The latest trend in plastic surgery is gluteal augmentation. Gluteal augmentation is the shaping of the buttocks to form a more curvy or pleasing shape and is more popular than breast augmentation in Brazil. The procedure can be accomplished in a couple of ways. Patients who have extra fat deposits can have them grafted into the gluteal area. Those who do not have extra fat deposits, and who have a more athletic shape, require an implant.
Why Do Patients Have Gluteal Augmentation?
Patients elect to have this surgery for several reasons. Some of the patients have a large upper half and are seeking to balance out their proportions. Other patients are seeking to regain their lost shape after childbirth and are getting the “mommy makeover.” Some patients are just unhappy with their buttocks region and would like to have a curvier region.
The Golden Ratio
Dr. Mark Mofid, a Harvard graduate and Johns Hopkins trained board certified plastic surgeon, wondered what common characteristics were shared between women of centerfolds from 1953 to today. In other words, he looked for a mathematical definition of beauty. His research showed that regardless of the height or weight of the model their hip to waist ratio was 0.68. This created the hourglass figure. He uses this ratio in his office to sculpt and create, giving women the results they are looking for regardless of their weight.
Who Is Having Gluteal Augmentation?
Dr. Mofid said that while he has some patients younger and some patients older, most of his patients are in their late 20s through their mid-30s and “9 out of 10 are female.” It isn’t only models or aspiring actresses undergoing gluteal augmentation, but also regular people from all walks of life who “want to look good in clothing and want it to be noticeable.”
Dr. Mark Mofid-Industry Innovator
Typical gluteal augmentation with implants was a one-size-fits-all endeavor in the past. A large implant was placed over the muscle tissue and, no matter your size, the same sized implant was used. Dr. Mofid spent time shaving down these implants to make custom fits for his patients back when he first started the procedure. He was always patient-centered about his care, trying to give his patients exactly the best aesthetic and desired look.
In an industry where some believe bigger is better, Dr. Mofid backed away from anything unsafe or too large. “I will never overdo it even if patients try to push for larger implants,” he told Plastic Surgery Practice. Through his countless hours of reshaping the standard implant, he was able to form a better, more viable implant that has a lower profile. It is superior for intramuscular fitting, and simply has an improved look.
He understands that plastic surgery doesn’t just involve the skin, but underlying muscles, and tissues as well. It is “a more technically demanding procedure to place it within the muscle,” he said, referring to his custom implant. His deep understanding is what leads him forward as an innovator in his field. Even today, half of the doctors performing gluteal implants place the implant over the muscle, which means that you can detect the implant.
Dr. Mofid has been at the forefront of gluteal augmentation in the United States as well as its safety. As other doctors begin to perform this procedure, he has spoken at several medical conferences (in Los Angeles and Tokyo) to address patient safety and the gluteal augmentation procedures that he has been performing. Other providers were having a much higher incidence of fat embolisms when fat grafting. Adding to that were the headlines over botched implants.
His concern is always for the patient first, however, he also addresses some of the negative press that gluteal augmentation is getting. “The greatest misinformation, I think, is that this is somehow a dangerous procedure, which is fraught with complications. This is a safe and effective procedure that can be safely performed by someone who knows what they are doing.” His suggestion is always to use a board certified, highly-qualified plastic surgeon who has hospital privileges and to come armed with questions to ask your doctor. Dr. Mofid is board certified in plastic surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and works with several hospitals in the area.
Brazil’s Influence
Dr. Raul Gonzales of Brazil is one of the most prolific surgeons buttocks implants in the Brazil, a nation that has over 20,000 gluteal augmentations a year. In contrast, the US will completes about 1,000 a year. Brazil truly is the gluteal augmentation capital of the world. Being Dr. Raul Gonzales’ understudy in Brazil helped Dr. Mofid to form his techniques in gluteal augmentation, and he brought those techniques back to the San Diego area. Here he became interested in making implants for gluteal augmentation better at his own expense.
The Growth of Gluteal Augmentation
Gluteal augmentation is a safe, effective procedure. Many are opting for it gain a more shapely, curvier buttock area. Choosing a provider who is highly skilled, trained and board certified is key to getting the positive outcome. Always respect the provider’s suggested treatment plan to go with the safest method, not the largest implant, to reduce the possibilities of complications.
About Dr. Mofid
Dr. Mofid is a highly trained industry leader and innovator. He makes it is business to continue to learn, collaborate, and to offer better services and options for his patients. He also offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures from breast augmentation and reduction to reconstructive surgery after cancer removal. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the America College of Surgeons. He teaches plastic surgery at the University of California at San Diego. His office is located in La Jolla, CA.