Buttock augmentation, or gluteal augmentation, is used to improve the contour, size and/or shape of the buttocks. This is done through the use of buttock implants, fat grafting or sometimes a combination of the two.
Buttock implants are silicone-filled devices that are surgically placed deep within the tissues of the buttock.

Buttock augmentation through the use of fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from one area of the body into the tissues of the buttocks. This technique is sometimes referred to as a Brazilian Butt Lift.
Buttock augmentation surgery can increase fullness, roundness and projection of butt or buttocks, improve the balance of the figure and enhance the self-image and self-confidence

Buttock lift

A buttock lift, or gluteal lift, improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports skin and fat in the buttock area.
Aging, sun damage, pregnancy, significant fluctuations in weight and genetic factors may contribute to poor tissue elasticity that can result in sagging of the buttocks.
In order to achieve a smoother and more pleasing contour, excess sagging skin and fat are removed. A traditional gluteal lift will not make a butt larger, but may improve a dimpled, irregular skin surface. This procedure may be included in a body lift or may be performed separately.

The procedures

Buttock augmentation
Buttock augmentation can be achieved through either the use of implants or through transferring existing fat, or sometimes a combination of both. Surgeon may choose between a variety of incision patterns and techniques.
The appropriate technique will be determined based on butt size and shape, the amount of fat you have on your body that is available for use through liposuction, personal goals and activity level and skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin
The procedure may be done under intravenous sedation and general anesthesia.
An incision will be made toward the top of both sides of the upper buttocks, toward the bottom in both of the gluteal creases, between both cheeks or with one incision placed down the center of the sacrum. The length of the incision and scar is directly related to the affected areas.
A silicone implant specially made for the buttocks is inserted either in the muscle or above the gluteal muscle on each side.
Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the buttocks tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin.
The results of buttock augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Results of this surgery are permanent.

Fat grafting / Brazilian butt lift
The procedure may be done under intravenous sedation and general anesthesia.
Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. First, diluted local anesthesia is administered to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin cannula, is inserted through the incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.
The fat, tissue and blood that were removed through liposuction are then processed. The syringes are then connected to a special cannula. Surgeon will use this cannula to add the fat to the buttocks through small injections all over the behind.
The results of buttock augmentation are immediately visible; however, you will not see your final results until a year after the surgery, as it takes a while for the fat to "take." This procedure offers natural-looking and -feeling results, but the projection of the buttocks may decrease over time. Some of the initial volume you experience after your fat grafting procedure will fade as the fat is absorbed by your body (on the average patients will retain 60-80% of the transferred fat, in some cases more in others less).

Buttock lift
Buttock lift procedures are surgical procedures and they may require extensive incisions. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as surgical judgment. Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits.
The procedure may be done under intravenous sedation and general anesthesia.
One common technique of gluteal lift uses an incision just below the waist line and is commonly combined with an abdominoplasty incision in a body contouring procedure. Liposuction may be used for improved contouring as well.
Another technique uses an incision just below the buttocks and is placed in the crease between the buttocks and the upper thigh. The excess skin and tissues are removed resulting in a more defined crease and sometimes smooths the skin of the back of the upper leg.
Deep sutures within underlying tissues help to form and support the newly shaped contours. Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips may be used to close the skin incisions.
The results of a gluteal lift are visible almost immediately. However, the tissues will need to settle within the first 3-6 months and the incision lines can take up to two years to mature.

Recovery
After buttock enhancement procedure, dressings/bandages will be applied to the incisions. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
A support garment around-the-clock following surgery is needed for 3-4 weeks.
The results of buttock augmentation and/or buttock lift surgery are visible almost immediately. However, it will take some time for the final results of the procedure to fully develop.
The tissues will settle a little within the first 3-6 months and the scarring can take up to two years to fade to its mature level. Some visible scars will remain.
The results of buttock augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. Over time, butt's size and shape can continue to change due to aging and gravity.