NOVEL BUTTOCK AUGMENTATION TECHNIQUES

This month, our columnist, cosmetic doctor, and founder of Luxe Skin Dr Usman Qureshi (aka Dr Q) shares his techniques for novel buttock augmentation

There has been a big switch from surgical to non-surgical procedures in recent years. While we have seen an exponential rise in facial treatments, body treatments, such as buttock augmentation, are also starting to draw attention. There is a significant market for butt augmentation in the USA and Asia, which is slowly making its way to the UK. Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) have received a lot of negative publicity due to complications of fat necrosis and fat embolism. Whether this was due to inexperienced and poorly trained practitioners or just the risk profile of the operation, its use has reduced in the UK. People are looking for safer, albeit less dramatic, ways to achieve a defined bottom.

AUTOLOGOUS FAT TRANSFER

Although similar in technique to a BBL, fat is harvested and injected mostly in the ‘hip dips’. This is the lateral area, rather than the inferior region, which carries a high risk of fat embolism. Fat transfer can add modest volume but cannot shape the buttock in the same way as the BBL technique. The procedure carries the advantage of removing fat from unwanted areas and re-utilising it. The risk is lower compared to traditional BBLs or implants. When done correctly, around 80% of fat remains viable with a longevity of two to three years, after which some touch-ups may be required.

HYALURONIC ACID FILLERS

A few manufacturers have started making hyaluronic acid (HA) body fillers, which typically come in a 10ml syringe. The main area of correction is the ‘hip dips’ to stay away from large vessels in the buttocks. The result is seen quickly in around two weeks and lasts around nine to 12 months. At least 100ml is needed on each side to make a real difference, which makes this treatment costly especially as results are short-lived. On the plus side, the procedure can be done quickly with no downtime.

POLY-L-LACTIC ACID FILLER

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers, like Sculptra and Lanluma, are widely used. PLLA gives some initial volume, but its mainstay is the gradual stimulation of collagen resulting in a fuller appearance. Downtime is minimal and results take around three months to show. Longevity can be up to two years, but some top-up is required to maintain results. A large volume is required to make a difference, making the treatment costly, but perhaps better than HA, in terms of longevity.

POLYCAPROLACTONE FILLER

Polycaprolactone filler (PCL) is a bio stimulator like PLLA. It is known to be used in the gluteal area but there are no licenced products in the UK for this indication. I believe it will have a similar effect to PLLA with a gradual increase in volume and similar longevity. Gouri and Ellanse are PCL filler brands licenced in the UK for facial use. Perhaps, in the future, they will be developed for body use.

BUTTOCK THREAD LIFT

Body threads are making a name for themselves in the UK market. As well as being used in breasts and arms, dissolvable or permanent threads can be used for lifting buttocks. Since the buttocks are prone to regular pressure when sitting, the threads can become disengaged. Again, a large volume of PDO threads is needed and the aim is more towards lift than volumisation. Permanent silicone threads, such as Spring Threads, are being used in Asia, but not so much in the UK.

ELECTROMAGNETIC MUSCLE STIMULATION (EMS)

Electromagnetic muscle stimulation causing rapid muscle contraction has a place in the toning of the buttocks. A few treatments can result in hypertrophy of the gluteal muscles, resulting in a desirable shape and lift. This procedure is more suitable as an adjunct to those described above, to enhance the results and duration of the effects.

The current non-surgical portfolio of treatments give good results, but the cost-to-longevity ratio is perhaps not favourable enough to increase the uptake of these procedures. Aesthetic medicine is an ever-evolving science, and it may not be long before body procedures are considered equally desirable to facial ones.