May 8, 2008 5:02 pm US/Pacific
'Butt Implants' Growing In Popularity
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) ―
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, Americans are no longer just lifting their faces, they're also lifting their cheeks.
Curves are in for Hollywood stars, and now a growing number of people are surgically enhancing their assets. Gluteal implants, are one way to get a more daring derriere.
"As long as you take care of them they're just like breast implants except that they have no availability to leak," said Dr. Thomas Jeneby.
The entire procedure takes about 2.5 hours. In order to hide the scar from the 1.5 inch incision, the surgeon works in the crease between the two cheeks.
The implant is slid between the layer of fat and the muscle to keep it from moving. It sits on the upper part of the gluteus maximums, about where the wallet would sit.
The results are immediate, but the recovery can be difficult.
"You can't sit on your buttocks for two to three weeks. You either stand or lay down on one side, said Dr. Jeneby.
The procedure can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000, and there can be complications. In addition to the risk of anesthesia, the complications can include bruising and swelling, bleeding, infections, nerve or muscle damage, slippage and asymmetrical buttocks.
Many health experts say the best way to a better butt is regular exercise.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
