With changing times come changing body shapes and size aesthetics. The advent of social media and the ease of availability of online images makes international trends more accessible in Australia.
The aesthetics of the buttock in Australia have been rapidly changing from a thinner buttock (liposuction being the surgical mainstay) to a more full buttock, particularly in the upper pole. (See opinion piece on Buttock Augment) The South American aesthetic is now becoming prevalent in Australia.
Previously a volume enhancement of the buttocks was in the form of an implant which has rapidly gone out of favour for a number of reasons including a high complication rate of pain, implant exposure and infection. Over the past few years fat grafting has become commonplace practice in many reconstructive procedures. This technology has been utilised to increase the buttock volume whilst at the same time contouring the upper thighs and waist regions to reshape the mid-body.
The principles of the Buttock Augment are to remove fat through liposuction in specific areas (including the upper thighs and waistline) and transfer the fat into the buttock fat pad to reshape and address projection of the buttock.
(Figure 1)
Figure 1 – Buttock Augment is a combination of body contouring through liposuction of fat deposits and augmentation of the buttock with fat injection.
High volume fat transfer through injection is not the same as liposuction. The fat needs to be harvested in a different manner and then processed before being transferred back into the buttock via multiple injections. It is a more time consuming process and the technique of the transfer is a science all on its own. The Buttock Augment is an invasive procedure performed through incisions.
As with all procedures it has its inherent complications and these will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation.
This is an opinion piece brought to you by Dr Damien Grinsell (AHPRA Registration: MED0001207555), Registered medication practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialty registration in surgery – plastic surgery)
It is important to remember, any invasive procedure carries risks and individual results may vary depending on factors, not limited to but including age, genetics, diet, lifestyle and existing medical conditions. This is a true and accurate image. Outcomes shown are only relevant to this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Before any surgery, we recommend you consult a qualified health practitioner who should discuss with you at length these risks including possible complications and recovery/aftercare instructions specific to your procedure. If unsure, always seek a second opinion from a specialist plastic surgeon.
