Buttock lipofilling is an innovative surgical technique for increasing buttock volume using your own fat. This 100% natural method offers an alternative to buttock implants, without the use of foreign bodies.
The principle
Lipofilling, also known as lipostructure, is a cosmetic surgery technique that involves removing fat from a part of the body and reinjecting it to reshape and increase the volume of the buttocks. This 100% natural method is ideal for patients who do not wish to use implants or resorbable products.
Buttock enhancement and transformation are among the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. Numerous approaches exist today, with a special mention for the Brazilian Butt Lift. With its roots in Brazil, this technique has conquered Europe, thanks in part to the enthusiasm of celebrities like Kim Kardashian. More than simply correcting irregularities, it gives a more accentuated curvature to the gluteal region.
What is the Brazilian Butt Lift? Referring to “Brazilian-style enhancement”, the Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, is an aesthetic procedure designed to add volume to the buttocks. The process involves the transfer of fat cells from other parts of the body. The objective? Achieve fuller, more harmoniously shaped buttocks, reminiscent of the iconic silhouettes of Brazilian women on the beach.
1 to 3 hours
general anesthesia
4 to 7 days
1 mm
Why choose lipofilling?
The benefits of lipofilling are many:
- Natural and biocompatible
Lipofilling uses your own fat, eliminating any risk of rejection or allergy. - Lasting results
Unlike other treatments, lipofilling offers results that can last for several years, as the transferred fat integrates into the recipient area. - Enhancement of two zones
By taking fat from one area and reinjecting it into another, you benefit from an improvement in both the donor and recipient areas. - No foreign bodies
Unlike implants, no foreign materials are introduced into the body. - No visible scars
- Can be combined with a buttock implant for an even more natural look.
The most common indications
Buttock lipofilling is ideal for those looking to :
- Increase buttock volume.
- Beautify and redefine the shape of the buttocks.
- Firm sagging buttocks.
- Correcting asymmetry
It is essential to have sufficient fat reserves to achieve the desired volume, as some of the fat injected will be resorbed in the weeks following the procedure. For this reason, very slim people may wish to consider buttock implant augmentation.
Lipofilling can also be used to correct irregularities following liposuction.
Lipostructure is a genuine surgical procedure that must be performed by a competent and qualified plastic surgeon, specifically trained in this type of technique and practicing in a truly surgical context.
The lipofilling procedure
The first consultation is crucial in defining the course of the procedure. During this meeting, the plastic surgeon will assess your needs and discuss your expectations. A thorough clinical and photographic study will be carried out to determine the necessary corrections. Following this assessment, an estimate will be drawn up.
It is recommended to stop smoking at least one month before the procedure, and to stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs ten days before lipofilling.
You will also have the opportunity to meet the anesthetist, as general anesthesia is required for this procedure. Before the procedure, you will sign the estimate, an informed consent form, and medical photographs will be taken. As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, there is a 15-day waiting period between the initial consultation and the buttock lipofilling procedure.
Average time: between 1 and 3 hours
- The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, under general anaesthetic, and lasts from one to three hours.
- The first step is to precisely identify the areas where the fat will be harvested and reinjected.
- The fatty tissue is removed through a micro-incision hidden in the natural folds, using a very fine suction cannula (a hollow medical tube with a blunt tip). Commonly chosen areas are the stomach, thighs, hips (“saddlebags”) and knees, as these tend to accumulate fat reserves. This sampling will allow us to refine the donor zone
- The fat is then centrifuged for a few minutes to separate intact fat cells from non-graftable elements, and to purify the resulting fat prior to injection.
- The fatty tissue is reinjected through 1 to 2 mm incisions using micro-cannulas. Scars are therefore minimal and sutured with an absorbable thread.
- The volume injected generally ranges from 200 to 250 cc, but can vary according to need.
Immediate follow-up
Dressings are applied to the incisions. After a visit to the recovery room, you will be comfortably installed in your room to rest. You can then return home in the afternoon. You will be given a prescription for painkillers, and follow-up appointments with our medical team will be scheduled.
After the operation
As a general rule, post-operative pain following fat injection is minimal. Edema (swelling) appears during the first 48 hours after surgery, and usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to be completely absorbed. Ecchymoses (bruises) appear in the first few hours, but disappear 10 to 20 days after the procedure.
Our team will give you precise recommendations. We advise you to sleep on your stomach for three weeks, and avoid sitting directly on your buttocks. Operated areas should not be exposed to sunlight or UV light for at least 4 weeks.
After gluteal augmentation surgery, we strongly recommend wearing a compression garment or girdle. The recommended length of time to wear the girdle varies according to the procedure and the surgeon’s advice. In general, it is advisable to wear it continuously (day and night) for the first few weeks after surgery, then only during the day for a few more weeks.
The total duration of girdle wear can vary from 3 to 6 weeks.
The result
It takes 3 to 6 months to appreciate the results of buttock lipofilling. The buttocks are rounder, firmer and better shaped.
Once the fat cells have been grafted, they remain alive as long as the tissues in which they were grafted remain alive. It is normal to lose up to 30% of the initial volume during the first postoperative months. The result will gradually deteriorate, as these same tissues continue to age naturally. In a few cases, localized imperfections may be observed, but these are accessible to a complementary treatment: a small lipostructure “touch-up” under simple local anesthesia from the 6th month after surgery.
It is important to maintain a constant weight to preserve the volume of the buttocks.
FAQ
How long do the results of buttock lipofilling last?
Lipofilling results can be long-lasting. Once the transferred fat has integrated into the recipient area, it will behave like the body’s natural fat. However, some of the fat may be reabsorbed in the first few months.
Does lipofilling leave scars?
The incisions made for lipofilling are generally very small and discreetly placed. Although small scars of 1 to 2 mm may occur, they are hardly noticeable and fade over time.
What is the difference between lipofilling and fillers?
Lipofilling uses your own fat to increase volume, while fillers are synthetic or natural products injected to fill hollows or increase volume. Lipofilling offers longer-lasting, more natural results than most fillers.
What are the risks and complications of gluteal lipofilling?
Like any surgical procedure, lipofilling involves risks, although these are rare:
- Risks associated with the operation :
– Infection
– Fat necrosis: some of the transferred fat may not survive, leading to the formation of small nodules.
– Asymmetry: there may be an uneven distribution of fat.
– Edema and ecchymosis: swelling and bruising may appear, but usually disappear within a few days. - Risks associated with anesthesia
How much does lipofilling cost?
The cost of lipofilling varies according to the area treated, the amount of fat transferred, and the surgeon. It’s best to consult a recognized clinic or plastic surgeon directly to obtain a precise estimate that takes into account all costs associated with the procedure.
Should I wear a girdle after buttock lipofilling?
Yes, it is often advisable to wear a girdle or compression garment after surgery to reduce swelling, support the treated areas and improve healing.
Is lipofilling painful?
Pain varies from person to person, but most patients report minor discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with prescribed analgesics.