In a gluteal augmentation with implants, the shape and size of the buttocks are changed in the same way as breast augmentation with silicone implants. Women who want a firmer and fuller bottom can benefit from a buttock augmentation, whether their bottom is naturally small or has lost volume due to weight loss or over the years.
Gluteal augmentation with implants (buttock augmentation) is an aesthetic procedure that improves the shape and size of the buttocks to make them appear larger and firmer. Buttock augmentation with modern silicone implants improves the body silhouette and can therefore help to increase self-confidence.
During this procedure, the volume of the buttocks is increased using customised silicone implants to create a harmonious and natural result that meets personal expectations and is adapted to the patient’s own body proportions. The procedure is ideal for patients who want a significant and permanent change in the buttock size and whose goal is to have a larger and aesthetically pleasing, well-proportioned bottom.
Overall, buttock augmentation with implants offers numerous advantages that make it a popular and effective treatment method for many patients. As experts in plastic and aesthetic surgery, we can recommend this method because it reliably delivers good results that are characterised by their naturalness, longevity, safety and rapid recovery.
Considerations
A gluteal augmentation increases the size of your bottom using silicone implants that can be easily planned. It can be indicated for you if one or more of the following conditions are present:
- You want a fuller, larger and better shaped bottom.
- You request a fuller bottom with a natural appearance.
- You expect a long-lasting result.
- The recovery time should be as short as possible.
- You want improved body proportions.
- The buttock volume is insufficiently developed or has receded over time.
- The buttock skin has loosened and feels less firm or hangs slightly.
- Your well-being and self-esteem are affected by the changes to your bottom.
Consultation
Careful planning is a prerequisite for a successful operation. This begins with your personal consultation at the AARE KLINIK. It is important for your surgeon, PD Dr. Oliver Scheufler, to find out your wishes, ideas and expectations regarding the changes to your body as a result of the operation in order to give you a realistic idea of the possibilities and limitations of the procedure.
The buttocks and the surrounding areas of the body are examined in a standing position and, in addition to the tissue volume, the firmness and elasticity of the buttock skin, any excess skin and the amount and distribution of fatty tissue are assessed. The shape and width of the pelvis also influence the shape of the buttocks and must be considered when planning buttock augmentation with implants. For a well-shaped bottom and harmonious body proportions, fat deposits in the adjacent body regions, such as the hips and thighs, are also important and can be corrected during gluteal augmentation if necessary.
Based on the results of the physical examination and image analysis, we develop an individual recommendation for the most suitable treatment for you. Together with you, we will create your personal treatment plan which, in addition to buttock augmentation with silicone implants, may also include additional liposuction of the hips and thighs and, if necessary, additional augmentation with the body’s own fat tissue.
Of course, all risks and possible complications of the buttock surgery will also be discussed with you during the consultation and the agreed procedure will be documented on a planning sheet.
To plan the operation, we need information from you about your medical history (previous illnesses and previous operations), current illnesses (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction), allergies or intolerances and any medication you are taking. This information is used by our doctors to assess the risk of surgery and anesthesia. Please bring all current and important medical findings with you to the consultation.
If you are aiming to lose a significant amount of weight in the foreseeable future, this should be considered when planning a butt augmentation, as this can significantly affect the outcome of the operation. It is therefore usually advisable to wait until your weight has stabilized.
Procedure
Individual factors and personal preferences determine the choice of the surgical procedure for enlarging and shaping the buttocks. Basically, gluteal augmentation is possible either with the body’s own fatty tissue, as in the Brazilian butt lift (BBL), or with silicone implants.
Silicone implants are particularly useful for increasing the volume of the buttocks if there is not enough of the body’s own fatty tissue in other parts of the body to sufficiently enlarge the buttocks. The advantage of this technique is the precise planning and dimensional stability of the gluteal implants, which are inserted either under (submuscular) or into the large gluteal muscle (intramuscular).
Implants of different sizes and shapes are available to our patients. All implants are high-quality branded products from well-known manufacturers. You can see these special gluteal implants in the pre-operative planning and decide together with us which of them are best suited to your individual needs. In addition to the use of implants, combined liposuction on the thighs or hips can help to treat problem areas and achieve an overall harmonious body shape in individual cases. You can also discuss this with PD Dr. Oliver Scheufler, your experienced specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, before the operation.
The procedure itself can be performed on an outpatient or short inpatient basis at the AARE KLINIK or as part of an inpatient stay at a private hospital in Bern. Regardless of where the operation takes place, you will always be operated on by PD Dr. Scheufler. It usually takes 2-3 hours to make the incisions, place the implants precisely and close the wounds in a neat and clean fashion.
In some cases, drainage tubes are inserted at the end of the operation to drain blood and wound secretions from the wound and are removed after a few days.
Risks
Gluteal augmentations are operations that are regularly performed by plastic surgeons. If correctly indicated and performed, serious complications such as infections, wound healing disorders or circulatory disorders of the buttock tissue are rare. Choosing an experienced specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, such as PD Dr. Scheufler, reduces the risk of unexpected side effects.
Despite all caution, complications can occur in individual cases that require longer follow-up treatment or repeat surgery. You will therefore be informed about all risks and possible complications during your consultation. This is why we plan every procedure thoroughly and with foresight to minimize all risks as much as possible.
Minor complications, which usually heal without consequences, include bruising (haematomas), accumulation of wound fluid (seroma) and swelling. However, they may require repeated punctures, which are performed on an outpatient basis at the AARE KLINIK. Rarely, a hematoma must be removed surgically in order not to jeopardize further wound healing. Sensory disturbances in the skin of the buttocks occasionally occur but are usually only temporary.
The risk of more serious complications, such as circulatory disorders of the skin on the buttocks and wound healing disorders along the suture, is increased in smokers or patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Combination procedures also increase the risk of complications.
In individual cases, a repeat operation may be advisable to treat complications such as extensive hematoma or wound healing disorders.
When using silicone implants, infections, scarring or defects of the implants are possible, which may require their removal in severe cases. In principle, the gluteal implants used are designed to remain in the body for life and do not need to be routinely replaced at regular intervals. However, every foreign material is subject to ageing processes, which means that removal or replacement of the implant cannot always be avoided. To keep the risk of implant problems as low as possible, we only use high-quality implants from renowned manufacturers.
General risks
- Haematoma (bruising), bleeding and swelling
- Seroma (accumulation of wound fluid)
- Healing problems or infection
- Wound healing disorder or infection
- Suture dehiscence (softening of the sutures)
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Numbness (temporary or permanent)l in the surgical area
- Circulatory disorder of the buttock skin
- Scarring
- Slight asymmetry
- Implant complications (infection, scarring, defect)
- Corrective surgery
- Thrombosis, possibly embolism
Overall, gluteal augmentation with silicone implants in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon such as PD. Dr. Oliver Scheufler, is a safe procedure with few complications and a high level of patient satisfaction.
You can also help to minimize certain risks by following the instructions we give you before and after the operation. The purpose of this is to ensure that your buttock augmentation heals quickly and well and that you can enjoy the results of the operation for a long time.
Preparation
Our aim is to make the operation itself as well as the time before and after as pleasant as possible for you. You can support us and yourself by following a few rules of conduct.
For example, it is advisable for smokers to stop smoking two weeks before and after the operation, as smoking can impair wound healing and increase the risks of infection. Certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as some vitamin preparations and homeopathic remedies should also be discontinued 2 weeks before the operation. You will receive precise instructions on this from us before the operation.
Some buttock augmentations with silicone implants can be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. If this is the case, you should ensure that you can be picked up after the operation and cared for at home for the next 24 hours. For certain pre-existing conditions or combination procedures, inpatient treatment at the AARE KLINIK or in a hospital with an overnight stay may be advisable. This is the case, for example, if a gluteal augmentation is combined with other procedures, such as extensive liposuction or a body lift.
Day of surgery
Gluteal augmentation is performed as an outpatient or short inpatient procedure at the AARE KLINIK in Bern or otherwise as an inpatient procedure at a private hospital (Salem Spital). In either case, you will be operated on by PD Dr. Oliver Scheufler, whom you have already met during your consultation.
During the operation, you will be given various medications for your well-being. A buttock augmentation with silicone implants will be performed under general anesthesia. For your safety, your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse and blood oxygen level will be monitored during the operation.
To prevent blood and wound fluid from accumulating in the wound, wound drains are sometimes inserted at the end of the operation. In addition to the wound dressing, a compression garment is applied to immobilize the wound and reduce swelling.
After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will continue to be monitored until you are fully awake and able to stand up again. After a few hours, you will be allowed to go home accompanied by a person designated to look after you. If you have been operated on an inpatient basis in hospital, you will be transferred from the recovery room to the ward, where you will stay until the next day.
You should be able to stand up regularly and walk for a few minutes on the day of the operation. Walking helps to minimize the risk of thrombosis. The pain after a buttock augmentation with implants can be compared to a strong muscle soreness. It is usually treated with a combination of mild and decongestant painkillers, which you should continue to take at regular intervals at home for the first few days.
After an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, you should be taken home by someone who will look after you continuously for the first 24 hours. This person will receive all the necessary instructions from us for your aftercare as well as rules of conduct in the event of complications or unexpected events.
After surgery
It is important to know that the recovery time after each operation varies from patient to patient. You should take it easy physically in the first few days after your gluteal augmentation and not lie or sit on your buttocks. However, from the first day after the operation, you should stand up regularly and walk short distances to prevent the risk of thrombosis.
You will also receive blood-thinning injections to prevent thrombosis. Even if you still have difficulty walking at first, you should avoid lying down for long periods during the first few days. As a rule, it is beneficial if you sleep on your stomach or side for a few days. Only take the painkillers prescribed for you and do not take any medication containing aspirin or other anticoagulants. Wear the compression garment fitted to you continuously during the day and at night.
In the first 2-5 days after the procedure, you may experience a feeling of tension and slight soreness of the buttocks. You should therefore take your prescribed painkillers. There is often an initial numbness of the buttock skin and the back of the thighs. This is usually only temporary. However, it can take weeks to months, and in some cases even longer, for the sensation to recover.
Slight swelling and bruising on the buttocks usually disappear within 2-3 weeks. As a rule, you will be on your feet one to two days after the operation and will be able to resume most of your daily activities within a couple of days or a few weeks.
The wound dressings and any drains will be removed at the AARE KLINIK in the first few days after your operation. Only then will you be able to shower normally again. However, you should refrain from taking full baths and expose yourself to excessive heat (e.g. sauna) for several weeks until all swelling has subsided.
Most skin sutures dissolve by themselves and do not need to be removed. Non-dissolvable sutures are removed after one week.
After removal of the skin sutures, we recommend starting intensive skin and scar care with moisturizing skin ointments and light massage. In individual cases, a special scar treatment with silicone gel or silicone patches may be advisable for several months. Fresh scars should not be exposed to UV radiation for at least 6 months to prevent increased pigmentation.
Activities that require prolonged sitting can usually be resumed after 2-3 weeks. However, you should wear a compression garment for a total of 4-6 weeks and avoid physically strenuous and sporting activities for several weeks.
After the operation, you will be examined by us at the AARE KLINIK at regular intervals, where we carefully monitor your healing progress until the final result of the operation is achieved and you can enjoy your new body shape with a larger, firmer and more beautiful bottom
Outcome
It will take some time before you can see the final result of the gluteal augmentation. The body needs this time to recover from the operation, which is normal. Nevertheless, you will be able to feel and sense the new shape immediately, even if not yet in its final state.
This is because swelling and bruising may persist for some time after the operation. This is also normal. The healing process is gradual and it takes several months before the final result of the operation can be assessed.
This includes the fact that the scars may initially be red and swollen or appear darker pigmented. However, these fresh and initially clearly visible scars fade over time. However, their appearance may even deteriorate slightly after a few weeks before they become flatter and paler. Nevertheless, scars can remain permanently visible, even if they can only be recognized as fine lines. In some cases, prominent (hypertrophic) scars may require special treatment with silicone patches and steroid injections. The advantage of gluteal augmentation with implants is that the scars are located in the crease between the buttocks and are usually completely concealed by clothing.
Gluteal augmentation with implants serves to improve the shape of the buttocks and the entire body contour. It can increase your sense of well-being and self-esteem and make it easier to wear certain clothing. The results are usually long-lasting. However, the ageing process as well as weight fluctuations, pregnancy and your own lifestyle can influence the result.
Costs
Buttock augmentation with silicone implants is generally an aesthetic procedure that is not covered by health insurance. An exception is a serious congenital or acquired shape disorder or asymmetry in the sense of a malformation or deformity following medical procedures or accidents.
The costs of a medically indicated buttock augmentation are covered by the health insurance company in individual cases after prior cost approval. Whether a buttock augmentation is recognized and paid for as a compulsory service of the health insurance is evaluated and decided by the health insurance company on a case-by-case basis following the recommendation of a physician.
In the case of an aesthetic procedure, the treatment costs must be borne by the patients themselves. The costs for an aesthetically indicated buttock augmentation with silicone implants are variable and depend primarily on the complexity of the operation, the buttock implants used and the facility where the operation is performed (AARE KLINIK or private hospital). An exact cost estimate can therefore only be provided after a personal consultation. You should expect costs starting from CHF 10,000.
The costs are composed of:
- Surgical fee (including consultation and post-operative care)
- Anaesthesia fee
- Technical infrastructure costs (AARE KLINIK/hospital)
- Inpatient hospital costs
- Gluteal implants
- Compression garements
- Medication
- Diagnostics (laboratory, ECG, scans, etc.)
Appointments for buttock surgery with Dr. Scheufler in Bern
A butt augmentation with implants is a medical procedure designed to help you feel more comfortable with your body and more satisfied with yourself. We are happy to accompany you on this journey with our specialist knowledge and experience. You can tell us about your wishes in a personal consultation and we will show you the most suitable methods.
Why not arrange your personal consultation at the AARE KLINIK right now?
PS: Preliminary examinations and procedures for butt and intimate surgery are, of course, carried out in the presence of a female assistant if you so wish.
PD Dr. Oliver Scheufler, board certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon and author of this website, is pleased to be at your service for a personal consultation. Besides his main occupation at the AARE KLINIK, Dr. Scheufler is also scientifically active and lectures at the University of Basel. He also was a visiting professor at Duke University (USA). Please do not hesitate to contact him if you wish a professional consultation!