Silicone butt implants advantages disadvantages risks and tips

Over the past few years, interest among women in body-enhancement surgeries has increased—especially buttock silicone implants—because they provide an immediate, noticeable increase in size and shape from day one. Before you make the decision, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure: is the result really worth it, or are there risks and side effects you should account for? In this Dalili Medical article we will explain everything in detail: from the benefits of buttock silicone implants and the potential risks, to the recovery period and the most important before-and-after tips to help you achieve the best outcome and avoid problems as much as possible.

What Is Butt Silicone (Buttock Silicone Implants)?

Butt silicone is a surgical procedure used to enlarge and lift the buttocks by placing silicone implants inside the gluteal area. The main idea is that the surgeon increases the volume and gives a fuller, lifted appearance — especially for women who do not have enough fat for Brazilian Butt Lift (fat transfer).


Do Butt Silicone Implants Leave Scars?

Yes, like any cosmetic surgery, small scars may remain.

The surgeon usually makes the incisions in hidden areas such as:

  • the natural buttock crease

  • lower back fold

With time, the scars fade and their color lightens if you follow proper post-operative scar care. Every body heals differently — so aftercare is very important to minimize the scar appearance.


Are Butt Silicone Implants Safe?

In general, the procedure is considered relatively safe — especially when done by a qualified plastic surgeon.

But like any surgery, there are risks. These risks increase when extremely large implant sizes are used, because they may cause:

  • tension on the incision

  • wound opening

  • implant shifting

Choosing the right size is very important to reduce complications.


When Do Silicone Butt Implants Need Replacement or Correction?

Implants usually last for many years, but they may need replacement in the following situations:

  1. Capsular contracture
    Sometimes the body forms hard tissue around the implant, which can cause:

  • pain

  • firmness

  • slight change in shape

This may need medical intervention or implant replacement.

  1. Implant shifting
    If you do not follow the correct sitting and sleeping instructions after surgery, the implant may move — causing asymmetry.

  2. After 10–15 years
    Check-ups and imaging are required to make sure everything is fine.
    Not all implants need replacement — but adjustments may be needed sometimes.

  3. Implant rupture (rare)
    A small tear in the implant is rare but possible — and in this case, replacement is required.

  4. Cosmetic resizing
    Some women later decide to:

  • increase size

  • decrease size

  • change shape

This is usually a cosmetic decision — not a medical problem.


Is the Procedure Painful?

Patients do feel pain after surgery — but it is usually tolerable and manageable with the pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.

Pain is stronger during the first few days, especially with movement or sitting — and then decreases day by day.


Tips to Reduce Pain After Surgery

  • Take pain medications exactly as prescribed

  • Use a special sitting cushion to reduce pressure on the implants

  • Avoid sudden movements or heavy activity

  • Rest completely for the first week


When Does the Pain Go Away?

Pain noticeably improves after the first week.
Most patients feel a large improvement after 3 to 6 weeks — and the body gradually adjusts during recovery.


Can I Sit After Silicone Butt Implants?

It is not recommended to sit or sleep on your back for at least 3 weeks after the surgery because direct pressure can cause:

  • implant shifting

  • increased swelling

This protection period is crucial to maintain the final shape.


When Do Final Results Appear?

The improvement is visible from day one — but the final result usually appears after 6–9 months, because the body needs time to heal and adapt to the implants.


Can the Procedure Be Done Again?

Yes — revision surgery is possible if the result is not satisfactory or if complications occur — but usually you must wait about one year before repeating the operation.


What Exercises Are Allowed After Surgery?

  • First 4 weeks: walking only

  • After 6 weeks: gradual return to training

Heavy glute pressure exercises like heavy squats should be avoided at first.


What Is Silicone Butt Augmentation Surgery Exactly?

Silicone butt augmentation is one of the most popular and effective plastic procedures to increase the buttock size significantly.
In this procedure, the surgeon places soft, medical-grade silicone implants with a gel-like texture similar to natural fat — so the final look feels soft and natural.

The implant size and shape are selected with the surgeon before the operation.


What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?

Most silicone butt implant surgeries are performed under general anesthesia because:

  • the operation lasts about 2–3 hours

  • the surgeon must work precisely inside the muscle

Some centers add local anesthesia in the same area to reduce pain after surgery and make the first two days more comfortable.


Step-by-Step Stages of the Procedure

1 — Initial consultation

  • assessing body shape

  • choosing desired final appearance

  • reviewing medical history

  • ordering preoperative tests

2 — Choosing implant type and placement site
Most implants are soft medical silicone.
The preferred placement is usually:

  • intramuscular (inside the gluteus muscle) → gives a softer, more natural result

  • submuscular placement is used in special cases

3 — Pre-operation preparation
The day before surgery:

  • fasting 6–8 hours

  • stop smoking and blood-thinning medications

  • prepare post-surgery compression garment

4 — Anesthesia
Mostly general anesthesia.

5 — Incision + implant placement

  • small incision between the buttocks (hidden area)

  • creating the pocket inside the gluteus muscle

  • placing the implants

  • repeating on the other side

6 — Closing the incision + bandaging

  • dissolvable sutures

  • drainage tube

  • wearing compression shorts

7 — Recovery and follow-up

  • a few hours or one night at the hospital

  • painkillers + antibiotics

  • follow-up after one week for drain removal


How Are Silicone Implants Inserted Inside the Buttocks?

After general anesthesia, the surgeon follows this sequence:

  1. Marking incision site
    Usually the incision is made in the crease between the buttocks to keep the scar hidden.

  2. Making a small incision
    A 5–7 cm incision depending on implant size.

  3. Creating the implant pocket inside the muscle
    The surgeon creates a space inside the Gluteus Maximus muscle.
    Most surgeons prefer the intramuscular placement because it gives:

  • a more natural appearance

  • stronger stability

  • lower risk of implant shifting

Submuscular placement is used only in selected cases based on evaluation.

4) Inserting the implant and ensuring symmetry

The surgeon carefully inserts the silicone implant into the prepared pocket inside the muscle and adjusts it to make sure both sides are symmetrical and equal in size and shape.

5) Closing the incision (internal + external)

  • suturing the muscle layers using dissolvable internal stitches

  • stitching the outer skin layer

  • applying special medical tapes to minimize the scar appearance

6) Wearing the compression garment

Immediately after the procedure, the patient wears a special compression garment to:

  • stabilize the implants

  • reduce swelling

  • support the muscles during healing


Silicone Butt Implant vs Other Butt Enlargement Techniques

Feature Silicone Butt Implants Fat Transfer (Brazilian Butt Lift) Hyaluronic Filler
Material Ready silicone implants Fat taken from your own body Injectable fillers
Best for Slim girls with insufficient fat Girls with excess fat Small enhancement only
Operation time 2–3 hours 3–4 hours 40–60 minutes
Anesthesia General Mostly general Mostly local
Result appearance Immediate Gradual after swelling Immediate
Stability Very stable Some of the fat gets absorbed Temporary
Duration 10–15 years Good but affected by weight changes 8–18 months
Downtime 6–8 weeks 4–6 weeks 3–7 days
Cost High Usually higher Lower
Fullness degree Strong + noticeable Natural + soft Mild
Risks Implant shifting – infection – capsular contracture Rare: fat embolism if surgeon is not experienced Mild swelling or asymmetry

Types of Silicone Implants Used for Butt Augmentation

Most butt implants are made from medical-grade silicone consisting of:

  • outer shell: silicone elastomer

  • inner content: cohesive silicone gel

This allows a shape and feel similar to natural fat.

1) According to gel cohesiveness

Type Features
Medium cohesiveness Softer feel, more natural movement, slightly less stability
High cohesiveness “Gummy Bear / Form-stable” Holds shape better, lower risk of deformity or leakage — requires more surgical expertise but gives a very stable, smooth result

2) According to implant shape

Shape Ideal for
Round / oval Most common — provides noticeable, balanced fullness
Anatomical Less common — used in specific body designs

3) According to implant surface

  • Smooth surface → easier movement inside the pocket, but slightly higher risk of shifting

  • Textured / micro-textured → more grip inside the tissues, helps reduce implant shifting

Macro-textured implants are rarely used today due to certain rare risks.

Most surgeons now prefer micro-textured — the best balance between stability and safety.

4) According to volume

Volume is measured in cc.
Most common sizes: 200–400 cc per side depending on:

  • body size

  • tissue thickness

  • desired result

Bigger implants do not always mean better results — proportionality is key.

5) Relationship between implant type & placement

  • Intramuscular placement → most common and safest

  • Subfascial / subgluteal → used only for specific cases

6) Most common implant brands

Popular and trusted brands include:

  • Silimed

  • Polytech

  • Mentor

The most important factor is choosing a certified, approved implant.


Before & After Butt Silicone Implants

Before the procedure

Your surgeon will request lab tests to confirm safety:

  • liver & kidney function tests

  • CBC – complete blood count

  • blood sugar

  • ECG if needed

Then the suitable size + shape of the implant is chosen based on body proportion and desired look.

Important pre-op instructions:

  • stop smoking 2–3 weeks before surgery

  • stop blood-thinning medications like aspirin

  • 6–8 hours fasting before surgery


During the operation

  • duration: 2–3 hours

  • anesthesia: general

  • small incision between the buttocks

  • implant inserted inside the muscle

  • wound closed with dissolvable stitches

  • dressing + compression garment applied


After the procedure

First week

  • mild to moderate pain (especially first 3 days)

  • noticeable swelling

  • no sitting directly on the buttocks for 10–14 days

  • sleeping on stomach or side only

First month

  • swelling gradually decreases

  • normal walking allowed — no heavy activity

  • compression garment worn at least 3 weeks

After 3 months

  • shape becomes more natural

  • implants settle into place

  • you can return to exercise gradually around week 10 (based on surgeon opinion)


Before / After Expected Appearance

Stage Butt appearance Sensation
Before flat or not full normal
After 1 month fuller shape + swelling mild pain / tightness
After 3 months stable, sculpted & natural almost normal
After 6 months final stable result fully normal

Pre-operative Preparation Summary

  1. Initial consultation
    To determine goals, evaluate body shape and confirm that silicone implants are the right choice (instead of fat transfer if needed).

  2. Choosing implant shape and volume

  • Round or anatomical
    Chosen according to pelvic width, muscle thickness, and desired contour.

  1. Medical tests (10–14 days before surgery)
    CBC, liver/kidney function, PT/PTT, fasting blood sugar, ECG if needed.

  2. Stopping certain medications
    Aspirin, Plavix, Vitamin E, and some herbs (ginger – turmeric – ginkgo) for 10–14 days before surgery.

  3. Stop smoking completely
    At least 3 weeks before surgery.

  4. Prepare for surgery day

  • donut pillow

  • medical compression shorts

  • loose clothing

  • someone to drive you home

  1. Fasting 6–8 hours before procedure


Recovery Timeline After Butt Silicone Surgery

Week 1

  • moderate pain (especially first 3 days)

  • swelling

  • no sitting

  • sleeping on stomach or side

  • wear compression garment continuously

Week 1–3

  • pain decreases

  • walking allowed

  • sitting only on donut cushion and only when necessary

  • no long sitting times

Week 4–8

  • swelling decreases further

  • can return to office work (from week 3 if light duties)

  • limited pressure while sitting

After 6–8 weeks

  • light exercise allowed

  • more normal sitting gradually


When do final results appear?

  • noticeable result immediately

  • major improvement after 3 months

  • final stable results at ~6 months


Expected Results

Stage Butt shape Notes
Week 1 large + swollen unstable shape
After 1 month clearer shape, less swelling beginning to settle
After 3 months very natural shape near final
After 6 months final stable result no major changes

Final result:

  • more fullness from behind

  • more curve at the side

  • improved hourglass look

  • clothes fit better (especially jeans & bodycon dresses)


How much size increase to expect?

Depends on implant volume — average increase is +1 to +2 clothing sizes.
Some choose larger implants depending on pelvic width and body structure.

Advantage of silicone: visible enlargement from day one — unlike fat transfer which needs time for fat survival.


Are Silicone Butt Results Permanent?

Implants last for many years, but:

  • long-term follow-up is required

  • after 10–15 years a revision or replacement may be needed

So results are long lasting, but not guaranteed to be lifetime.


Key Advantages vs Fat Transfer

  • immediate volume from day one

  • suitable for slim women with low body fat

  • stable size not affected by weight changes like fat is


Possible Risks & Side Effects

  1. Pain & swelling
    Normal first 2 weeks — especially first 3 days.

  2. Fluid buildup (seroma)
    If it happens, fluid can be drained easily by the doctor.

  3. Implant shifting
    Happens if sitting too early → reason why sitting is restricted at first.

  4. Infection
    Rare when surgery is done in a reputable center — but if severe, implant removal may be needed (rare).

  5. Pain when sitting for long periods
    Especially the first few months.

  6. Capsular Contracture
    Fibrous tissue tightens around implant causing:

  • pain

  • firmness

  • mild deformation

Sometimes needs surgical correction.

  1. Shape changes with major weight fluctuation
    The implant stays the same — but surrounding fat can change.

  2. Possible implant replacement in future
    Usually evaluated at 10–15 years.