Buttocks augmentation is not as simple as it sounds, which is probablywhy it is among the least commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the UnitedStates. Yet in the last two years, the procedure has increased in popularityand has become a commonly researched procedure in cosmetic surgery. There aremany ways you can get a butt augmentation but only a few safe approaches havestood the test of time.

Since the buttocks have a very different anatomy, augmenting themrequires advanced training. How to go about it safely requires refined skillsand a great degree of artistry. A former Miss Argentina made headlines lastyear when she reportedly died from complications of buttocks augmentationinjections. The product used in this unfortunate case is industrial silicone. Thesedangerous “liquids”, named PMMA, or polymethylmetacrylate, or Hydrogel, or Silikon1000, or Aquamid are the subject of this discussion.

Our goal is simple; to educate patients about the potential dangers ofbutt augmentation by injections of unsafe, counterfeit or illegally importedcosmetic injectables. These injections are usually performed by unknown or poorlytrained physicians, or individuals who are not even physicians. Keeping this inmind; the FDA has not approved single filler for buttocks augmentation otherthan fat grafting. Autologous fat is the standard approach to buttocksaugmentation by injections in the U.S. and it is safe when performed byexperienced plastic surgeons.

Liquid silicone injections have more disadvantages than advantages.The product, regardless of what the writing on the label of the vial says, is expensive,with cost ranging between $300-$500 per cc or cubic centimeter. Since 1 cubic centimeter of liquid equals about 0.0338 of oneounce it takes a lot to augment a butt. Cheaper impure versions of the product arealso available but are all suspect. The average butt augmentation requires hundredsof ccs on each side so the process can get pretty costly. Aside from the cost,the bad results sometimes achieved with the product are typically permanentlydeforming. The real danger lies with the complications that may arise later. Thoughthe product initially offers patients sought-after changes its long lastingeffects are bad. The industrial product is not a medical product and the free siliconemolecules in some can result in horrible infection and abscesses that may hardenthe injected site and slough the skin.

It will be hard to find a reputablephysician with experience in butt augmentation using any injectables, sincenone have been FDA approved so far. In the U.S, fat injections, using fat fromthe patient’s own body, is the standard approach to successfully and safelyaugment your buttocks. The procedure is best performed by a cosmetic surgeonwith a vast experience in fat transfer and a proven successful harvesting andgrafting technique.

The message that we are tryingto send to patients is; if you are considering a butt augmentation don’t letsomeone use an industrial liquid on you instead of your own body fat?

If you must, then beware…

Ask the following questions:  

·      Is the practitioner board certified by the American Board ofPlastic Surgery or any other board that trains physicians in cosmetic surgery?

·      Is the product approved by the Food and Drug Administrationfor butt augmentation? And what is the physician's success rate doing this.

·      Are your results permanent?

The answers to all abovequestions can best be addressed by a board certified plastic surgeon. If his orher practice includes buttock augmentations he or she can give you a buttocksaugmentation in a safe manner, with permanent results, using your own body fat.