Body Implants - Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

What are Body Implants?

Body Implants are used to alter the size and shape of different body parts.  Having body implants involves a surgical procedure.  Body implants can range from Pectoral and Bicep Implants to Buttock and Calf Implants.  The result is that the body part resembles that of one with muscle definition, which is often hard to achieve even with regular exercise.

What does having the procedure involve?

There are many reasons as to why you might wish to have body implants.  It may simply be that you wish to enhance the way that you look or it could be for more of a medical or practical reason.

The procedure should only be performed by a plastic surgeon that you find reviewed and rated on The Good Surgeon Guide.  Your body implant surgeon should be one that you know is registered to practice and therefore be one that you can trust.

There are a handful of surgeons who practice body implants and the procedure is completely based treatment that you wish to receive.  Some will see you under a local anaesthetic and others completely out under a general anaesthetic.

Whichever procedure that you go for, the desired outcome is the same.  A silicone implant is placed under the skin and sculpted to achieve definition and shape, enhancing the specific body part. 

Popular body implant surgeries include:

Buttock Implants (Buttock Augmentation)

The buttock implant procedure involves an incision of up to 3 inches being made in-between the midline of the buttocks.  A pocket is then created in a soft tissue area of the muscle and fat.  The surgeon will then use this pocket to sit the implant in, under your skin.  Dissolvable stitches will be used during the procedure and a bandage will be used to help ease discomfort and swelling.

Buttock Implants have increased in popularity, especially with people like Jennifer Lopez proudly flaunting her feminine curves.  Buttock lifts are often carried out at the same time as a buttock implant.

Following the operation you can expect to be in some discomfort due to the swelling and bruising.  After a few days your bandage will be removed and you will able to shower.  In around a week you will notice that general activities are no longer as arduous, but you will need someone to help you on a day to day basis whilst you recover.  You will be instructed to limit exercise for around 4 weeks following the surgery.

Pectoral Implants (Pectoral Augmentation)

 Pectoral implants or male breast implants are used to increase the size and shape of the chest area.  Solid silicone pec implants are inserted either through the armpit, lower breast are or the areola.  A pocket is created under the chest muscle or under the thin, connective tissue that covers the muscle.  Again, dissolvable stitches are used to secure the implant in place. 

The solid silicone implants used in pectoral implants are much firmer than the implants used in female breast implants, to create a realistic feeling chest.  The procedure is becoming more and more popular amongst men who are keen to enhance their appearance.

It takes around six weeks to fully recover and return to performing normal activities, but you can return to work within 5 - 7 days.  However, this is entirely dependent upon the type of physical activity required by your job.  As long as you follow the post operative instructions given to you by your doctor then all should run smoothly.  There is the chance of swelling and the risk of asymmetric swelling, redness, fever and difficulty breathing.

Calf Implants (Calf Augmentation)

Having Calf Implants involves an incision being made behind the knee and a pocket being created for the implant to sit in.  The cut will be made in the natural crease line and this area will form scar tissue to hold the implant in place.  A bandage will also be used to reduce swelling.

It will be initially difficult to move your calves and you will be instructed to elevate your legs for around 2 days. To reduce the risk of blood clots you will be encouraged to walk as much as possible and within around 3 weeks you will be able to walk for longer periods of time. 

Bicep and Triceps Implants (Bicep & Triceps Augmentation)

An incision is made into the top of the arm pit to perform a Bicep or Tricep Implant and a pocket is created within the soft tissue area of muscle and fat.  This area will form scar tissue and keep the implant in place.

After a bicep or tricep implant you will not be able to move your arms for the first 2 to 3 days.  You can expect a certain amount of discomfort for at least 7 days when you move and your exercise will be limited for the first 4 weeks.

Deltoid Implants (Deltoid Augmentation)

Deltoid Implants are used to enhance definition in the upper arm area and shoulder.  This is often used in people who need reconstruction surgery.  The procedure involves an incision being made into the deltoid muscle area and a pocket being created under the muscle layer.  Dissolvable stitches are used and scar tissue forms, keeping the implant in place.

Cosmetic Hip Implants (Hip Implant Augmentation)

Hip Implant Augmentations are generally performed due to aesthetic reasons.  This is often because a woman has a 'boyish' figure and she wants to have more of an hourglass shape.

What are the side effects, risks or complications of body implants?

As with all body implant procedures, there are associated risks.  You should always follow the advice of your surgeon to the letter to avoid complications like clotting, excessive swelling or bruising and to encourage your recovery time.