Gluteal Augmentation/Buttocks Implant Recovery Guide
Youthful, full-Buttocks are a sign of health, vitality, and hold a unique place in our society. The buttock is a psycho-social-sexual organ that has a significant impact on your sense of self, and your self-esteem. Your buttocks impact everything from the types of clothes you wear, to how you feel. I know many women that have had a very positive change in their level of self-love and quality of life following buttock surgery.
The modern-day butt implant is a much better and safer product than we have ever had before. All implants we use are “gummy bear”/ form stable implants in the sense that they are no longer filled with liquid silicone. Even if you were to cut open the implant, nothing leaks out. There are a multitude of implants that allow for fine-tuning of size in order to create unique contours for you. During your consultation, I like to focus on your goals and make sure that we not only identify a size that meets your goals, but I believe it is also critical that the placement of the implant relative to the muscle, and the location of the incision match your lifestyle. I do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach to Gluteal Augmentations.
Surgery is typically performed at one of our surgery centers that create a safe, patient-centric, convenient experience. You will meet your Anesthesiologist the morning of surgery, along with the nursing staff that will care for you. I use general anesthesia in order to ensure your comfort and a long-acting pain block, Exparel, that lasts about 3 days in order to keep you comfortable. If this is your first buttock surgery, you will experience some pressure as your muscles become familiar with your new implants. If this is not your first buttock surgery, then recovery is even easier.
the Procedure
What is inside the implant?
Silicone is the only option for buttock implants in the USA.
What incision did we use?
Incision Types: Midline or paramedian
If this is your first buttock surgery, then your incision will be in your “hidden” in between the cheeks of your buttocks. The vast majority of underwear will be able to hide the incision as the top of it will not be seen above the top of your cheeks.
Where is the implant relative to your Gluteus maximus (squat muscle)?
While implants can be placed under the fat, under the fascia, in the muscle or under the muscle, I recommend that the implant be placed within the muscle in order to ensure nice natural results that minimize risk.
What other procedures were used during surgery?
Fat Transfer (Composite Augmentation): This is a wonderful way to get more natural, full hips even if you are very thin and fit. I use the fat to help contour the upper and outer aspects of the buttock to ensure that there is a beautiful, natural contour. The fat is critical for filling in “hip dips”, while the implant will provide more projection.
Learn more About
the Procedure
The 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 4-6 /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 one 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 ok 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 ok 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 hand-held 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 3-5. 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/ Squats after 6 weeks post-surgery.
Multi-Modal Therapy Medications
Tylenol Extra Strength (500mg) 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 (600mg) 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.
Gabapentin (100mg) take 1 every 8 hours
- Do not wait for pain. Gabapentin makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed.
Tramadol (50mg) take 1 every 6 hours as needed for pain. If you use antidepressants, this will be exchanged for Oxycodone (5mg).
- 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, 4mg) take 1 every 8 hrs
- The dissolvable tabs can be placed under your tongue if you are feeling nauseous from the anesthesia.
Scopolamine Patch (Transderm-Scop, 1mg)
- 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, 10mg) 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 Bactrium (Antibiotic, 100mg) take 1 twice a day for 7 days
- You will take an antibiotic for the first week after surgery.
Cyclobenzaprine (Muscle Relaxant, 10mg) 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.
Medication Schedule
A proposed schedule has been supplied in order to simplify the scheduling of medication. We understand there are a lot of medications to follow, but rest assured, we believe Multi-Modal therapy provides the greatest comfort and decreases post-operative nausea, drowsiness, and constipation. If your pain has become severe or additional recommendations are needed, do not hesitate to contact our office.
| Medication | Multi-Modal Therapy Schedule |
|---|---|
| Tylenol (1000mg) | 4AM, 10AM, 4PM, 10 PM |
| Ibuprofen (600mg) | 4AM, 10AM, 4PM, 10 PM |
| Gabapentin (100mg) | 6AM, 2PM, 10PM |
| Tramadol (50mg) / Oxycodone (5mg) | 4AM, 8AM, 12PM, 4PM, 8PM, 12AM |
| Singulair (10mg) | 8AM |
| Cyclobenzaprine (10mg) | 4AM, 12PM, 8PM |
| Doxycycline (100mg) | 10AM, 10PM |
| Zofran (4mg, optional) | 6AM, 2PM, 10PM |
Follow Up Schedule
1 Week
Some bruising will be present as it fades to a yellow color tone from the original purple – not everyone bruises. I want to make sure you are comfortable, progressing well, are showing no signs of infection, and are having bowel movements. Nothing more frustrating than being sore from surgery and constipated, trust me!
1 Month
Your incisions are healing well but will still appear redder around the surrounding skin. Overall, you will be feeling great!
3 Months
You will be enjoying the results of your surgery! The incisions are fading and will continue to improve all the way until one year after surgery. Buy new bras…or don’t wear bras, totally up to you!
6 Months
Feeling good, looking good! There are small nuances that we want to make sure are still progressing well.
1 Year
“Why do I have to see the doctor?” I want to ensure you have healed well and we have improved your quality of life. It is at this point your incisions will appear faint.
1 Week
Some bruising will be present as it fades to a yellow color tone from the original purple – not everyone bruises. I want to make sure you are comfortable, progressing well, are showing no signs of infection, and are having bowel movements. Nothing more frustrating than being sore from surgery and constipated, trust me!
1 Month
Your incisions are healing well but will still appear redder around the surrounding skin. Overall, you will be feeling great!
3 Months
You will be enjoying the results of your surgery! The incisions are fading and will continue to improve all the way until one year after surgery. Buy new bras…or don’t wear bras, totally up to you!
6 Months
Feeling good, looking good! There are small nuances that we want to make sure are still progressing well.
1 Year
“Why do I have to see the doctor?” I want to ensure you have healed well and we have improved your quality of life. It is at this point your incisions will appear faint.
Questions & Concerns
I am overjoyed and grateful to be part of your journey. I do not take this responsibility lightly. As questions and concerns arise, I expect you to contact me and my staff under any circumstances (925) 966-3920. This is a journey that is best done together. I look forward to caring for you and your family.
