Non-Surgical Butt Augmentation: Worth the Risk?

by Marisa Amorasak

The quest for a rounded derriere is inarguably more popular than ever. Western ideals have been heavily leaning toward a more feminine figure over the last decade, and that’s been reflected in the steady rise of surgical butt augmentation. The Brazilian Butt Lift is the go-to procedure for many patients seeking a fuller, lifted, more curvaceous butt. And although the Brazilian Butt Lift is an ideal option for some patients, others seeking a more beautiful butt don’t want to go the surgical route. Fortunately, the technology for non-surgical procedures is constantly evolving, offering alternatives to surgical butt augmentation. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your buttocks without surgery, read on.

Macrolane™ offers a semi-permanent way to increase the size and shape of the buttocks. Macrolane is a gel derived from hyaluronic acid, the same solution found in popular injectables Restylane and Juvederm. Once Macrolane has been injected into the buttocks, the results are immediate. Over the next year, Macrolane will naturally filter out of the body. Patients can choose to have more Macrolane treatments to prolong the effects of their non-surgical butt augmentation. In addition to increasing the size of the butt, Macrolane is also ideal for butt lifts and filling in uneven skin. It’s important to note that Macrolane has not been approved by the FDA as of January 2012—check with a certified plastic surgeon or trained aesthetic specialist before undergoing this treatment.

Hydrogel butt augmentation uses a solution that binds to tissues for nearly permanent result. Hydrogel is one of the most affordable ways to enhance your cheeks—and it’s also one of the most dangerous. Though not illegal, hydrogel is not FDA approved for butt augmentation. In order to create smooth results using hydrogel, extensive cosmetic training is necessary. Unfortunately, the black market for hydrogel performed by unlicensed practitioners is huge. Successful hydrogel butt augmentation would have to be performed by an extensively trained professional, though most elite cosmetic doctors will not perform the procedure because it isn’t FDA-approved.

The Silhouette Thread Lift is best known for its revolutionary way to lift sagging facial skin. Using a different type of suture, Silhouette Thread Lifts are performed under local anesthesia and last about three years. After that, the sutures naturally absorb into the skin. Some plastic surgeons have successfully performed butt augmentation using the Silhouette Thread Lift method, but like the other procedures on this page, it’s not FDA approved for butt augmentation. Keep in mind that the Silhouette Thread Lift is semi-permanent, and the sutures aren’t strong enough to hold up a lot of fat and tissue. And although you won’t be put to sleep for a Silhouette Thread Lift, it does involve a needle and thread.

Non-surgical butt augmentation is available, but the options are risky. The fact that Macrolane, hydrogel, and the Silhouette Thread Lift have not been approved for butt enhancement shows that their long term effects, safety, and success aren’t proven. If you want to improve the look of your butt without surgery, non-invasive body contouring treatments like VelaShape and VelaSmooth can decrease inches and cellulite. If you are more interested in lifting your buttocks or making it bigger, plastic surgery is probably your best bet. Contact a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to learn more about your butt augmentation options today.