Forty years ago, when I started my practice, many of my patients came in with a different goal: they wanted smaller buttocks. Liposuction to reduce volume in the hips, buttocks, and thighs was among the most requested procedures. Today, the pendulum has swung dramatically. Over the last 15 to 20 years, cultural ideals have shifted. Full, rounded buttocks are now celebrated, symbolizing vitality, femininity, and youth. From fitness influencers to celebrities, the emphasis has moved toward enhancing curves—not minimizing them.
This change in aesthetic preference has led to a dramatic rise in buttocks augmentation procedures. Women (and some men) now seek more projection and contour to the gluteal region, often as part of an overall body reshaping plan.
There are two primary options for buttocks enhancement: gluteal implants and fat grafting, the latter commonly known as the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).
Implants are silicone devices surgically placed to add volume and shape. This method can be effective, especially in lean individuals who lack sufficient fat to harvest for grafting. However, gluteal implants carry higher complication risks than other implant-based procedures like breast augmentation. Infection, implant shifting, and unnatural feel or appearance are more frequent concerns.
