BUTT REDUCTION*

While the butt augmentation procedure is commonly performed nowadays on both men and women, the opposite procedure, butt reduction surgery, is also in demand. Many people don’t know what butt reduction surgery is and how it can be performed.

Generally speaking, most candidates interested in undergoing the procedure are men with an excess of adipose tissue on the butt. This surplus of fat can make the buttocks look overly big and not very masculine. This is the reason why many men confronted with this issue resort to plastic surgery to correct the issue. Just like in the case of enlarged, feminine looking breasts, a butt that is too big can affect the self-esteem of the patient. There are also women interested in the procedure, but this is mostly the case when the buttocks are disproportionate to the rest of the body.

So, what is butt reduction surgery? Most patients know that breast reduction surgery, for example, entails the removal of a part of the mammary gland, aside from the skin and fat tissues. In the case of butt reduction surgery, we are often talking about liposuction. Liposuction is performed on the buttocks to make the rear end smaller and more proportionate to the rest of the body. When liposuction is used to contour and reduce the size of the buttocks, keep in mind the indications and contraindications of the procedure and also the potential risks associated with it.

Liposuction on the buttocks should only be performed as a stand-alone procedure if the patient has a good skin condition. Otherwise, sagginess will occur due to the skin’s inability to retract on the new contours of the body. If the plastic surgeon needs to extract a lot of fat from the buttocks and skin sagginess will occur, an additional procedure might have to be performed to correct the appearance of the behind, such as the butt lift. The butt lift is very different from a Brazilian butt lift as it entails the removal of excess skin left behind after liposuction on the buttocks.

Butt reduction surgery performed with the help of liposuction alone or in combination with a butt lift is a safe and efficient method to improve the size of the buttocks and make the body more proportionate. The procedure is commonly performed under general anesthesia and takes no longer than two hours. The hospitalization period is a few hours, and the patient is free to return home afterwards if no complications occur. The recovery period after butt reduction surgery can take up to ten days or more, depending on the procedure. During the recovery period and a few more weeks after, the patient is advised to wear the compression garments recommended by the plastic surgeon to reduce swelling and improve the results achieved with the procedure.

Butt reduction surgery, also known as buttock reduction or gluteal reduction surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to decrease the size, volume, or projection of the buttocks. It is typically sought by individuals who feel their buttocks are disproportionate to their body frame or have concerns about excess fat or sagging skin in the area. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Purpose and Benefits

• Aesthetic Goals: Helps achieve a more balanced and proportional body shape by reducing the size of the buttocks.
• Physical Comfort: Reduces discomfort caused by overly large buttocks, such as back pain, posture issues, or difficulty in finding well-fitting clothing.
• Health Improvements: Can address hygiene issues or skin irritations caused by excess skin folds.

2. Techniques

There are several methods for butt reduction, depending on the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s recommendation:

A. Liposuction

• Ideal for: Patients with excess fat in the buttocks but good skin elasticity.
• Procedure:
  • Small incisions are made in the buttock area.
  • A thin tube (cannula) is inserted to remove fat deposits via suction.
• Benefits:
  • Minimally invasive.
  • Shorter recovery time.
• Limitations: Does not address sagging skin or poor skin tone.

B. Surgical Excision

• Ideal for: Patients with sagging skin, excess fat, or those who need significant reshaping.
• Procedure:
  • Incisions are made, often concealed in natural buttock creases.
  • Excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed.
  • The area is contoured for a natural appearance.
• Benefits:
  • Comprehensive reshaping.
  • Addresses skin laxity.
• Limitations: More invasive, longer recovery time.

C. Combination of Liposuction and Excision

• Used when patients need both fat removal and skin tightening for optimal results.

3. Ideal Candidates

• Have realistic expectations about the outcome.
• Are in good physical health.
• Have excess fat, sagging skin, or feel that their buttocks are disproportionate to their body.
• Do not smoke (or are willing to quit before and after surgery).

4. Procedure Steps

1. Consultation:
   • Discuss goals and medical history with a qualified surgeon.
   • Decide on the best surgical technique.
2. Pre-Operative Preparation:
   • Stop smoking and certain medications.
   • Arrange for post-surgery support.
3. Anesthesia:
   • General or local anesthesia with sedation.
4. Surgery:
   • Duration varies depending on the method (typically 2-4 hours).
   • Incisions are closed with sutures, and compression garments are applied.
5. Recovery:
   • Downtime of 2-4 weeks.
   • Full results visible after swelling subsides (usually within 3-6 months).

5. Risks and Complications

• Infection.
• Scarring.
• Asymmetry.
• Changes in skin sensation.
• Prolonged swelling or bruising.

6. Cost

• The cost varies depending on location, surgeon expertise, and the complexity of the procedure. In the U.S., the price generally ranges between $5,000 and $10,000.

7. Recovery and Aftercare

• Wear compression garments to reduce swelling and support healing.
• Avoid strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks.
• Attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress.

8. Choosing a Surgeon

• Look for board-certified plastic surgeons with experience in butt reduction surgery.
• Review before-and-after photos of previous patients.