What to Expect When Having Buttock Augmentation (with implants or fat grafting)

Anesthesia: General. You will sleep through the entire procedure.

Location of Operation: Hospital, outpatient surgery center or office-based surgical suite.

Length of Surgery: With implants 2 hours; with fat grafting 4-5 hours.

Length of Stay: This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.

Discomfort: Initial discomfort is controlled with oral pain medications.

Swelling and Bruising: Minimal swelling and bruising. However, swelling is more likely the larger the implant. This will disappear in time. Be patient.

Drains: When getting buttock augmentation with implants, two drains are placed during surgery. Typically, the first drain is removed 2-3 days after the surgery and the second drain at 7-10 days. Detailed drain care and a log sheet will be provided to you before surgery.

Bandages: When getting implants the initial dressing on the incision is removed only by Dr. Hainer or a staff member in 1-3 days. It is crucial that you wear the specially designed garment that is provided for you to help in contouring the tissues and supporting the implants while the incisions heal. This is worn day and night for the first 2 weeks. After the first 2-week period, another garment is transitioned into and worn only during the day for an additional 4 weeks. Showering may be resumed once the initial dressing is changed, but tub bathing, whirlpools and swimming pools are prohibited for 4 weeks.

Stitches: Some sutures will dissolve on their own. Some will be removed by Dr. Hainer or a staff member.

Work: 3 weeks off is recommended when getting buttock augmentation with implants. 1 week when getting fat grafting.

Exercise: Strenuous exercise is to be avoided for 6 weeks when receiving buttock implants. With fat grafting, light activities can be resumed in 1 week and more strenuous exercise can resume in 2-3 weeks as long as lycra or spandex-type garment is worn. By 6 weeks, all activities can be resumed.

Sun Protection: If any scar is exposed while outdoors, you should protect it with sunscreen SPF 15 or higher for at least on year to prevent permanent discoloration.

Presentable in a Bathing suit: Should be able to feel comfortable in about 2 weeks, depending on swelling.

Final Result: When receiving implants, it may take about 6 weeks for the buttock to regain its natural appearance, softness, and shape. With fat grafting final results are usually seen after 6 months.

Special Care: ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING IF DONE WITH IMPLANTS!!!!!! No smoking for 4 weeks prior to surgery and at least 4 weeks after. If done with fat grafting, transporting home and to the office for your follow up visit, you should either be on your stomach or on your side. Because direct pressure will destroy the transferred fat, the patient is asked to keep pressure off of the buttocks for at least 6 weeks. Absolutely no sitting is permitted for 10 days (except for toileting). Then patients can sit with modifications. A pillow is placed behind the thighs, not touching but elevating the buttocks, effectively avoiding pressure. With this technique patients can return to work, drive, and go to the movies at 10-14 days. Traditional sitting is not allowed for 6 weeks.

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