How to choose the size of your buttock implants?

Choosing the right size for buttock implants is a critical decision that depends on several factors to ensure both a natural look and a result that aligns with your goals. Here’s a guide to help you through the process:

1. Consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

• Professional Expertise: Your surgeon will assess your body type, skin elasticity, and other factors to recommend an appropriate size.
• Measurements: They’ll take measurements of your buttock width, hip width, and other proportions to suggest sizes that are balanced for your frame.

2. Consider Your Body Type

• Proportion: Choose an implant size that complements your overall body structure. Implants that are too large may look unnatural or cause complications.
• Skin Elasticity: Your skin needs to accommodate the implants. If your skin is tight, smaller implants might be necessary to avoid stretching.

3. Understand the Implant Shapes

• Round vs. Anatomical (Teardrop): Round implants offer more volume at the center, while anatomical implants mimic the natural slope of the buttocks. Choose based on the look you prefer.
• Projection: Higher projection means the implant will make your buttock protrude more, while a lower projection gives a subtler effect.

4. Visualize the Results

• 3D Imaging: Some clinics offer 3D imaging or simulation tools to help you visualize how different sizes will look on your body.
• Try Sizers: Some surgeons may let you use sizers in your clothing to get a feel for how the implants will look.

5. Long-Term Considerations

• Comfort and Mobility: Larger implants may impact your mobility or comfort after your buttock augmentation, especially when sitting.
• Aging: Consider how your body will change with age, and whether larger implants will still look proportionate in the future.

6. Lifestyle Considerations

• Activity Level: If you’re very active, particularly in sports that involve a lot of movement, you might want to go for a smaller size to maintain comfort.
• Clothing Fit: Think about how the implants will affect how your clothes fit, especially if you prefer a more subtle change.

7. Desired Aesthetic

• Natural vs. Dramatic: Decide whether you want a natural enhancement or a more dramatic change in shape and size.
• Personal Goals: The size you choose should ultimately reflect the aesthetic you wish to achieve, whether that’s subtle contouring or more volume and projection.

8. Implant Size Ranges

Buttock implants typically range from 200 cc to 800 cc or more:

• 200-300 cc: For a subtle, more natural enhancement.
• 400-600 cc: For a moderate increase in size.
• 600-800+ cc: For a more dramatic change in volume and projection.

9. Balance with Fat Grafting

• Some patients opt for a combination of implants and fat grafting (also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL) to achieve a more customized shape.

By considering these factors and working closely with your surgeon, you can choose a buttock implant size that enhances your figure and fits your aesthetic and lifestyle goals.

10. Implant Placement

• Intramuscular Placement: Implants are placed within the gluteal muscle. This provides better support and a more natural look, but the size of the implant may be limited by your muscle size and structure.
• Subfascial Placement: Implants are placed just below the fascia (a layer of tissue) but above the muscle. This can allow for larger implants but may not look as natural in some cases.

11. Complications and Risks

• Overly Large Implants: If you choose implants that are too large for your body, it can lead to complications such as shifting, sagging, or an unnatural appearance over time.
• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the tissue around the implant hardens, which can be more common with larger implants. Opting for a reasonable size based on your anatomy may reduce this risk.
• Infection or Discomfort: Larger implants can increase the risk of post-surgical discomfort and infection. Smaller, proportionate implants may reduce these risks.

12. Post-Surgery Care and Recovery

• Healing Time: Larger implants may require a longer recovery period, and you may need to avoid certain activities for an extended time to allow your body to heal properly.
• Sitting Restrictions: Sitting for long periods might be uncomfortable or require special cushions to avoid pressure on the implants. This is more of a concern with larger implants.
• Weight Consideration: Larger implants add more weight to your body, which can affect the surrounding tissues over time.

13. Revision Surgery

• Size Adjustment: If you’re unsure about the size, it’s generally better to start smaller. Revision surgeries to adjust the size later are possible, though they come with additional costs, downtime, and potential risks.
• Longevity: Buttock implants are durable but may require revision or replacement after several years, especially if you opt for larger implants that could strain your tissues over time.

14. Cost Implications

• Implant Size and Surgery Cost: Larger implants may increase the overall cost of your surgery due to the complexity and length of the procedure.
• Future Maintenance: Consider the potential costs of future procedures or revisions if you opt for a size that might require adjustment over time.

15. Patient Testimonials and Research

• Consult Patient Reviews: Read or watch testimonials from others who have undergone buttock augmentation. This can provide insight into how different implant sizes look and feel post-surgery.
• Surgeon’s Portfolio: Review your surgeon’s before-and-after photos of previous clients to see real-life examples of various implant sizes and how they’ve been customized for different body types.

16. Emotional Considerations

• Body Image: Ensure that your decision is based on how you feel and what you want for your body, not external pressures. Your happiness and comfort with the results are the most important factors.
• Realistic Expectations: While larger implants may provide a more dramatic change, they should still match your body proportions and lifestyle. Trust the advice of your surgeon if they recommend against going too large.

17. Fat Grafting vs. Implants

• Combination Approach: Some patients opt for a combination of buttock implants and fat grafting, where implants are used to provide structure, and fat transfer (liposuctioned from other areas of your body) is used to enhance the shape and smooth transitions between the implant and surrounding tissues.
• Natural Feel: While implants add volume and projection, fat grafting can help create a more natural feel and smoother contours.

18. Communication with Your Surgeon

• Expressing Goals Clearly: During your consultation, be clear about the look you want to achieve. Bring reference photos if possible to communicate your expectations.
• Trusting Expertise: While it’s important to express your desires, also be open to your surgeon’s recommendations. They will suggest an implant size that aligns with your goals while ensuring long-term safety and a balanced appearance.

19. Implant Material

• Silicone Implants: Most buttock implants are made of solid silicone, which is soft and flexible. This material offers a natural feel and reduces the risk of implant rupture compared to older materials.
• Textured vs. Smooth: Some implants have a textured surface, which helps prevent shifting or rotation, though this is more commonly used in breast implants. Discuss with your surgeon whether this is an important consideration for your buttock implants.

20. Assessing the Long-Term Impact

• Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight gain or loss can affect the appearance of your implants. If you expect changes in weight, consider how that might impact your overall look, especially with larger implants.
• Aging and Skin Changes: Over time, the skin’s elasticity may decrease, especially with larger implants, leading to sagging or changes in shape. A smaller, more proportionate size may age better with your body.

21. Exploring Alternative Options

• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): If you’re hesitant about implants, consider whether a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) may be a better option. This procedure uses your own fat to enhance the buttocks, providing a natural look without the need for implants. However, it requires enough body fat for the transfer, which may not be suitable for everyone.

22. Social and Cultural Trends

• Trends in Body Aesthetics: Cultural preferences for body shapes change over time. While larger buttocks have been popular in recent years, trends may shift. Choose an implant size that makes you feel confident, rather than following a fleeting trend.
• Personal vs. Societal Expectations: Make sure the size you choose aligns with your personal body image goals, rather than external expectations or comparisons to others.

23. Trial Period with Temporary Enhancements

• Temporary Fillers: Some surgeons offer the option to try temporary dermal fillers to see how an enhancement might look before committing to permanent implants. This can give you a better idea of the volume you’re comfortable with.
• Padding or Shapewear: Wearing padded undergarments or shapewear can help you envision what different sizes might feel like, especially when moving or sitting.

24. Realistic Time Frame for Results

• Swelling Post-Surgery: Immediately after surgery, there will be swelling, and the buttocks may appear larger than expected. It can take several months for the final results to become visible as the swelling subsides and the tissues settle.
• Patience in the Healing Process: Keep in mind that choosing a larger size may prolong the recovery time. Be prepared to give your body time to heal and adjust.

25. Support System

• Friends and Family: Discuss your decision with trusted friends or family members to ensure you have emotional support throughout the process, especially during the recovery period.
• Online Communities: There are online forums and support groups for people considering or who have undergone buttock augmentation. These can provide real-world insights and emotional support.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the size of your buttock implants should be a well-considered decision that balances your aesthetic goals with long-term practicality. By consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon, taking into account your body type, and considering all the factors outlined above, you’ll be able to make an informed choice that helps you achieve the best results for your body and lifestyle.