Buttock Augmentation in Chico, CA

Sometimes the buttocks can lack fullness or shape, either because of genetics or because of changes that take place during aging and weight loss. Butt augmentation is a surgical solution for this lack of volume, and we offer different options for those who want significant changes as well as those who want something a little more subtle. At Northstate Plastic Surgery in Chico, CA, we cater to the patient and the individual goals they have for their body. 

What Is Buttock Augmentation?

Buttock augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that increases the size of the buttocks or improves their shape and projection. It can be performed using your own fat (a Brazilian butt lift) or with silicone implants, depending on your body type and desired outcome. Some patients may benefit from a combination of both techniques. With Dr. Myers’ experience and techniques, he is able to create a rounder and more lifted shape that still looks natural and complements the rest of your body.

The Benefits of Buttock Augmentation

• Fuller, Rounder Contour: Buttock augmentation adds volume and projection to create a shapelier profile. It can be used both if you have naturally flat buttocks or if you have lost volume for any reason. 
• Improved Body Proportions: A well-shaped buttock area can balance out your hips, waist, breasts and thighs.
• Correction of Asymmetry: If one side of your buttocks is noticeably different in size or shape from the other, augmentation can create more symmetry between the two. Fat grafting can also be used for areas like hip dips that have less volume.
• Long-Lasting Results: Both fat transfer and implant-based augmentation provide results that can last for years. With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, patients enjoy their results long term.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Buttock Augmentation?

We consider buttock augmentation for patients who are at a stable and healthy weight and are unhappy with the size, shape or symmetry of their buttocks. Good candidates are in overall good health, do not smoke or are willing to stop smoking for several weeks before and after surgery, and have spent time discussing the realistic results that can come from these types of procedures.

If you are interested in a Brazilian butt lift, Dr. Myers will need to make sure you have enough donor fat in areas like the abdomen, flanks, upper arms or thighs. If you do not have adequate fat for transfer, implants may be a better option. There will be plenty of time during your consultation to evaluate your situation and discuss which approach is most appropriate for you and whether you are a good candidate for surgery.  

Types of Buttock Augmentation Procedures

Brazilian Butt Lift Using Fat Transfer

During a Brazilian butt lift, or a BBL, Dr. Myers will harvest fat from areas where you have excess, like your love handles or thighs. This is done using liposuction. Then the fat is purified and injected into the buttocks until a fuller shape is created. This method is often preferred by those who want to use only autologous tissue (tissue from the patient’s own body) and those who want a subtle and natural-looking result. 

Buttock Implant Surgery

Buttock implants are solid silicone devices that are surgically placed within or on top of the gluteal muscle. Implants are a good option for patients who do not have enough body fat for a BBL or who want a more dramatic increase in projection. Implants come in a range of shapes and sizes, so the procedure can be customized for each patient. 

How to Choose the Right Technique for You

The answer will be different for every patient. Dr. Myers looks at different factors, including how much fat you have available for transfer and the amount of enhancement that you want. He also considers body composition, lifestyle, recovery preferences, and ability to take time off and follow post-procedure guidelines. We will walk you through the pros and cons of each option during your consultation and give you all of the information you need to make an informed decision. 

How a Brazilian Butt Lift Works

Fat Harvesting

This procedure will start with liposuction, which allows us to remove fat from the donor areas. During this portion of the surgery, we will inject a tumescent fluid that contains lidocaine and epinephrine, along with a saline solution to make it easier to break apart fat cells. Once this is done, we insert a cannula into small incisions near the donor area and move it back and forth to loosen fat. Suction technology removes the fat and collects it for the next stage. 

Fat Purification

Before we process the harvested fat, it is mixed with substances that we don’t want when reinjecting the fat, like blood and tumescent fluid. We purify this fat to isolate the most viable materials for fat transfer. With proper purification, we can maximize the number of fat cells that settle into the buttocks and develop their own blood supply.

Shaping the Final Result

Next, we inject the fat into the buttock tissue using smaller cannulas. We can carefully control the placement and volume of each injection to create a symmetrical result. During fat grafting, we slightly overfill the area with the expectation that not all of the fat will survive the transfer process. The results will settle in the months following the procedure as all of the fat cells that do survive take up a permanent residence in the buttock tissue. 

How Buttock Implant Surgery Works

Implant Types and Placement Options

Buttock implants are made of solid, cohesive silicone that mimics the feel of natural tissue. You can find them in round and oval shapes, and they also come in various sizes. When placing the implant, Dr. Myers will have the option of placing it within the gluteal muscle (called an intramuscular implant) or on top of the muscle but beneath the fascia (the layer of tissue that covers the gluteal muscles). This method is called subfascial placement. The size, shape and placement of the implant are chosen based on your body’s proportions and how much natural tissue you have. 

Incision Technique and Implant Insertion

The incision for buttock implants is usually made in the natural crease between the buttocks, where the scar can stay well hidden. Using this incision, we create a pocket in the appropriate layer of tissue and then insert the implant. We can adjust the position of the implants to make sure it looks as natural and symmetrical as possible before closing the incisions. Our suturing techniques reduce the severity of scarring by limiting tension on the sutures, though you can still expect some scarring. 

Preparing for Buttock Augmentation Surgery

In the weeks leading up to your surgery, make sure to stop smoking if necessary and avoid all nicotine products that may interfere with healing. You will also need to stop taking any other medications or supplements that may cause additional bleeding. All of these medications will be discussed in detail during your consultation, so you know what to expect. 

Plan to have someone drive you home after your surgery and stay with you as you recover during the first 24-48 hours. During this time, you can expect to rest as much as possible, so we also recommend keeping anything you might need within close reach. Fill your prescriptions ahead of time so everything is ready when you get home. 

Recovery After Buttock Augmentation

The First Two Weeks

During these first two weeks, you will experience the most swelling and bruising and feel a little uncomfortable. You can manage pain and soreness with prescribed medications and icepacks, applied gently several times per day. Make sure not to sit directly on your buttocks. We will have you use a special pillow when sitting is unavoidable, and you can sleep on your stomach or side. Light walking is okay in the first few days to keep your blood flowing. Listen to your body and let us know if you have any concerns. 

Returning to Exercise and Normal Activities

Patients can often return to desk work within two or three weeks, though this depends on the type of procedure performed. You will still likely have to use your special BBL pillow during this time until Dr. Myers says you can sit normally again. You will also have check-ups at our office so we can check your incisions and results and let you know which activities you can safely resume, such as exercise or sleeping on your back. 

Tips for Protecting and Maintaining Your Results

Keeping your weight stable after your surgery is one of the best ways to preserve the results of a BBL. Grafted fat can expand and contract just like normal local fat, so major weight fluctuations may change the shape and volume of your buttocks. You should also make sure to wear any compression garments as directed and go to all of your follow-up appointments. Follow any post-operative instructions that Dr. Myers gives you and focus on proper nutrition and hydration to keep your tissues healthy. 

Risks and Safety Considerations

Surgical risks can include infection, bleeding, asymmetry and changes in sensation. We take every precaution to minimize risks, such as only performing fat injections into subcutaneous tissue and above the muscle. After your surgery, you can call us any time to discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery. 

Expected Results and How Long They Last

You will see results from your buttock augmentation right away. However, the shape and size that you see immediately after your surgery is not the same as the results you will see after several months. Swelling can take time to resolve, and some of the fat transferred during a BBL will be reabsorbed by the body in the first few months. While your buttocks will continue to age naturally, structural changes from both implants and BBL are long-lasting. 

Why Choose Us for Buttock Augmentation? 

Dr. Kevin D. Myers is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with training from Columbia University and Montefiore Medical Center, along with a fellowship in microsurgery from the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. He has a background in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, with a focus on the type of precision and attention to detail that buttock augmentation requires.

Dr. Myers believes that the best results come from a collaborative approach where you feel informed and confident in your surgical plan. He takes time during every consultation to get to know the patient and their goals, and explains everything clearly and transparently. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Buttock Augmentation

Will my results look natural?

Whether you choose a BBL or implants, the goal is always a result that looks and feels natural. With a BBL, using your own fat produces a soft and organic appearance. With implants, careful sizing and placement help create a proportionate look that suits your frame.

How much does buttock augmentation cost?

The cost of buttock augmentation varies depending on the technique used, the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia fees and facility costs. We will provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your consultation that includes all expected fees.

Can buttock augmentation be combined with other procedures?

Buttock augmentation is commonly combined with liposuction of the abdomen, flanks or thighs, especially in the case of a BBL, where fat harvesting is already part of the procedure. Some patients also choose to combine it with a tummy tuck or other body contouring procedures.

Schedule a Consultation for Buttock Augmentation in Chico, CA

If you are interested in learning more about buttock augmentation or want to find out which approach is right for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Northstate Plastic Surgery. Reach out through the online form or call 530-345-5900.