Buttock Liposuction
Lipoplasty, also named liposuction or liposculpture,
is a surgical procedure designed to remove deposits
of excess fat to create a desired body contour. Although
liposuction is not a weight loss technique, it can effectively
eliminate excess fat deposits in particular areas of
the body, including the buttocks, restoring a more proportionate
and healthy body contour. The goal is to create a natural
rounded curve to the buttock that recalls the look of
the slim, well-proportioned youthful body.
The tendency to accumulate fatty deposits on the buttocks
may be inherited, and these deposits are often resistant
to diet and exercise. Both men and women become discouraged
at having lost unwanted pounds without seeing a significant
change in this area. The overall proportions of the
body may appear unbalanced and the extra bulk can keep
clothes from fitting well. In these cases, liposuction
can successfully trim excess fat in the buttock area
creating a desired balance and symmetry to the body.
How is Buttock Liposuction performed?
Before surgery, the surgeon will mark the areas of
the body where the fat is to be removed. An intravenous
(IV) line will be inserted in a vein in your arm to
make the fluid level in your body remain in balance.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny incision
in the skin, typically in or near the buttock crease,
and inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the fatty
area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits
and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The
excess fat deposits are suctioned out with a powerful
vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood
vessels intact.
In the super-wet technique, a saline solution containing
a local anesthetic and adrenaline is injected into the
area to be treated, which makes the fat deposits easier
to break up and extract. This extra fluid also minimizes
trauma to the surrounding tissue, reducing swelling
and post-operative pain. The administration of adrenaline
also decreases bleeding during surgery, further reducing
risks.
The tumescent technique involves injecting a solution
with a local anesthetic into the areas to be treated
prior to suctioning. An incision is made near the area
from which the fat is to be removed; and a specially
designed surgical tube, called a cannula, is placed
through the incision into the fat. The cannula is attached
by flexible tubing to a vacuum pump that removes the
fat by suction as the cannula is manipulated beneath
the skin. Compared to other conventional liposuction
techniques, the tumescent technique is more precise
and accurate. This procedure minimizes blood loss, removes
more fat and has a faster recovery time.
A relatively new method, ultrasound-assisted liposuction
(UAL), uses sound waves to liquefy the fat after the
injection of fluids. Like the super-wet and tumescent
techniques, UAL minimizes trauma, bruising and blood
loss. UAL is particularly useful on fibrous areas of
the body.
Your surgeon will choose the best technique for you.
The particular technique will be determined by a combination
of factors, including the precise area to be treated,
the amount of fat to be removed, his/her training and
experience, and your individual preferences.
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How long does an Buttock Liposuction take?
Buttock liposuction generally takes one to two hours
per area treated to complete.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Buttock liposuction is usually performed using local
anesthesia along with a light sedative to make you feel
drowsy and relaxed. General anesthesia may also be used,
causing you to be asleep during the whole procedure.
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Where is the procedure performed?
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis,
in the surgeon's office-based surgical suite, an outpatient
surgical facility, or hospital.
When can I return home and
resume normal activities?
There is no hospital stay required and you should be
able to return to work within a few days to several
weeks, depending on the type of activity your job requires.
All normal activities may be resumed within six weeks.
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How do I prepare for Buttock Liposuction procedure?
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will
discuss the changes that you would like to make to your
appearance. Since the appearance of your buttocks is
a matter of personal perception and preference, you
will need to discuss your concerns in detail so your
surgeon can determine the appropriate alternatives.
You also should make arrangements ahead of time for
someone to drive you to and from your procedure and
to assist you with your daily activities during your
recovery period.
Prior to your surgical procedure, the surgeon will
perform a complete health history and physical examination
to evaluate your overall weight, your skin and muscle
tone and the overall distribution of fat deposits. In
particular your surgeon will ask you about any problems
you have had with high blood pressure, blood clotting
or a tendency to develop large scars.
Knowledge of your allergies, medications and previous
surgeries should be brought to your surgeon's attention
at this time. Specific instructions to assist you in
preparing for this procedure will be given to you after
the health history and physical is complete. Depending
on your individual health status, the instructions may
include guidelines regarding your diet, alcohol intake,
smoking and which medications to take or avoid. Your
experience will be much smoother if you remain compliant
with your surgeon's instructions.
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What precautions are necessary during recovery?
Most of the bruising and swelling should subside within
three weeks. Compression bands must be worn for several
weeks to ensure the shape of your buttocks. Please ask
your surgeon for after care instructions specific to
your case, as these will assist you during your recovery
period.
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What are the possible complications after
Buttock Liposuction?
After surgery, some patients experience dimpling, lumpiness,
numbness, scarring, discoloration, or sagging skin in
the treated area. Follow-up surgery may be needed to
correct these problems. UAL liposuction may cause friction
burns to the skin or to the internal organs.
More serious complications include blood clots, infection,
excessive fluid loss leading to shock, fluid build-up
in the lungs, and drug overdose. The removal of large
amounts of fat, multiple procedures, and the use of
general anesthesia is associated with increased risks
of serious complications. It is always important to
be informed about the possible complications before
any surgery. Be sure to discuss any concerns you may
have with your surgeon.
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What results can I expect after Buttock Liposuction?
For the first couple of days, your hips and legs will
be stiff and sore. In addition, you may experience some
pain, burning, swelling, bleeding or temporary numbness.
Your surgeon will prescribe medication to alleviate
any discomfort.
Your surgeon may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to
prevent infection at the incision sites. Your stitches
will be removed in a week to 10 days, unless they dissolve
on their own. You will be fitted with a compression
band to cut down on swelling and to hold your buttocks
in its new shape until the tissues have adjusted.
Since the normal aging process affects the firmness
and elasticity of the skin, older patients may not experience
results as dramatic as those typically achieved in younger
patients. Although liposuction cannot alter skin quality
or muscle tone, and should not be a substitute for regular
exercise and a balanced diet, your arm will always be
slimmer than it was prior to this procedure.
Buttock liposuction is often performed in conjunction
with a buttocks lift or with thigh liposuction. Most
people are pleased with the new contour of their buttocks
and often feel a boost in energy and self-confidence.
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Choosing the right surgeon
To obtain further information regarding Buttock Liposuction,
we advise you to consult with a qualified and experienced
board-certified plastic surgeon. Regardless of the type
of procedure you are considering, it is crucial to choose
the right surgeon for your individual goals. To receive
a complimentary consultation with a specialist in your
area, simply fill out our Online Referral
Form or call Toll Free 800.449.1884.
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