Introduction
Butt implant surgery is performed with the aim of increasing the size of the buttocks by inserting implants of a certain volume inside the muscles of the butt. The procedure has a higher risk when compared to other plastic surgery procedures because the area targeted is used intensely for activities such as walking, sitting, and even lying down. Being informed of the risks and potential complications associated with butt implant surgery is important for the well-being of the patient. This is the reason why it is always a good idea to write down your concerns and discuss them all with the plastic surgeon during the pre-operative consultation. Moreover, an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon will also be able to give you recommendations to minimize the risks associated with butt implant surgery.
Generally speaking, the risks associated with this type of procedure are excessive bleeding and infection. Because the area is often subjected to intense pressure, another complication that can occur might be the shifting of the implants that could result in asymmetries after the procedure. These risks that we have mentioned have a chance of happening despite the experience of the plastic surgeon and the technique used, and this is why it is essential for the patient to understand her role in minimizing the risks associated with butt implant surgery.
In this article, we will discuss the general risks of butt implant surgery and what the patient can do to avoid them if possible.
Recovery after butt implant surgery
A significant part of the success of the procedure and minimizing the risks associated with it is in the pre-operative preparation and what happens during the surgery. The patient should take time to prepare physically for the procedure by following the recommendations of the plastic surgeon and have a balanced diet, quit smoking, stop birth control medication, and avoid anti-inflammatory medication such as ones containing aspirin. This can significantly reduce the incidence of complications occurring. Moreover, the technique used by the plastic surgeon and what happens during the operation is important both for the success of the procedure and avoiding certain risks and complications that could occur.
For example, the risk of infection is much reduced if the plastic surgeon will wash the implants with an antibacterial solution before inserting them into the buttocks. Moreover, antibiotics should be given through the IV to the patient during the surgery. This will not completely eliminate the possibility of developing an infection after the procedure, but the risks will be considerably reduced. Aside from the pre-operative preparation and the operation proper, the conduct of the patient during the recovery period can also influence the occurring of complications.
Patients interested in undergoing butt implant surgery should know that the recovery period after this procedure might be lengthier and associated with more discomfort than in the case of other plastic surgery procedures. This happens because the operated area is involved in daily activities such as walking, sitting and lying down.
The first day after the procedure is spent in bed by most patients. Keep in mind that compression garments are mandatory after butt implant surgery and the plastic surgeon will also advise you to have short walks every few hours for a good blood circulation.
To avoid some of the risks that can occur, you will be advised to avoid sitting on the buttocks at all costs. After a week or so, you can use a special pillow and position it under the hamstrings, but for the first few days, it is preferable to just lie on the tummy instead of sitting on the butt or lying on your back. If you wonder how a ride in the car might look like, well, how about lying on your tummy on the back of the car? This might sound funny, but it is certainly going to help you avoid complications and risks that could otherwise occur.
The patient might also experience pain and discomfort during the first week post-op. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed by the plastic surgeon, so make sure to take them according to the doctor’s order. Moreover, drain tubes might be inserted into each butt cheek, and you will need to keep them on until there is nothing draining from them. The drain tubes prevent the risk of developing a seroma or hematoma. Seromas and hematomas are accumulations of blood or other fluids on the operated area. They occur naturally after a surgical procedure and disappear without additional treatment if their size is small. For large seromas and hematomas, additional surgical treatment might be necessary. In some cases, the plastic surgeon will take out the liquid or blood with a syringe. Big seromas and hematomas can cause infections, and this is a risk we are trying to avoid after surgery.
To minimize the risk of incisions opening, the patient is advised to avoid sitting down on the buttocks. The only time when you can sit is when using the toilet. This recommendation is valid for at least the first ten days post-op. After this period, you can sit or lie down with a pillow under the hamstring. The idea is not to allow the buttocks to touch anything. Direct pressure on the buttocks should be avoided for up to eight months or according to the recommendations of the plastic surgeon. This means that you should invest in a good quality pillow as you will use it for quite some time.
The compression garments are also mandatory to be worn for more weeks as this is how we try to avoid the risk of getting asymmetries after butt implant surgery or unsatisfactory results. The plastic surgeon might advise you to wear the compression pants for four weeks non-stop and up to eight more weeks just during the day.
The results of butt implant surgery are visible soon after the procedure, but they will be masked by the swelling and bruising in the area. To minimize the swelling and bruising, you can use ice packs on the buttocks and also take Arnica Montana supplements. When taking natural supplements, make sure to talk to your plastic surgeon beforehand and get his consent.
Intense physical activities are to be avoided for at least eight weeks after the butt implant surgery to avoid the risk of rupturing the sutures or shifting of the implants.
General risks of butt implant surgery:
– Allergic reactions to the anesthesia (general anesthesia is often preferred)
– Swelling and bruising of the operated area
– Accumulations of blood and other fluids at the incision site
– Excessive bleeding
– Infections
– Changes in sensitivity in the buttock area
– Unsightly scars
– Unsatisfactory results
– Buttock asymmetries
– Shifting of the implants
It is important for patients interested in this procedure to understand that it is possible to minimize the risks associated by choosing a talented, board-certified plastic surgeon and following his recommendations for pre- and post-operative care. However, this doesn’t mean that if you do everything right, the procedure will be risk-free for you. There are no surgical procedures that are, and there is no way to guarantee that no complications will occur in your particular case.
Conclusion
Just like any other surgical procedure, butt implant surgery is associated with certain risks and the possibility of developing a complication. The general risks are getting unsatisfactory results, implants shifting and causing asymmetries, excessive bleeding, infections in the incisions or the pockets that host the implants, seromas and hematomas, and changes in sensitivity in the buttocks. Moreover, there is always a risk associated with the anesthesia used, and the scars that are left over after the procedure.
Some of the risks can be minimized by a proper preparation for the procedure and a good post-operative conduct. Moreover, the plastic surgeon can also follow certain protocols and use special techniques to minimize some of the risks. For example, inserting drain tubes after the surgery reduces the risk of developing seromas and hematomas and using antibiotics through the IV during the surgery and prescribing antibiotics for five more days post-op can reduce the risk of developing an infection.
Following the recommendations of the plastic surgeon is essential to limit the risks of butt implant surgery and ensure you have a short and smooth recovery period after the procedure.