Gluteal Augmentation (Buttock Implants) Post‑Op Instructions

Post-operative instructions, gluteal augmentation implants, day of surgery. We will meet at the surgery center where you will have the chance to be introduced to your team, including the anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist will review all necessary documentation provided to ensure accuracy and that we deliver a smooth, safe anesthetic and recovery. Minimizing the risk of post-operative nausea and wooziness starts in the pre-operative area. You will be given an IV to remain well hydrated, and the anesthesiologist can provide medications during the procedure.

To keep you safe during surgery, you will have a breathing tube or an LMA during the operation. This may cause scratchiness and discomfort for the first couple of days post-surgery. Chloraseptic or a nice Throat Coat tea can help with the discomfort so that you have very little discomfort after. I like to use long-acting local anesthetics during your surgery. Even with the block, you will still feel some pressure, but most patients have pain scores between 4 to 6 out of 10 after buttock surgery in the first few days.

When your surgery is complete, the nurse will contact your family member to let them know your procedure is done and the time for pickup. If the surgery runs longer than anticipated, this is not a bad thing, though it can cause some anxiety in your family. Your buttocks are unique, and we must take our time to ensure that every little detail is accounted for, as the work done during your surgery must last for many years to come.

Evening after surgery. During your first evening, please ask for assistance from your loved ones since you may not feel as stable as you would normally. I recommend getting up and moving around at home. Surgery can increase your risk for blood clots in the legs, and we want to ensure the blood is kept flowing. If you are a stomach or side sleeper, that will work to your advantage. On the first day, it is okay to build a pillow throne that requires a pillow behind your thighs and one behind your lower back in order to reduce pressure on your buttocks. Otherwise, side sleeping is best during the first 24 hours.

Recovery. Typical downtime from a buttock augmentation is within 1 week. Our post-operative dressings are very minimal. There will be some bruising and swelling, but you will be able to enjoy your new buttocks immediately after surgery.

Bathing requires a special note due to the location of your incisions. It is absolutely okay to defecate while sitting on the toilet, though we do not recommend bearing down heavily or staying on the toilet for too long. In contrast to normal wiping, we recommend using baby wipes to wipe from back to front, away from your incision. Once you have cleaned the area, we recommend using a handheld shower head or bidet to wash yourself with soap and water. Most patients will be a little constipated after surgery and have bowel movements starting around day 3 to 5. We do recommend MiraLAX twice daily after surgery until you start having bowel movements, and then once daily while using narcotics.

Incision care. During your first week post-operative, you do not need to apply anything. Once the skin glue falls off, apply vitamin E oil to the area twice daily. Once you get to 1 month post-surgery, you will switch to a silicone gel. Your incisions will be at maximum strength about 6 weeks after surgery. Out of an abundance of caution, you will be able to return to full activity and/or squats after 6 weeks post-surgery.

Multimodal therapy medications. Tylenol Extra Strength 500 mg. Take 2 every 6 hours. Do not wait for pain. Tylenol makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed. Ibuprofen 600 mg. Take 1 every 6 hours scheduled. Do not wait for pain. Ibuprofen makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed.

Tramadol 50 mg. Take 1 every 6 hours as needed for pain. If you use antidepressants, this will be exchanged for oxycodone 5 mg. It is okay to wait until you have pain. Tramadol is a long-acting narcotic that will begin to work in about 30 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. Oxycodone is a fast-acting strong medication that can exacerbate nausea and/or make patients feel loopy.

Zofran (ondansetron) 4 mg. Take 1 every 8 hours. The dissolvable tabs can be placed under your tongue if you are feeling nauseous from the anesthesia. Scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) 1 milligram. This patch is a preventative for nausea prior to surgery. You will place this patch behind your ear the night before surgery.

Singulair, capsular contracture, 10 milligrams. Take 1 daily for 90 days. A study was performed that showed a reduction in the already low rate of capsular contracture in women that took Singulair daily for the first 90 days after surgery. Doxycycline or Bactrim antibiotic 100 mg. Take 1 twice a day for 7 days. You will take an antibiotic for the first week after surgery.

Cyclobenzaprine muscle relaxant 10 mg. Take 1 every 8 hours PRN. It is okay to wait until you have pain. The pressure you feel after surgery is due to the pec major muscle getting tight/stretched. This can lead to spasms and pain. A muscle relaxant will help to break that spasm and can help you sleep better.