There are plenty of terms for the rear end out there: booty, tushy, bottom, rump and others. And there are also plenty of approaches of how to augment that backside. Many cosmetic surgeons are using the fat transfer methodology to increase volume and contours; however, others still use silicone implants, along with injectable fillers. This is according to an audience poll at the annual meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation.
However, among the speakers at the annual meeting, it was clear the agreement was that “fat is where it’s at — but implants haven’t vanished into the history books.” According to one speaker, Raul Gonzalez, M.D., a Brazilian plastic surgeon, when it comes to fat grafting and implants for butt augmentation, surgeons who wish to work with buttocks must master both procedures. Dr. Gonzalez continues in saying that implants are appropriate for thin patients, those with high expectations, and for those who have experienced disappointing results via the fat grafting procedure.
Boston plastic surgeon, Dan Del Vecchio, M.D., says he prefers fat transfer, saying he achieves better results through fat rather than implants. He continues to say that implants are often problematic, especially with patients who do not have enough soft tissue in the area. He says that he tells patients that about one third of them receiving implants will have to have them removed because of infection, pain, or malposition.
Associate clinical professor of plastic surgery at the University of California at San Diego M. Mark Mofid, M.D., FACS, states that fat grafting is always preferable, assuming that that donor fat is available. He continues to say that the patient expectations are also important. He says that when doing fat grafting, the amount of added volume must meet the reasonable expectations of the patients.
Dr. Mofid also says that fat transfer will not meet every need, especially in the days of those seeking Kardashian-like results. He says that that is where implants may be the best, but large ones in the over 350 cc range. However, these larger implants also place patients at a higher risk of complications.
Most surgeons, including Dr. Wright, agree that no butt augmentation is worth a trip to the hospital because of complications. Dr. Wright says, “It is important to balance expectations with risks when choosing butt augmentation.” He continues, “At Laser Lipo and Vein, we put patient safety first, and will always work toward getting the best results in the safest manner possible.”
