By Jerome Edelstein, MD
Butt augmentation and Brazilian Butt Lift are common surgical procedures that our Plastic Surgeons have safely performed many, many times, achieving the beautiful results that his patients expected. However, these treatments still carry a level of risk, as is the case in all forms of surgery.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
There are specific factors that may make a person ineligible for the surgery. These contraindications include blood clotting disorders (thromboembolic disease), a tendency to form hypertrophic or keloid scars and the presence of existing, severe disorders (comorbid conditions) such as cigarette smoking, diabetes, heart disease and morbid obesity (classified as a BMI of 40 or more).
Obese patients should not receive butt augmentation or lifts due to the higher-than-average risk of developing fluid pockets called seromas that their weight may entail. Obesity increases the shear force (or positional stress) in the buttock region, making the collection of fluids during recovery more likely. Seromas make healing problematic and should be avoided. Diabetes is also an issue because patients who suffer from the disease are at a greater risk of developing an infection. Poor health of any sort increases the risks associated with augmentation or lifts, as well as the majority of other cosmetic surgical procedures.
As with all cosmetic procedures, those who wish for an outcome that is not attainable through surgery may be disappointed by the results. Anyone who goes into the treatment process with realistic expectations should be pleased with their level of improvement. Ideal patients will also be prepared for the possibility of developing complications following surgery. Every surgical procedure entails a certain level of risk that every patient must be aware of and comfortable balancing against their desire to achieve the results they seek.
A NOTE ON BUTT IMPLANTS
Butt implants provide great results for patients with high skin elasticity and only a small amount of posterior sagging (or ptosis). Those with more severe sagging will only see the problem worsened when implants alone are used in the augmentation. For these patients the best aesthetic outcome involves the combination of two techniques: both implant placement and the excision of skin from the gluteal area.
Butt contouring with implants has a significantly higher chance of causing complications in comparison to those that are accomplished with fat injections. When implants are used during the surgery, the risk of bleeding and infection is increased. Though both of these risks are common to many surgical procedures, the possibility of infection is higher when creating incisions in the gluteal crease. Implants may also shift in some cases, leading to an asymmetrical appearance. In some very rare cases butt implants may also break.
Dr. Edelstein is an experienced and skilled cosmetic surgeon who works carefully in order to minimize risks while providing patients with safe and effective treatment.