With increasing numbers of patients undergoing significant weight loss either through diet & exercise or bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, Dr Hunt has developed experience in reconstructing the abdominal and lower body contour in these patients. Combining a buttock augmentation flap with body lift (torsoplasty / belt lipectomy) surgery can help achieve the desired contours.
Solving problems of body lift (belt lipectomy) surgery
A popular procedure for post-weightloss patients known as a lower body lift or belt lipectomy provides removal of excess skin circumferentially. It can help with 360 degree body contouring. Over time and with ongoing follow-up with our patients and their results, we found that patients often end up with a flat appearance at the buttocks, which can be an aesthetic worry for some patients.
From this, the buttock augmentation flap has become an important part of Dr Hunt’s approach to this procedure.
360° Body Contouring
As a Specialist Plastic surgeon and aesthetic cosmetic surgeon, Dr Hunt appreciates that patients want to look good from all angles, that is, from front to back and the sides, and to achieve this, the patients might undergo a form of 360° body contouring, be it with liposuction, abdominoplasty or body lift (belt lipectomy), often with a buttock augmentation. As part of this, the buttock is an important aesthetic element and has certainly increased its profile.
Why is the buttock augmentation flap done?
Sometimes, when patients undergo a circumferential lower body lift or belt lipectomy, they can end up with a flat buttock appearance that they don’t want. The removal of excess skin over an area that has already lost volume due to weight loss can result in this appearance. This can be a problem aesthetically, and it can also cause problems as there is nothing for patients to hang their trousers on. With the evolution of surgical techniques, we have developed a method to reduce this problem and give patients a better chance at getting a result they’re pleased with.
Case 1 – Body lift (belt lipectomy) Patient – NO Buttock Augmentation
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Lower body lift (belt lipectomy) alone can produce a flatter appearance, compared to the surgery done with buttock augmentation flap.
Options for Buttock Augmentation of Body lift (Belt Lipectomy) Patients
1. Buttock implant
A buttock implant made of silicone is an option. However, it is quite often fraught with difficulties as the implant can become displaced or malpositioned, and patients often do not desire an implant.
Please Note – Dr Hunt does NOT perform Buttock Implants
2. Fat transfer to the Butt (Bilateral Buttock Augmentation)
The fat transfer or bilateral buttock augmentation, also known as the Brazilian butt lift, was particularly popular until it was identified that it carried a significantly high risk of complications and potential death. The issue is that when the fat transferred enters the circulation and becomes lodged in the heart or lungs, this can be fatal. The popularity of this procedure has decreased in recent times due to the high-risk profile.
Please Note – Dr Hunt does NOT perform Brazilian Butt Lift (Bilateral buttock augmentation)
3. Buttock Autologous Fat Flaps
When doing a circumferential lower body lift (belt lipectomy), the excess tissue above the beltline on the lower back will be discarded. The option exists to utilise this excess fat, though as a form of buttock implant made from the patient’s own tissue, and has the advantage as it has a fully intact blood supply, increasing the chances that it will survive the procedure.
This Autologous Buttock Augmentation Flap is Dr Hunt’s preferred choice following abdominal contouring after massive weight loss.
Case 2 – Body Lift Patient With Buttock Augmentation Flap
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Lower body lift (belt lipectomy) with buttock augmentation flap – following weight loss, the lost volume and shape of the buttock is reconstructed with the autologous buttock augmentation flap.
Dr Hunt’s philosophy and evolution in butt augmentation flap surgery
As surgeons and scientists, we have performed research using three-dimensional cameras on patients’ shape and volume before surgery, during the operation, and in long-term follow-up. We have published our results internationally and presented them at multiple international meetings.
Buttock augmentation represented in a 3D image of an actual patient
The flap aims to elevate the buttock and increase projection and volume.
Who is a candidate for Butt Augmentation Flap?
Patients who have undergone massive weight loss with the descent of the buttocks might be candidates for a buttock augmentation flap. We also find that with signs of ageing, there can be the descent of the buttock, and patients who are considering an abdominoplasty, including surgery on the outer thighs and buttock, can also be candidates for the procedure.
Further Reading about Body Contouring Surgery
- Read Dr Hunt’s Body Contouring Surgery page
- Read Dr Hunt’s Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy) page
- See Dr Hunt’s Real Patient Body Contouring Surgery Before and After Photos
- Read Patient Case Study of Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty #1
About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
- Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us
If breast reduction mammoplasty is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.
- Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
