Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Buttock Implant Surgery

HOW LONG DOES BUTTOCK IMPLANT SURGERY TAKE?
It generally depends on the type and extent of the procedure. Whether you're having buttock implants with or without liposculpture, each procedure usually takes between one to two hours.

IF I'M VISITING FROM OUT-OF-TOWN, HOW LONG SHOULD I REMAIN AFTER SURGERY BEFORE DEPARTING?
With any type of implant surgery, you should allow 1-2 days for your recovery after surgery. Your surgeon will advise you if there is a change in this waiting period.

WHAT ABOUT THE VACATION PACKAGES I'VE READ ABOUT THAT TOUT THE BENEFITS OF GETTING BUTTOCK IMPLANTS WHILE ON VACATION?  IS THIS SAFE MEDICINE?
Absolutely NOT!  Any surgeon who advertises, or promotes that you should consider getting a 'surgical vacation', or have surgery such as butt implants while on vacation, isn't being truthful, and in fact, as was recently discussed by ASPS (American Society for Plastic Surgery), could put your health in jeopardy. The facts are quite clear on this point. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the nation's leading organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic surgery, recommends against it. Click here to read entire article...

WHERE WILL THE OPERATION BE PERFORMED?
Most operations are performed at an Outpatient Surgery Center. These center are usually state licensed and/or federally (Medicare) certified meets the highest standards of care. Surgeons have their own facilities and usually hospital privileges as well, meaning they have an association with a nearby hospital, if needed.

WHAT TESTS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE MY SURGERY?
All patients undergoing general anesthesia will require basic blood and urine tests as well as a pregnancy test for women. Your surgeon will advise you accordingly during your consultation.

WILL IT HURT?
During the procedure, our anesthesia staff will assure that you're comfortable and will feel no pain. In every instance, you'll be asleep throughout the entire procedure. This will be discussed with you in detail during the initial consultation. After surgery, any pain or discomfort you may experience will be controlled through medication and will usually subside within a matter of days.

HOW SOON CAN I GET BACK TO WORK?
It depends greatly on the specific procedure, and the individual. Some patients tolerate surgical procedures better than others. But, on average most patients are back to work within a week, or ten days. Your surgeon will advise you of the time you’ll need and can give you guidance in the amount of time you’ll be away from your workplace. If complications arise, additional time away from work may be required.

HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE I CAN EXPECT A FINAL RESULT?
This varies with the type of procedure performed. It also depends on the individual. Some people bruise easily, while others don't. Generally there will be swelling and some bruising after surgery. Both will usually disappear over a week or two. The final optimal result can usually be appreciated a few months after surgery. At first, you may feel uncomfortable after buttock implant surgery,and will be advised to not sit until the sutures have time to heal. In most cases, you’ll have to rest on your stomach side to let the region heal. After a week (approximately), you’ll be able to sit comfortably again, but it may seem to you at first as though you’re sitting on a wallet, or padding. This is the feeling one gets in the upper region of the buttock, although this isn't the load-bearing region when one sits. The buttock implant is generally placed much higher in the gluteal pocket, while the upper back of the thighs are the area where most of the weight from sitting is distributed, so, it is unlikely that you’ll ever actually “sit” on the implant itself. As well, you may have to wear a compression pad (elastic wrap) if you have additional liposculpture done, in conjunction with the implant procedure. In these instances, you’ll have to wear this garment for a week or two.

WHO WILL BE MY SURGEON?
In every case, the surgeon you choose will be the doctor you'll first meet during your initial consultation. He will also be the same surgeon who will perform your surgery, look after you and provide all of your post-operative care, including emergency care if required.

WILL THERE BE SCARS?
Yes, but they probably won't be noticeable. Your surgeon will make every effort to keep incisions as minimal as possible and try to hide them in the natural lines and creases of your skin. The scars will fade over time and become barely noticeable.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS?
As with any operation there are certain risks. The most common risks include bleeding, infection and scarring. Although these events are usually infrequent, they sometimes can occur. These will be discussed with you during the consultation for your procedure. Other complications can include, capsular contracture, or loss of some sensation in the region. Capsular contracture is a condition that can occur when fibrosis of connective tissue forms around the capsule (the implant body), causing hardness, definitive implant edges that can be seen or restrict movement. Capsular contracture occurs infrequently, but in severe cases, where the capsule fiber can’t be broken externally, can result in the removal, and/or replacement of the implant.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Prices for implant surgery vary from surgeon to surgeon, depending on location. Also, in those instances where Micro Fat Grafting is done, in place of implant surgery, the costs can be more than double, because of factors involving the amount of fat needed, type of fat, number of stages of fat transfer, and continued care during the on-going process. For buttock implants, the costs generally range from $7000-$12,000. You will receive a specific price quotation during your consultation visit. Our staff is always happy to discuss these matters with you in more detail.

CAN I FINANCE IT?
For your convenience, our surgeons accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Each office can give you the details, either before or at your consultation. At the time you decide to book your procedure deposit is usually required and financing through one of the cosmetic surgery financing companies is available. Please check each of our surgeon’s specific sections of the site for detailed information about the financing options they offer, or ask the surgeon when you speak with them.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE COST OF MY OPERATION?
Your operation will include the surgical fees and anesthesiology professional fees, the outpatient surgery center facility charges, and all of your post-operative care. Lab tests, x-rays, and other pre and post-operative tests and medications are not included. Make sure you ask each surgeon to itemize the planned charges for you and give you a written estimate for the costs.

WILL INSURANCE COVER IT?
Not usually because buttock implants are considered elective procedures and most insurance plans don't cover it. But there are exceptions. Some functional surgical procedures may be covered by health insurance, in part or in full, depending upon your health insurance policy and the procedure you are having performed. This usually pertains to reconstructive surgery, following an injury, or congenital defect. Your counselor will assist you with verification of coverage, completion of insurance forms, submission of your claims, and follow through on your behalf for maximum benefits.

IF I'M UNHAPPY WITH MY RESULTS, WILL I BE CHARGED FOR A REVISION?
The surgeons on this site do their best to give you the results you desire. Unfortunately, no guarantee or warranty can be given. Occasionally, some patients are not pleased and may require a revision operation to correct an undesirable result. If this should occur there is usually no charge for our surgeon's professional services, but anesthesiology fees, surgery center facility charges, and any other ancillary expenses are the responsibility of the patient. If this situation arises, you should discuss the surgical result with the doctor, and ask them to give you a written professional evaluation, including costs associated with and revision surgery.

HOW MUCH DO IMPLANTS WEIGH?
Generally it depends on the type and size of the implant. But, generally they only weigh a few ounces each. For more information, see our section on What are Buttock Implants made of and what do they look like?

CAN AN IMPLANT DEVICE LEAK OR RUPTURE?
Not usually. Gluteal implants sold for use in the United States are generally made of a solid silicone matrix material, so there is no fluid inside of them. They can be carved by the surgeon, as needed, for custom fitting and sizing. Cohesive Gel implants have been available for some time, but they aren't suited for gluteal implantation procedures. Cohesive Gel implants are more suited for breast augmentation.

WILL I NEED TO TRAVEL TO THE SURGEON'S OFFICE FOR A CONSULTATION PRIOR TO MY SURGERY, OR WILL A PICTURE BE ADEQUATE?
Generally, a photograph of your problematic area will do, to start the evaluation process. Your surgeon will view the area you are inquiring about, and then consult with you. Normally, he begins the consultation by telephone, but would need to see you in advance of any planned surgery. Most have some kind of travel package in place that can help offset the costs of travel to their office. You should ask about special travel options and discounts at the time of the telephone consultation, or in an email to the surgeon.

WHAT ABOUT FAT TRANSFER FOR BUTTOCK IMPLANTS. SOME SURGEONS ARE USING THIS METHOD INSTEAD OF A SOFT SILICONE IMPLANT. DOES THIS WORK AS WELL?
Not usually. Fat is good for augmenting smaller areas, such as areas on the face, or even in cellulite smoothing, but not larger areas. Free Fat Transfer (FFT), or Micro Fat Grafting (MFG), is commonly used for lip enhancement, or smoothing wrinkles and cellulite depressions, but because it tends to be absorbed or 'washed' from the area, it isn't ideally suited for larger fills. There is little evidence to support this type of large mass FFT, with successful results, but some surgeons report good results. Also, the costs of Micro Fat Grafts can be double the cost of using an implant.