Buttock implants are made of a soft, solid silicone gel. Since they are not liquid, there is no chance of fluid leakage into the body. These implant materials have also been used for years as calf implants, as well as pectoral implants for men.
The patient may choose to have the implant inserted either below the middle section of the muscle in the buttock area known as the gluteus maximus, or above this muscle. A small incision near the tailbone is made. General anaesthesia is required for this procedure. Since these buttock implants sit better on the upper part of the buttock region, this surgery may be limiting for women who want to increase the size of the lower portions of their buttocks.
The patient may react adversely to the anaesthesia used during surgery. Infection, bleeding and muscle damage are also major risks with buttock implant surgery. It is also possible for the implants to slip post surgery, causing asymmetry, since the buttocks region is constantly shifting with sitting and physical activity involving the legs.
The patient will be wrapped in a compression garment to provide pressure and support to the site. This will usually be removed in two or three days following the procedure. As the muscle in this area stretches over the buttock implants, the buttocks will begin to look more and more natural.
Medication will be prescribed for any pain following the buttock implant procedure.
The patient can expect to not be able to comfortably sit down for at least a few days or weeks, and will be advised not to sleep of their back. The patient must avoid any strenuous activity involving the legs, and may need assistance getting dressed for the first few weeks. Bruising and swelling in the buttock region is normal, as well as the possibility of other areas near the buttocks being affected as well. This will subside after a few days or weeks. Compression garments may be worn during this time to help ease the swelling.