One of the most popular cosmetic treatments in recent years has been the butt lift, usually the Brazilian butt lift version. Round, full buttocks are “on trend” and many people are seeking out treatments to transform a flat backside into something considerably curvier. While a Brazilian butt lift is often considered the “go to” procedure for enhancing the derriere, it’s not right for all patients. The treatment requires that a person have enough fat to transplant from one area of the body to the buttocks.
But those who might not have a lot of fat aren’t without luck. A different type of butt lift, a Sculptra butt lift, can provide some backside enhancement, no extra fat required.
What Happens During a Sculptra Butt Lift?
During a butt lift with Sculptra, a surgeon adds volume to the backside by injecting a filler made from poly-l-lactic acid. Initially, Sculptra was used to add volume to the cheek area of the face. When injected into the body, the main ingredient in it encourages the production of collagen, which helps to restore lost volume. The injection provides a similar result when injected into the buttocks.
How many vials of Sculptra a person needs depends on the roundness of their buttocks to start with and how dramatic they want their results to be. Some people need just a handful of vials, others might need up to 20. A typical number is around 10 vials.
Typically, a Sculptra butt lift takes about 15 minutes to perform, though it can take more or less time depending on how many vials are injected. The results might not be visible right away because Sculptra takes a few weeks to produce collagen and to add volume to the area. Many people have at least two treatment sessions to get the type of results they want. Results aren’t visible right away but often appear gradually, over the course of six weeks or so.
What Happens During a Brazilian Butt Lift?
Unlike a Sculptra butt lift, a Brazilian butt lift is a two-part procedure that involves liposuction and injection. During the first part of the treatment, the surgeon performs liposuction to remove donor fat from an area of the body, usually the thighs, abdomen or hips. Once the fat is removed, it is purified and prepared for injection. The entire process takes anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the volume of fat removed and how much augmentation a patient wants in the buttocks.
Is One Option Better Than the Other?
Whether a Brazilian or Sculptra butt lift is better for a person depends on a few factors. One thing to consider is the amount of excess fat you have on the body. If you’re very slim, a surgeon might not be able to harvest enough donor fat to perform a Brazilian butt lift.
Another thing to consider is how much augmentation you want in the buttocks. Usually, a Brazilian butt lift will provide more dramatic results than Sculptra, since the surgeon can really plump up the area with a fair amount of fat. Sculptra typically provides a more subtle result.
Your schedule might also determine whether a Brazilian butt lift or Sculptra is right for you. You’ll have to take some time off from work, up to two weeks, after a Brazilian butt lift. You’ll also need to be conscious about how you sit and avoid putting weight on your buttocks. The same goes for sleeping — you’ll want to sleep on your stomach or side for about two weeks afterward.
Recovery is much shorter after Sculptra. Many people return to work and other activities the next day and there’s no need to worry about your sitting or sleeping position. What is recommended is massaging the area multiple times a day for about five days after each series of injections. Massaging the area helps reduce the chance of bumpiness occurring.
About Dr. Ran Rubinstein
Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein, a board certified plastic surgeon, offers Sculptra butt lifts and Brazilian butt lifts at his practice in Manhattan. He can help you decide which butt augmentation option will best help you reach your goals. Dr. Rubinstein offers patients a variety of procedures, from fillers to rhinoplasty, at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, PC in Newburgh, New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein, call 845-863-1772 today.
