Warning: Curves Ahead!

North Shore Aesthetics receives more and more calls and Internet inquiries regarding fat transfer into the buttocks every day. One of the reasons is that the procedure has gained tremendous popularity because of our society’s pop-culture obsession. According to statistics from American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), buttock augmentation increased by 86% in 2014 and by 21% in 2015. It is no wonder why the American Society of Plastic Surgery dubbed 2015 another “year of the rear” as, it says, “procedures focusing on the derriere dominated surgical growth”. Another reason is that Dr. Schlechter has been performing fat transfer surgeries long before it has become all the rage, which is why Dr. Schlechter is the go-to plastic surgeon for this procedure!

The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure contours the love handles, lower back, and belly with liposuction then transfers the fat to the derriere. The result is a classic hourglass figure. With regard to fat transfers, while there is no set weight for a person to have a fat transfer, there has to be enough fat to harvest. If a person is thin, it is likely that the fat will be liposuctioned from multiple areas in order to have enough fat to make a difference in the transfer site. Depending on the type of shape the patient is seeking, fat will be placed in specific areas in order to achieve the ideal volume and shape. It is the strategic placement of the harvested fat that is the key to a successful transfer. This is where the doctor’s skill and artistry come into play. The fat will be inserted into many different areas of the buttocks at different depths and different locations so that it is surrounded by tissue that offers blood supply. If not injected properly, the fat cells will not survive following the transfer, and thus will break down and not survive. Dr. Schlechter uses many small, precise injections into different areas and takes each patient’s desired look into consideration so that patient can achieve the look she wants. As Dr. Schlechter injects the fat, he uses massage techniques to make sure the fat is evenly distributed and smooth around the entire buttocks. Of course there will always be some fat that is reabsorbed by the body following transfer, but Dr. Schlechter’s technique results in minimal fat loss. In fact, Dr. Schlechter recently invested in the latest technology that allows for the harvesting and transfer of the fat within a closed system, thus allowing for a complete, systemic approach from harvesting cannula to re-injecting cannula.

After the procedure, here is what a patient can expect:

Have someone help you at home for 1-2 days.
Get plenty of rest; follow balanced diet.
Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to add more fresh fruit to your diet, and be sure to increase fluid intake.
Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin unless approved by your surgeon.
Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and results in transferred fat loss.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT SIT ON YOUR BUTT FOR THREE WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
Walk as soon as possible, this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
You may shower 48 hours after surgery.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking narcotic pain medications.
You may sleep on your stomach or sides.
Strenuous exercise and activities such as sports should be avoided for 4 weeks.
No bath tubs, hot tubs, pools, ocean or swimming for 4 weeks.
You will wear some type of a compression garment (i.e. – spandex type clothing) in the area where the liposuction was performed to harvest fat for the fat transfer for 2 weeks after surgery.
Wear pressure garment 24 hours per day and 7 days a week except to shower.
After showering, reapply pressure garment and gauze to cover areas of fat harvest and fat transfer.
Avoid exposing any small scars to sun for at least 6 months.
Keep dressings in place and access sites clean, dry and inspect daily for signs of infection.
Most of the swelling and discoloration usually subsides in 6-8 weeks, but some may persist for 3-6 months or more.
Expect temporary numbness, bruising, swelling, and soreness, burning sensation, bleeding, pain and discomfort.
May have fluid drainage from access sites. This is normal.
You might feel stiff and sore for a few days.

If you are over 18 years old, are within 30 pounds of a healthy body weight, and are ready for a curvier, hourglass figure, come meet Dr. Schlechter and learn what this board certified, go-to plastic surgeon can do to help you achieve your dream shape!