When considering methods to achieve a more curvaceous, shapely, and fuller posterior, butt injections emerge as a prominent option. Despite the availability of alternative methods for enhancing the buttocks, injections remain a primary choice, as highlighted by Dr. Steven Williams, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Dublin, California. However, this approach comes with a substantial warning: only a few substances are deemed safe for injection into this area. Incorrectly injecting the wrong substance or performing the procedure improperly can swiftly lead to life-threatening complications. If you are contemplating butt injections, here are five crucial aspects you need to be aware of.
1. Fat Injections: The Superior and Safest Option
Injectable fat transfer, commonly known as the Brazilian butt lift (BBL), stands out as the leading choice for buttocks augmentation, according to Dr. Adam Schaffner, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. Dr. Williams agrees, stating that the use of autologous fat has revolutionized the landscape of butt enhancement. (It's noteworthy that the BBL holds an 86% Worth It Rating among Ruli members and continues to be one of the most researched and discussed procedures on Ruli.)
During the procedure, fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen, back, and/or flanks through liposuction. This alone enhances the appearance and contour of the buttocks by creating a narrower waist and a more hourglass figure, as noted by Dr. Williams. The harvested fat is then injected into the buttocks to increase volume and fullness. While the cost of a BBL ranges from $12,000 to $20,000, the results are long-lasting, although some of the transferred fat may not fully integrate.
2. Injectable Fillers: A Secure Alternative
For individuals lacking sufficient fat for harvesting or preferring a ready-made option, butt fillers offer an alternative. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane are sometimes used off-label, but the required quantity makes them prohibitively expensive, and the results are temporary, according to Dr. Schaffner. Sculptra butt injections are the most common; the biostimulatory agent (poly-L-lactic acid) aids in thickening the tissue and stimulating collagen production, providing a slight lifting effect. However, Dr. Schaffner points out that the results are not comparable to the volume and size increase achievable with a BBL.
Butt fillers are also costly. Dr. Williams explains that a BBL uses at least 400 to 500 ccs of fat, equivalent to about a quarter of a two-liter bottle of Coke. In contrast, one cc of filler can cost up to $500, making it unaffordable for most. Both doctors agree that Sculptra injections are better suited for smaller areas like hip dips or for subtle lifting and contouring rather than increasing overall butt size. While the results last longer than HA fillers, they are not permanent.
Radiesse, another biostimulatory filler, is occasionally offered by some providers, but the doctors we spoke with were not enthusiastic. Dr. Schaffner does not recommend it due to its irreversible nature in case of complications and notes that Sculptra's mechanism is more effective for the buttocks. Dr. Williams adds that using Radiesse in large quantities needed for the buttocks quickly becomes very expensive, with an average cost of $750 per syringe.
Collagen injections, once considered for buttock enhancement, are no longer used due to potential allergic reactions from bovine sources. Both doctors are unaware of any legitimate injectable collagen on the market. PMMA injections, consisting of microspheres suspended in collagen, are still sometimes employed, but Dr. Schaffner anticipates their removal from the market soon.
3. Inherent Risks of Butt Injections
Injecting any substance into the buttocks, whether fat, Sculptra, or black market options, carries inherent risks. Dr. Williams explains that large blood vessels are located deep within the buttock muscles. Inaccurate injection can damage these vessels, allowing the injected substance to enter the venous system, potentially reaching the right atrium and impeding lung function, leading to death. Modern injection techniques have mitigated many risks, but it is crucial that only licensed, trained, and experienced professionals perform butt injections, ideally board-certified plastic surgeons.
Infection is a significant risk with butt injections. Dr. Schaffner emphasizes that the area is prone to bacteria due to daily activities like sweating and using the bathroom. Proper sterilization is essential, requiring surgical-grade solutions rather than just alcohol swabs.
4. Safe Substances for Butt Injections
Only fat, hyaluronic acid fillers, and biostimulatory fillers are considered safe for butt injections. Silicone injections, despite their popularity, are highly dangerous. Dr. Schaffner notes that silicone is a permanent, non-dissolvable material that, if infected or inflamed, is challenging to remove and can cause tissue necrosis if injected near vessels.
Dr. Williams warns against those claiming to use medical-grade silicone, pointing out the high cost and the illogical scenario of someone carrying around expensive silicone for low-cost injections in non-medical settings.
5. The Dangers of Black Market Butt Injections
Unethical practitioners use various substances for black market butt injections, including silicone, Fix-A-Flat, super glue, caulk, and cooking oil. Dr. Schaffner and Dr. Williams highlight the risks and provide indicators of illegal practices, such as performing procedures in non-medical settings and offering suspiciously low prices. Proper documentation and verification of filler sources are crucial.
In conclusion, while butt injections can enhance appearance, they require careful consideration of the risks and the qualifications of the practitioner. Only safe substances and experienced professionals should be trusted to perform these procedures.
