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According to Dr. Antonio Tapia, buttock augmentation is currently indicated for patients with relatively unflattering backsides lacking in size and contour. Surgeons can use several techniques to address this problem, only some of which are surgical. The chosen technique must be adapted to each patient’s specific needs. All have advantages, disadvantages, and contraindications.
The key to success is the patient assessment, whether treating a man or woman: determining his or her overall clinical condition, weight, the quality and elasticity of the gluteal tissue, the areas lacking volume or with excess volume in the wrong places, etc. Without such an assessment, it is impossible to recommend the optimal approach to prevent the potential problems associated with each type of treatment. This notwithstanding, Tapia offers the following general considerations with regard to the each option:
Buttock Implants
Buttock implants are available in several shapes, are generally solid, and require patience; however, the discomfort will eventually disappear.
They may harden, leading to capsular contracture, which would require further surgery.
Should they become infected, they must be removed immediately, until the patient has properly recovered.
Additionally, improper positioning of the implants can give rise to an inappropriate and unattractive shape or to asymmetries that would likewise require further surgery.
Fat Grafting
The advantage of fat grafting is that fat is an optimal material, as it is taken from the patient him or herself.
There must be a good source from which to harvest the fatty tissue for reinsertion in the gluteal region. This will not be easy with slender patients.
With this technique, large volumes must be grafted, as some of the fatty tissue is absorbed by the body.
Likewise, a highly aseptic technique must be used, as infection would be a major complication. However, for Tapia, “It is the most natural treatment.”
Macrolane
For Tapia, “The use of Macrolane has not been sufficiently proven to be a safe, complication-free method.”
Another drawback for the expert is that “it is also a temporary treatment.” Consequently, Tapia would wait a little longer before recommending it with certainty.
Thread Lifts
According to Tapia, “This technique is simple to apply. It consists of lifting the fatty tissue of the gluteus in order to enhance shape and give the appearance of greater volume.”
First and foremost, the patient must be warned that the threads can only be inserted if there is sufficient fatty tissue to hide them. Where there is not enough fat, the threads will be visible.
“It is important to ensure that none of the threads comes loose, as this would lead to an asymmetrical appearance and would require the ensuing additional surgery,” Tapia warned.
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