No ifs, ands, or butts about it! Augmentations of the derriere are the procedures everyone is buzzing about. In the late 90s it was Jennifer Lopez’s perfect behind, in the 2000s it was Beyoncé’s ‘Bootylicious.’ Today Kim Kardashian’s bottom has its own emoji. Nobody can deny all eyes are on the rear and booty obsession is only gaining momentum. These hip statistics don’t lie: “butt-jobs”, like the Brazilian Butt Lift, are up 25 percent in the past year. As with any relatively new procedure the sensationalized stories abound and the misconceptions are many. North Carolina board certified plastic surgeon and best selling author John Zannis, M.D., reports that The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure has become the fastest growing by popular demand. He answers 10 common questions on achieving a bodacious bum and the different enhancement options available.
What are the most common procedures for butt augmentations?
There’s fat grafting (the Brazilian Butt Lift), which uses the patient's own fat to transfer to the buttocks. It is very natural and safe, but limited by the amount of fat available for grafting. Then there are implants. Firm silicone prostheses are used to augment the buttocks. With this process there is no need for fat harvesting.
What are some common concerns or dangers, of either process?
The main concern with the Brazilian Butt Lift is losing some of the fat. It is normal for about 85 percent of the fat grafted to survive. The problem is, if it ends up a little asymmetric, a touch up would be needed. Implants are more complicated. There are risks like infection or extrusion- the implant coming out.
What is recovery like for most patients?
Full recovery takes about 8 to 12 weeks, for either process. A week off from work is usually sufficient, though sitting should be limited the first two weeks. The Brazilian Butt Lift comes with significant bruising and swelling in the areas of fat harvest (liposuction). The bruising lasts a couple of weeks and the swelling goes away in 4 to 8 weeks.
What is the "shelf" life of fat grafting vs. implants?
The fat that survives the initial recovery period should last forever. It will grow and shrink with weight changes like normal fat. The implants should also last the remainder of the client’s life as they are made of semi-solid material.
Can you share what clients can expect to achieve post-procedure?
We realistically can obtain a medium-large augmentation in one treatment. This means 500 to 1000 cc per buttock, of fat. It’s unrealistic to achieve a huge derriere in a single session.
Who is not a candidate for enhancement?
A bad candidate for fat grafting would be a very thin patient. Patients with a low Body Mass Index (BMI) should go for implants.
What are the most common misconceptions about each procedure?
Many patients believe that a huge butt is achievable in one procedure. Even skinny patients think they can accomplish this, despite having little fat to transfer.
Technically speaking what measurements do you find most flattering? Is there a formula for achieving the best look?
It’s all about proportion of hips to waist and waist to breasts. Urban legend describes the best female proportions to be 36-24-36 but what both men and women find attractive is a relatively low BMI and curvaceous figure.
Do a lot of patients ask for their derrieres to resemble a celebrity’s? Which are the most common celebs mentioned?
Most people say ‘I want a Kim Kardashian or Nicki Minaj shape but I don’t want it to look THAT big’. Most people agree J.Lo is the ultimate goal.
Which would you consider safer or more desirable, Brazilian Butt Lift or implants?
Fat grafting is much safer and more desirable because the risks are lower and the results more natural.