Buttock implants, also called gluteal implants, are silicone prosthetics placed surgically to add volume and projection to the buttocks. While less common than the Brazilian Butt Lift, buttock implants are an important option for patients who lack sufficient donor fat for a BBL.
Buttock Implants vs. BBL: Popularity Comparison
The Brazilian Butt Lift is far more commonly performed than buttock implants in the United States. According to ASPS statistics, over 20,000 BBL procedures are performed annually, compared to approximately 3,000 to 5,000 buttock implant procedures. The significant difference in popularity stems from the natural-looking results of BBL, the lower complication profile, and the added benefit of simultaneous fat reduction in donor areas. However, buttock implants serve a critical role for patients who are too lean for a BBL.
Who Is a Candidate for Buttock Implants?
Buttock implants are most appropriate for:
- Very lean patients with insufficient body fat for a BBL
- Patients who have had a BBL but want additional volume
- Individuals with flat or tuberous buttock anatomy that does not respond well to fat grafting
- Patients seeking permanent, predictable volume increase without weight-dependent results
What Are Buttock Implants Made Of?
Buttock implants are made of solid or semi-solid silicone, not the liquid silicone gel used in breast implants. This makes them highly durable and resistant to rupture. They are designed to withstand the pressure of sitting and regular physical activity. Implants come in round and oval shapes and various sizes, and are placed either beneath or within the gluteus maximus muscle through a small incision in the gluteal crease.
Risks and Recovery From Buttock Implants
Buttock implants carry higher complication rates than BBL procedures. Potential complications include infection, implant displacement, seroma, capsular contracture, and wound dehiscence (incision opening). Recovery is also more demanding, patients must avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for 2 to 4 weeks. Most patients return to normal activities in 4 to 6 weeks. A consultation with our Miami surgeons will help determine whether implants or a BBL (or a combination of both) is the right choice for your anatomy and goals.