Do I have to change my butt implants?

Dear Gaby,   The reasons for your perceived loss of butt volume 8 years after your butt implants surgery , can be different: 1. Weight loss can affect the butt projection and size.2. Capsule contracture can shrink the butt size if the implants are silicone gel or saline, even if the implants  are intact. It does not happen with semi solid ultra soft implants that are used most commonly in the US.3. Saline implants (I operated on a Canadian who had this type of implants ?! ) can break due to intense activity , like sex and the fluid gets absorbed. I consider these implants as well as the silicone gel implants inappropriate for butt implants surgery, because they do not maintain form and can break.   You do not have to change the implants per se, unless you want bigger implants , or, you developed asymmetry due to implant's rapture.    In any event, to assess your situation, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice 'S' curve, nice projection, round hips, single hidden scar and natural look.  As far as fat injection to the butt, it will be a total waste of  your time and your money, since the fat disappears completely , or almost completely within months or even sooner. I have seen it on many patients who came to my surgery center for butt implants surgery, after their big and costly disappointment from the fat injection procedure that was done by other surgeons (I never performed fat injection to the butt) .   Think about it this way, Gaby. If fat injection would have been consistent and reliable, most women would have preferred it for breasts augmentation over breasts implants. The reality is, though, that the number one cosmetic surgery in the US is breasts augmentation with implants... So, use your common sense and make your own judgment, regardless of what other doctors tell you.                      Best of luck,                                               Dr Widder   

 In most countries outside of the USA they use silicone gel implants for buttock  augmentation.  These implants, like breast implants, can rupture and leek and thus change their size and form when doing so.  It may also be possible that you had saline (ie salt water) implants placed which have deflated or you have simply lost volume in your buttock tissues.  Either way I would recommend visiting a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in buttock implants and they will likely be able to give you a final diagnosis once they perform a physical exam.  It is quite possible that they can be removed and replaced with USA FDA approved semi-solid silicone rubber buttock implants. These implants are considered permanent because then cannot rupture or leak and therefore never change their size or form. Glad to be of help. 

In the United States, Buttock Implants are semi solid, silicone polymer soft implants. What is used outside the United states is un regulated and they have used gel filled implants where rupture or leakage is very possible. A thorough evaluation and review of operative note if possible is needed. Other wise MRI is needed for evaluation. Gel leakage can be a major problem and need removal.

If they are semi-solid silicone then likely they did not lose volume.  Perhaps your buttock soft tissue envelope shrunk?  You are best to be seen in person. To be properly evaluated.  Good luck.

They don't typically leak because they are solid, but you may have lost some weight. Fat grafting especially with high definition liposuction is your best option. 

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. The implants typically do not need to be changed for leakage, as they are solid. However, your body may be making a capsule around the implant that could change its size or shape, or your body itself could be changing. Small revisions with implant changes, or fat grafting are very common. I suggest that you come in for a face-to-face consultation to discuss your concerns. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. Any treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.    Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck! 


Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS 

Harvard educated plastic surgeon