The “Year of the Rear” continues as broad advancements in Gluteal Augmentation continue to arrive. As the 21st century aesthetic continues to evolve, it is very clear that the dominant gluteal aesthetic will continue to be the full but athletic look.
History of Gluteal Augmentation – Brazilian Butt Lifting
Prior to 2019, the only reliable methods for gluteal augmentation were surgical, with Brazilian Butt Lifts leading the way. This landmark technique involves large volume transfer of fat from the upper and lower back, flanks, hips, and abdomen into the buttock area. This procedure starts with large volume liposuction, where fat is removed through small incisions strategically placed throughout the patient’s trunk. Then, through small incisions, fat is harvested from the body. The fat is then filtered and purified, and re-injected into the buttock via large volume needles. Volumes delivered can vary between 300cc’s per side to 1,500cc’s per side. Brazilian Butt lifts hit the American market in the early 2000’s, and its popularity skyrocketed immediately. Between 2009 and 2014 this operation was the fastest growing procedure in the United States. While it continues to be a popular procedure, there are limitations to this procedure, and there are also significant health risks associated with intramuscular fat injections.
Between the years of 2015 and 2018, there were sixteen deaths in Miami Dade county alone from this procedure. In 2018, a taskforce from the American Society of Plastic Surgery declared Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL) as the “most dangerous cosmetic surgery” available in the United States. The mortality rate for this operation is 1 out of every 5,000. Other limitations regarding BBL’s is that the patient must undergo significant liposuction, meaning that many patients, especially athletic ones, have to literally gain fat so that it can be harvested. Lastly, there are multiple complications from the procedure, including fat necrosis, fat embolization, lumpiness following liposuction, and formation of cysts. Because of the risks associated with the surgery, we have looked for safer, and reliable methods for gluteal augmentation without surgical risks. Again, there is no question that BBL procedures render fantastic results, especially in women with existing curves with mild excess fat. For the more athletically inclined, and for those who want to avoid surgery we offer the following solutions and opportunities: