Medical description
Buttock augmentation with implants involves placing silicone implants designed for this area in order to increase the volume and projection of the buttocks. It is intended in particular for slim people whose fat reserves do not allow sufficient fat grafting (BBL). Unlike fat grafting, the volume provided is not reabsorbed, but the implant is a foreign body with its own risks. It is most often placed within the gluteus maximus muscle or beneath its fascia, which provides better coverage, and additional fat grafting can sometimes refine the contour. The size and shape of the implant and the plane of placement are chosen by the surgeon after examination.
What the procedure can correct
- Flat buttocks in a slim person
- Lack of buttock volume and projection
- Insufficient fat for fat grafting
- Difference in volume between the two buttocks
- Naturally undefined buttock contour
The ideal candidate
A person in good health, at a stable weight, wishing to increase buttock volume and without enough fat for fat grafting. They must accept a recovery that can be uncomfortable, with restricted sitting, and the possibility of the implant needing to be replaced during their lifetime. Stopping smoking and good skin hygiene are necessary.
The technique
The approach is generally through a vertical incision in the cleft between the buttocks, or through two parallel incisions close to this cleft, which makes the scar discreet. The surgeon creates a precise pocket, most often within the muscle, into which a solid or cohesive silicone implant designed for the buttock area is placed, then closes in several layers to protect the implant. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, with antibiotic prophylaxis. Compression shorts are worn for several weeks.
Your stay, step by step
- 1
Arrival and consultation
Welcome by your coordinator, examination and pre-operative consultation with the practitioner, who confirms the treatment plan.
- 2
Procedure
General · 2–3 h
- 3
Monitoring in the clinic
Hospital stay: 1–2 nights. The care team looks after your comfort and post-operative monitoring.
- 4
Check-up before departure
Follow-up visit, care, instructions and prescription before your flight home. Recommended stay: 10–12 days.
- 5
Remote follow-up
Back home, you send your photos and stay in touch with the practitioner through your patient area, for up to 12 months.
Risks and recovery
The usual after-effects include muscle pain, sometimes significant in the first few days, swelling, bruising and discomfort when sitting and walking. Possible complications are infection, made more likely by the proximity of the buttock cleft, wound separation, seroma, haematoma, displacement or rotation of the implant, capsular contracture, asymmetry, the implant being palpable or irritation of the sciatic nerve, and further surgery may be necessary. Your surgeon will explain these in detail during the consultation.
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation. Every procedure carries risks; the indication is made by the practitioner after examination, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Implants or BBL: how do I choose?
Fat grafting uses your own fat and slims the waist, but it requires sufficient reserves and part of the volume is reabsorbed. Implants suit slim people and provide stable volume; your surgeon will advise you according to your body shape.
Do buttock implants last a lifetime?
They are not permanent in the strict sense and may need to be replaced in the event of a complication or wear. Regular follow-up is recommended.
Will I be able to sit normally?
Prolonged sitting is restricted for the first few weeks. It then returns to normal, and the implant does not prevent everyday activities once healing is complete.
