Question: Fat injections to my buttocks didn’t last so now I want buttock implants. Is it better to go in the muscle or over it?
Answer:
Buttock implants look better and stay in position better if they go inside the muscle because –
• The muscle supports the implant, so it doesn’t droop and
• The muscle fights off infection so you are likely to heal better.
Large implants won’t fit in the muscle, so implants need to be 350 cc or smaller. Therefore, larger implants need to go over the muscle, but there are two problems with this approach –
• You are more likely to get an infection and
• Your implants are more likely to droop or move to the side.
Usually it is better to have a smaller implant that doesn’t cause problems than a large one that does!
Putting implants in the muscle takes time during surgery. Unlike other areas where we put implants, the buttock muscle has no natural space for the implant. Your surgeon has to carefully cut through the muscle fibers themselves to make space.
You will hurt a lot after surgery. Exparel, a long lasting local anesthetic, can be injected directly into the muscles at surgery to reduce the pain. It is expensive, usually adding about $1000 to your cost.
Your buttock implant incision, whether over or under the muscle, is the same. One incision is used for each implant. These incisions are hidden on the side of each buttock.
Remember to allow enough time for recovery. You will need to set aside at least 3 weeks because –
• No sitting is permitted at all for 3 weeks – this means no driving, no work at a desk, nothing.
• No housework for 4 weeks.
• No exercise for 8 – 10 weeks.
• And lots of rest during the first 3 weeks, with frequent showers and careful attention to hygiene to reduce your risk of infection.
Buttock implants have advanced a lot in recent years.
Give us a call if we can help you decide if they are right for you.