BUTTOCK IMPLANTS
Buttock implant surgery performed in the UK at one of London’s leading private hospitals.
The surgery price is from £7,950 and can be combined with fat transfer surgery (BBL).
Aftercare includes nurse visits to your home to check on you and to undertake routine dressing changes.
The availability of this procedure in the UK enables patients to avoid the risks of travelling abroad for surgery.
Buttock implants (gluteal implants) are a popular way to increase the size and alter the shape of the buttocks.
Implants are an option to be considered when the buttocks are underdeveloped, small or flat, or otherwise not in proportion to the rest of the body.
Soft silicone implants can be designed to look and feel natural, and are a solution for those with small, misshapen, or sagging buttocks (buttock implants can provide a lift to the buttocks).
MORE VOLUME THAN OTHER METHODS
Buttock implants will generally provide a more significant increase in size than a Brazilian Butt Lift, or Buttock Injections.
Buttock implants generally range in size from 200 ml (cc) to 560 ml (cc), per implant, with larger custom implants possible.
By comparison, it would take a large number of buttock injections, or multiple BBL procedures to achieve a similar degree of augmentation.
Buttock implants are also a good choice if the patient lacks sufficient fat to transfer to the buttocks, or prefers a result that lasts longer than dermal filler injections.
The buttocks are comprised of several elements including fat, muscle tissue, nerves, blood vessels and skin.
The shape of the butt is determined in part by the skin’s elasticity and the balance of the elements of fat, muscle tissue and skin in the buttock region.
In younger patients, buttocks tend to be firmer and better at resisting the sagging effects of gravity.
However, with the passage of time, the buttocks can start to droop slightly, due to a reduction in the elasticity of the skin.
HOW LONG WILL BUTTOCK IMPLANTS LAST?
Harley Buttock Clinic lead surgeon Dr Gary Horn
IMPLANT PLACEMENT OPTIONS
One of the most important factors to consider is the depth of buttock implant placement.
Generally, three options are available for implant placement:
- Inside the gluteal muscle (intramuscular, our preferred method in 80% of cases)
- This depth is the ideal biologic position for the implant; as the method has a lower risk of complications and provides the optimum aesthetic and functional result.
- This placement is strongly preferred by the clinic’s lead surgeon.
- Benefits include a lower risk of capsular contracture, a lower risk of rippling or implant visibility from the surface, less implant palpability and a lower risk of implant rotation. In short, the implant is less likely to be seen or felt from the surface and is less likely to move.
- Despite providing the optimum outcome, this method is usually not offered due to the level of experience and technical skill required.
- Underneath the gluteal muscle (submuscular, our preferred method in 12% of cases)
- This layer is sufficiently deep to prevent the implant from being visible from the surface, however, there is a risk it may interfere with the sciatic nerve.
- Subfascial (Pioneered by Dr Abel de la Peña; our preferred method in 8% of cases).
- Subcutaneous (on top of the gluteal muscle, closest to the surface). This method is not used.
- This is the easiest surgery to perform, requiring less skill, time and experience.
- Implants placed above the muscle are more likely to be visible from the surface and are prone to flipping or moving from their implanted position. This method is responsible for a number of poor outcomes in the past, some of which can be seen by searching on YouTube.
It is preferable to position implants inside the gluteal muscles (the intramuscular method).
The following links provide further information for patients wishing to explore this topic.
BUTTOCK IMPLANT CONSULTATION
The first step in considering buttock implants is to book a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon to discuss your options.
The consultation is designed to be as informative as possible, answering all the questions you may have about the range of buttock enhancement methods.
Your cosmetic surgeon will ask you about your general physical condition, your medical history, and discuss your expectations and desired results.
The cosmetic surgeon will also be able to tell you what is, and what isn’t possible, in your specific case.
The results of buttock implant surgery depend partly on specific factors related to your buttocks and the surrounding area, including the condition and elasticity of the skin.
In the case of sagging buttocks, the surgeon might recommend a buttock lift, or a combination of buttock enhancement treatments.
You can discuss with the cosmetic surgeon which types of buttock implants may be most suitable for you, or, discuss any of the other methods of buttock enhancement available to improve the aesthetics of the buttock region.
BUTTOCK IMPLANT SIZES
A wide range of buttock implants is available, varying in size and shape.
Implants generally consist of a silicone wall filled inside with a cohesive silicone gel which is unable to leak and highly resistant to rupture.
Different technical aspects, including the type and size of the implant, where it is to be inserted, and the location of the incisions will be discussed during your consultation.
The best result is usually achieved when your new buttocks are in natural proportion with the rest of your body.
Your surgeon will know how to achieve a natural result without going too far.
AVAILABLE IMPLANT SIZES
Buttock implant size or volume, is measured in either cc or ml (used interchangeably).
The volume of buttock implants varies from 200 ml to 560 ml per implant (one implant in each side).
Your surgeon has the experience to know the best implant size and shape for your body, and the result you desire.
Round Concave Buttock Implant Sizes
Concave buttock implants have an indent on the underside.
This indent helps the implants project slightly further, for the same volume implant.
Round Planar (Flat Underside) Buttock Implant Sizes
Planar buttock implants have a flat underside and come in larger sizes.
From the chart below, the volume is greater than in a concave implant (Vol.) for the same level of projection (C).
ARE BUTTOCK IMPLANTS DANGEROUS?
Harley Buttock Clinic lead surgeon Dr Gary Horn
BUTTOCK IMPLANT QUALITY
We use gluteal implants from Polytech Health & Aesthetics, Germany. Brochure Link
THE SURGERY ITSELF
Buttock implant surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be unconscious for the entire procedure which takes about one and a half hours.
Buttock implants are inserted through an incision between the buttock cheeks (inter-gluteal crease) using a Keller Funnel which reduces the size of the incision and the resulting scar. A scar will be visible after the procedure but will fade in time to become less noticeable.
Surgeon Dr Gary Horn
Performing Buttock Implant Surgery for the BBC production “The Kardashian Effect”
The implants are then placed inside the muscle tissue of the large buttock.
Buttock implants are inserted away from areas containing important nerves and are not placed under the bony area of the buttock region which you use to sit down on.
The upper and outer regions of the butt will become rounder and firmer, once the implants are in place.
BUTTOCK IMPLANT POST-SURGICAL CARE
You will stay overnight in the private hospital, where you will be taken care of by the medical staff.
You can not drive home the next day and must have someone collect you.
Driving after general anaesthesia is not allowed.
After surgery two drains will collect liquids and blood from the implant site.
The drains will be removed the next day.
The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures, which will disappear over a number of days.
During your recovery nurses will be sent to your home to check on you and change your dressings if needed.
You will also come into the clinic to see your surgeon who will check on your progress.
For the first two weeks you should not sleep on your back, so sleeping on your side or stomach will be essential.
It is advisable to take a few weeks’ off from work and your normal activities.
There will initially be some swelling of the buttocks which can cause some discomfort.
This is usually treated with mild painkillers of the type available without a prescription.
The buttock region may also remain bruised for up to ten days.
It will take some time for your skin to adjust to your new buttock shape and size, and until then your buttock skin will feel tight.
Compression underwear can be worn for six weeks following the surgery to assist with swelling and support the new shape of the buttocks.
RESULTS – BUTTOCK IMPLANTS
Final results take time to develop and will not generally be seen directly following the treatment.
It will take time for swelling and bruising to resolve, and the skin and muscles will need time to adapt to their new size and shape.
In around 3 months you will get an idea of the final result of your buttock implant surgery.
Scarring may remain red for a few months, before gradually disappearing to blend in with the colour of the skin and become less noticeable.
A buttock implant procedure is sometimes combined with liposculpture of the surrounding areas and potentially a thigh lift.
* Individual results will vary from person to person.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you decide to proceed with implants, your surgeon will explain how the procedure is carried out, including:
– The preoperative tests required;
– the type of anaesthesia (general / you will be put to sleep),
– the location and length of the incision (generally up to 5 cm long, in between the buttocks),
– the intramuscular position of the implant,
– the type of silicone gel implant used (round or oval shape, smooth or rough surface implants),
– the different sizes and projections available,
– the type of stitches used,
– the drains that you will use for the first few days, and the kind of dressings required following surgery.
The operation takes 90 minutes and you will generally stay overnight.
The surgeon will explain everything about the postoperative period, including:
– The sleeping position;
– when you can start walking again,
– when you can start sitting down normally again,
– when you can go back to work or to the gym.
Then, your surgeon will explain the physical limits of the augmentation, including limitations due to:
– The limits of implant sizes available;
– the dimensions of your muscle,
– the necessity to maintain a harmonious curve of your buttock.
The surgeon will also mention the normal side effects after surgery, such as:
– Mild to moderate pain (7 to 15 days);
– swelling (up to 21 days),
– numbness,
– potential risks, which include: infection, wound opening, seroma, bleeding, displacement of the implant, capsule contracture, implant rupture, and the life expectancy of the implants.
For those patients who are not primarily concerned with the size of their buttocks, but rather the shape, the surgeon can explain several ways to reshape the buttocks to give a better aesthetic appearance.
Commonly women and a growing number of men are bothered by:
– Fat deposits on the love handles or on the outer thighs that can be suctioned out, in order to sculpt and enhance the contour of the buttocks,
– droopy buttocks, or a lack of tone, which can affect a part of the buttock, or all of the buttock area, (but generally the lower third),
– asymmetry of the buttocks (natural or post-traumatic, or even due to previous surgery).
In some cases, a buttock lift will be necessary; this usually requires a scar underneath the buttocks where excess skin and fat will be removed.
Patients may also request a change of buttock implants, when, for any reason, they are not suitable anymore, or the patient would like to increase the size or change the shape.
The cost of buttock implants is from £7,950 including all miscellaneous surgical expenses, excluding blood tests (£100 approx).
All images, videos and testimonials are based on the personal experiences of our patients and represent individual body shapes and results. Results will vary from person to person. All testimonials are provided voluntarily by our patients and clients and all photos and videos have been consented to and have not been altered in any way.
Dr Gary Horn is a highly acclaimed Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 25 years of experience in buttock augmentation and reshaping with buttock implants and fat transfer. Dr Horn is a registered Plastic Surgeon in the UK (GMC 4267803) and Belgium.
SPECIALITIES: General Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
LANGUAGES: English, French
GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL NUMBER: 4267803
MEDICAL PROCEDURES:
Dr Horn is qualified to perform a large range of procedures, including:
Buttock Implant Surgery (Gluteoplasty), Fat Transfer to Buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), Gluteal Sculpting (Brazilian Butt Lift without fat transfer), Buttock Injections (using Hyaluronic Acid)
PUBLICATIONS:
Gluteoplasty with intramuscular silicone cohesive gel implants: a retrospective study of 50 cases.
For a comprehensive list of publications please see Dr Horn’s Linkedin.