Transferring fat from common "problem areas" to the buttocks can make dramatic improvements in the entire lower body profile explains D.C. based plastic surgeon, Samir S. Rao, MD.
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Buttock augmentation with fat grafting, commonly known as the Brazilian Butt Lift, is rising in popularity among women seeking to improve their entire body shape.
Using a patient's own fat to reshape the buttocks, this procedure offers long-term, natural results –while also reshaping the hips and surrounding areas. "The overall shape of your body plays a big part in how curvy your buttocks appear. The Brazilian Butt Lift technique allows us to sculpt surrounding parts of the body to your advantage," explains Dr. Rao. "It is what distinguishes this procedure from other buttock augmentation options."
The Brazilian Butt Lift is a two-in-one procedure that combines liposuction and fat grafting. Fat is removed with liposuction from the hips, lower back, waist, abdomen or outer thighs, depending on the physique of the patient. "Reshaping these areas with liposuction can make a significant improvement in a patient's appearance," says Dr. Rao. The fat is then purified and reinjected into the buttocks creating a rounder, fuller shape. Combining liposuction with fat transfer improves contour, projection and overall shape of the buttocks and surrounding areas. A skilled surgeon can sculpt these areas, to further accentuate the body's natural curves while adding fullness to the buttocks.
The Brazilian Butt Lift can offer many benefits including:
- Long-lasting buttock enhancement
- Improved balance between the upper and lower buttocks
- Greater levels of curviness through reduction of nearby areas
- Improved body confidence
"Candidates for this procedure should have an adequate amount of fat in the surrounding areas," explains Dr. Rao. "Very thin patients may be difficult to treat because there is not much fat to transfer." Patients in these instances may consider buttock implants, though there are risks associated with this option including: infection, poor positioning, and capsular contraction. This may be why implants seem to be falling out of favor among patients. According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), roughly 900 buttock implant procedures were performed in 2013, compared to the 9,993 buttock augmentations with fat grafting that were performed that same year.
While using one's own fat eliminates the risk of complications associated with buttock implants, the Brazilian Butt Lift is not without its own risks. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), results can be difficult to predict because fat absorption can be limited to 40%. This can produce asymmetry and may require additional fat grafting sessions before the final desired look is achieved.
The procedure can also be compromised if postoperative care instructions aren't followed. "The fat cells transferred to the buttocks go through a delicate process to integrate and survive," explains Dr. Rao. "Excessive pressure on the newly transferred cells can lead to cell death."
That means that for 10 days following surgery, sitting is not permitted except to use the bathroom. According to Dr. Rao, "Recovery varies by patient. It can depend on the amount of liposuction performed or if they follow the postoperative regimen. In my experience, most patients return to work within 2 weeks."
The Brazilian Butt lift is proving capable of rebuilding curves in all the right places. By refining the hips, thighs and torso as well as reshaping the buttocks a surgeon can help patients to improve their entire lower body profile. "In sum, fat can be removed from where you don't want it and put where you do," says Dr. Rao. "And the long-lasting, if not permanent, results of this procedure have definite appeal."
About The Center for Plastic Surgery: The Center for Plastic Surgery serves the greater Washington, D.C., area with offices in northern Virginia and Maryland: 3299 Woodburn Road, Suite 490, Annandale, VA 22003, (703) 560-2850; and 5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 130, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, (301) 652-7700. For more information, visit http://www.cpsdocs.com.
Media Contact: Debbie Barwick, (877) 427-7888.