Buttock Augmentation Risks and Complications

Newport Beach – Orange County – California

Buttock augmentation, like all surgical procedures, comes with the risk of complications. A skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Hendricks can significantly lower these risks, but no guarantee can be made assuring absolute safety.

The risk of complication is increased when implants are used as opposed to fat injections, and complications range from minor to severe, but it is important to also remember that these complications are rare. Dr. Hendricks will discuss with you all potential buttock augmentation complications on your initial consultation.

Minor Buttock Augmentation Complications

Common, minor complications include:

  • Pain and discomfort – Mild pain and discomfort following buttock augmentation surgery is actually quite common but rarely lasts for more than a few weeks. Pain can be controlled with pain medication and rest. This pain may be accompanied by bruising and swelling. Again, these sensations generally disappear within a few weeks.
  • Seroma, or fluid collection – The pooling of serum from your blood in the buttocks area can occur after surgery. This fluid can be removed by Dr. Hendricks with a syringe or through the use of a surgical drain.
  • Sclerosis, irregularities, or dimples – If fat is absorbed unevenly, you may notice hardened areas causing dimples and asymmetry. Dimples may also occur depending on your skin elasticity, and your body’s reaction to the injection of fat.
  • Muscle spasms – Muscle spasms are common within the first few weeks following surgery. These can be relieved with heat and massage.
  • Emotional and sexual changes – Minor, temporary changes in sexual desire and mood in general have been attributed to liposculpture procedures. These instances are rare and often last only a few days.

Severe Buttock Augmentation Complications

Severe complications are much rarer than minor complications. Severe complications include:

  • Serious infection – Due to the proximity of the incision to the rectum, in rare cases infection can develop. This risk is raised with the use of implants, but seriously decreased overall due to the use of post-surgery antibiotics. Personal hygiene also plays a large roll in decreasing your risk for infection. Serious infection also increases your risk for implant protrusion.
  • Fluid imbalance – Fluid imbalance can be caused by combining liposuction with fluid injections. Fluid imbalance can cause heart, lung, and kidney problems.
  • Skin necrosis – The area above the incision can become necrotic, causing large areas of the skin to slough off. In these rare instances, the areas affected may become seriously infected.
  • Visceral damage – During liposuction it is possible for internal organs to be punctured. This can result in the need for additional surgery, and may even result in death.
  • Neurotoxicity – Allergic reactions to general anesthesia are uncommon, but possible.

Like any major surgical decision, buttock augmentation comes with its share of risks. That is why it is important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon to perform any cosmetic surgery. Dr. Hendricks is skilled and experienced in the buttock augmentation procedure. If you live in Newport Beach, California, and are considering this procedure, please contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hendricks to discuss the benefits and complications associated with this surgery.