Buttock augmentation is a procedure that helps to provide a better shape, volume, and contour to the buttocks. There are several methods for buttock enhancement, including fat grafting, gluteal implants, and buttock injections.
Buttock injections have become a popular cosmetic procedure to achieve fuller, rounder buttocks. Injections used for buttock augmentation are packed with volumizing agents like silicone, PMMA, or hydrogel and are meant to be injected straight into the buttocks. The fillers used in these injections have potentially fatal side effects as the substance can travel to other parts of the body. While fat grafting and silicone implants are a permanent procedure, buttock injections are temporary and cheaper.
Dermal fillers and biopolymers injections are the two type of buttocks injections used. Dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid-based fillers are used to lift the butt, give it more volume, smoothen the skin texture and correct the shape.. Biopolymers are synthetic materials that can be injected into the buttocks to add volume and enhance their shape. However, these injections come with several side effects that patients should be aware of when thinking of undergoing the procedure. In this article, we will explore the potential side effects of buttock injections.
What are biopolymer injections?
Biopolymer injections are a type of cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a substance into the soft tissues of the body to increase volume and enhance their shape. Biopolymers are synthetic materials made of long chains of molecules that are similar to those found in natural polymers. The most common area of body where biopolymers injections are performed is the buttocks, although they can be used for breast or facial augmentation. The popular types of biopolymers used in buttock injections are hydrogels and silicone. Biopolymers injections are usually cheaper than other fillers and can last for several years. Hydrogel injections are made of a water-based gel that contains small particles of a material called polyacrylamide. The gel is injected into the buttocks to create a fuller, rounder shape. Silicone injections, on the other hand, involve injecting liquid silicone directly into the buttocks.
Side effects of biopolymer injections
While biopolymer injections can be an effective way to enhance the appearance of the buttocks, they also come with several side effects. Some of the most common side effects of biopolymer injections include the following:
- Infection: One of the most common side effects of biopolymer injections is infection. Since the procedure involves injecting foreign substances into the body, there is a risk of infection. Symptoms of infection may include fever, redness, swelling, and pain around the injection site. The risk of infection can lead to further complications such as abscesses and cellulitis.
- Allergic reactions: Biopolymer injections can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The body may react to the injected substance, causing symptoms such as itching, rashes, and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, throat, and tongue.
- Scarring: The injection site may develop scars, which may cause discomfort or pain. The scars may also be permanent, which can affect the appearance of the buttocks.
- Numbness: Biopolymers injections may cause numbness in the buttocks. This may result from nerve damage or compression caused by the injected material.
- Granuloma Formation: Biopolymers injections can cause the formation of small lumps under the skin, known as granulomas. The granulomas can lead to further complications such as skin discoloration, scarring, and chronic pain.
- Migration of the injected substance: Biopolymers injections can migrate to other parts of the body, causing further complications such as respiratory problems, stroke, and blindness. The migrated substance may also affect the function of other organs in the body.
- Hematomas: Hematomas are a common side effect of biopolymer injections. Hematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels. Biopolymers injections can cause hematoma due to the injection trauma, leading to further complications such as infection, abscesses, and necrosis.
- Necrosis: Necrosis is the death of tissue in the body due to the lack of blood supply. Biopolymer injections can cause tissue necrosis in the buttocks, which may result in the formation of wounds or sores.
- Capsular contracture: Capsular contracture is a condition where the injected substance forms a hard capsule around the injection site. This can cause discomfort or pain and may affect the appearance of the buttocks.
- Disfigurement: Biopolymer injections can cause disfigurement of the buttocks, which may require surgical intervention to correct.
- Death: Biopolymer injections can cause death due to the complications mentioned above.
How to Avoid the Side Effects of Buttock Injections
The best way to avoid the side effects of buttock injections is not to get them at all. If you are considering buttock injections, it is essential to understand the risks involved and to choose a qualified, experienced provider. You should also do your research and make sure that the provider uses safe, FDA-approved materials.
Buttock dermal filler injections
Although most injections into the buttocks are not safe, there is a small exception for dermal fillers, which certified cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists administer to help add volume to the skin.The substance used for the dermal fillers is typically made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the in the body that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. The specific ingredients of these fillers may vary depending on the brand, but they generally provide temporary results that wear off after a few months. Dermal filler helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, add volume and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. To maintain the results, individuals will need to receive additional injections at least once a year, and the results will not be as significant as those from buttock implant surgery.
Risks and Complications:
In addition to the side effects listed above, buttock injections also carry a number of risks and complications, including:
- Unsatisfactory results, including asymmetry or an unnatural appearance
- Need for multiple procedures to achieve desired results
- It’s a temporary procedure compared to other butt enhancement procedures
- High cost of the procedure and potential for financial burden
- Potential for dependence on injections for body image satisfaction
- Potential for addiction to injected substances
- Legal consequences if unlicensed or illegal substances are used
Conclusion
Buttock injections are a popular but potentially risky procedure. The use of these synthetic materials can cause severe side effects, such as infection, allergic reactions, scarring, numbness, granuloma formation, migration of injected substance, hematoma, necrosis, capsular contracture, disfigurement, and even death. Patients should carefully consider the potential benefits and risks when thinking of undergoing the procedure.
