Buttocks Reduction
Overview
Buttocks reduction is a type of plastic surgery that most often utilizes a process called liposuction to create a more nicely shaped and sculptured buttocks. Many individuals, men and women are unhappy with the size of their buttocks, and a buttocks reduction procedure goes a long way toward enhancing profile and balance between the upper and lower body. Many individuals undergoing a buttocks reduction take advantage of the opportunity and engage in thigh lift procedure at the same time, or combine a buttocks reduction with a tummy tuck, which also uses the liposuction technique to reduce the appearance of fat, bumps or lumps in various locations of the body.

Buttocks Reduction Procedure
A buttocks reduction surgical procedure takes between two and three hours, depending on desired results of the patient after thorough consultation regarding the procedure with a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. Buttocks reduction is most often achieved through liposuction, whereby a small or multiple small incisions are made in the crease of the buttocks, or along the top of the buttock "crack".

A cannula, or long, hollow thin tube is inserted into the small incisions. Fat tissue is literally sucked out through the tube, resulting in a more sculptured and flattening shape and size of each buttocks cheek. However, individuals should realize that liposuction can only be used to certain degree and so changes will be minimal. Overuse of liposuction in a buttocks reduction procedure will result in hanging skin or unnatural looking appearance. The most popular techniques utilizing liposuction include:

Tumescent liposuction employs the use of a large amount of liquid to increase the space between muscle and fat tissues in the target area. This technique gives the plastic surgeon greater range of motion with the cannula to break up fat cells in order to facilitate their removal from the body. This type of liposuction generally takes 2 1/2 to 4 hours, depending on the area of the body being targeted.

The super wet liposuction method is performed under sedation and use of a local anesthetic, or through complete and anesthesia. This technique is performed in 1 to 3 hours, again depending on the size of the area being treated. It also involves the use of fluids in approximately the same volume as the expected fat loss.

The ultrasound assisted liposuction, more commonly known as UAL, is a type of tumescent liposuction that involves the use of a special cannula that emits ultrasonic vibrations within the body to break up fat cells. This type of liposuction is best used in less fatty areas such as the male chest and upper back.

Power assisted liposuction, known as PAL, also uses a special cannula. This method provides mechanical movements by the cannula, which reduces the number and size of movements the surgeon must make manually. This procedure is the most comfortable for patients, due to the limited motion of the cannula.

Who Benefits from Buttock Reduction Surgery?
Anyone suffering from sagging or loss of skin elasticity in the buttocks area may be a good candidate for this procedure. Loss of weight after pregnancy or through dieting often result in flabby, dimpled, or an orange peel appearance of the buttock area. Many individuals feel their buttocks is not in proportion with the rest of their body and benefit from enhanced self-confidence offered through contouring in shaping that may be achieved through a buttock reduction procedure.

How Much Does Buttock Reduction Surgery Cost?
In the United States, a buttock reduction surgical procedure may cost an average of $7,000. As an elective cosmetic surgery procedure, cost are generally not covered under most American health insurance plans. However, individuals traveling to Costa Rica may enjoy the benefits of lower costs for the same procedure, paying an average of $2,300, which includes the cost of accommodations, consultations, pre and post surgical care. In Argentina, costs are approximately the same, while in India, medical travelers may save up to 50% to 60% on costs for the same procedure performed in the United States.

Who Performs Buttock Reduction Surgery?
Any surgeon who performs liposuction should be a certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon. Surgeons should be trained in all types of plastic surgery procedures and have completed at least five years of training. Surgeons specializing in different liposuction procedures and methods should be certified by boards of plastic or cosmetic surgery in their country of origin.