Body Implants
Patients who want to boost self-esteem or improve a particularly imbalanced body shape may benefit from body implants.
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Implants can help augment specific areas of the body that lack volume, such as the buttocks, chest, calves, biceps or triceps. Good candidates include people in their 30’s to 60’s who wish to renew a positive self-image but also have realistic expectations. Body implants can also help people who suffer from Poliomyelitis (an infection that causes paralysis), Spina Bifida, or a club foot.
Buttock Implant: Patients that wish to lift and enlarge their buttocks have a variety of implant sizes and shapes from which to choose. During the procedure, an incision up to three inches is made between the midline of the buttocks so that the surgeon can create a pocket for the implants. The implant is positioned within the muscle and fat of the buttocks. Both sides are carefully examined to assure that the implants look symmetric and natural. Scar tissue will form around the implant which will help keep it in place. Dissolvable sutures are placed at the incision, and a bandage will be applied to reduce discomfort and any swelling. Patients can usually return home within two hours of the procedure. The results are immediate; however the buttocks will begin to look and feel more natural several months after surgery, as the muscle gradually stretches. Full activities including regular exercise can be resumed about one month following surgery.
Calf Implant: In a calf-implant surgery, an incision is made in the natural crease behind the knee. After a pocket is formed, the surgeon will insert the implant through the incision. Calf implants can be positioned on the upper inside or outside of the leg within the soft tissue area of muscle and fat. The operated area will form scar tissue that will help keep the implant in place. A bandage will be applied to reduce swelling and discomfort. Patients are instructed to elevate their legs for at least two days following surgery, and after that are advised to take short walks to help reduce the risk of blood clots. Bruising should subside within a few weeks and regular activities can be resumed one month post surgery.
Bicep/Tricep Implants: During the bicep or tricep implant procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the armpit. The implant is inserted into a pocket through the incision. The implant is positioned within muscle and fat which will later form scar tissue to help keep the implant in place. After bicep or tricep implant surgery, patients may experience difficulty moving their arms for up to a week. The surgeon typically advises patients against lifting their arms for at least two days. You should limit activity and exercise for approximately four weeks following bicep or tricep implant surgery.
Bruising and swelling are normal after implant procedures. There may also be some scarring at the incision site, which may be minimized with preventative scar medications. Although complications are uncommon, they include infection, excessive bleeding and hematoma, or muscle or nerve damage. Nerve damage is frequently temporary, and resolves itself in six to eight months. Asymmetry is another potential complication that may be fixed with additional procedures such as a fat transfer. Shifting of the implants is possible, but can be remedied with another surgery.
Body implant procedures may be performed in an outpatient surgery center, or at the hospital. Depending on the implant location, surgery time can last from two to three hours. The procedure is typically performed under "twilight sedation," which includes a mixture of medications that make you feel drowsy and numbed, but awake. The procedure may also be performed under general anesthesia while you are asleep.