pain, asymmetry or a visible change in buttock shape and, in more significant cases, require revision surgery.
Can a buttock implant rupture or become damaged?
Yes. Implant rupture or damage are possible complications and may require removal or replacement of the implant.
Can an implant move and distort the buttock contour?
Yes. Implant displacement or migration may alter buttock position, projection and symmetry. Significant malposition may require surgical correction.
Can infection or wound opening lead to implant removal?
Yes. Persistent infection, wound opening or implant exposure may require surgical treatment and, in some cases, removal of the implant.
Can buttock implants require further surgery in the future?
Yes. Rupture, capsular contracture, infection, pain, deformity or significant displacement may make it necessary to reposition, replace or remove one or both implants.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
