The importance of visiting a qualified cosmetic surgeon for such treatments was underscored by the recent death of a 22-year old California woman who died from a silicone injection in her buttocks. The woman received the treatment at a facility run by two sisters who were not licensed to practice medicine in the state. This death occurred just six months after former Miss Argentina Solange Magnano died from a similar buttock augmentation using a different type of filler.

Patients considering facial fillers, lip augmentation, or any other procedure that utilizes an injectable treatment can protect themselves by checking two key credentials. First, check that the doctor that you are visiting is licensed to practice medicine in the state. In California, this can be done online via the Medical Board of California. You may also want to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon. While not required by law, certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) guarantees that your doctor is a trained specialist in cosmetic work and not merely a fly-by-night practitioner.

Secondly, and most importantly, ask the doctor about the specific brand name and ingredients used in the filler he or she will be using. Verify that it is FDA-approved, conduct research regarding possible risks and side effects, and seek out testimonials of patients who have also received that same injection.

Facial fillers, lip augmentations, and buttock augmentations are certainly less invasive as compared to major surgeries such as liposuction, facelifts and tummy tucks—and do tend to carry less risks overall. However, introducing any foreign substance into your body can pose potentially life-threatening complications to your health. Always make sure that you receive treatment from a qualified, licensed cosmetic surgeon using an FDA-approved product.

An experienced fat transfer specialist, Constantino G. Mendieta, M.D., F.A.C.S. uses the VASER technique when performing buttock augmentation and body sculpting procedures. He removes fat from the abdomen, hips, and thighs in order to provide patients with a slender figure. The fat is then harvested and injected into the buttocks to achieve a more voluptuous, enhanced contour. The ultrasound technology allows Dr. Mendieta to sculpt the body, leaving patients with a smooth outcome. According to a recent article, he says “Everything about VASER technology, from the non-cutting cannula to the energy delivery, promotes a gentler procedure, which in turn boosts fat viability.” Newer VASER systems, such as the PureGraft 250, can now help better harvest the fat that is to be used for transferring.

If you are interested in undergoing liposuction with fat transfer for butt augmentation, you may browse Dr. Mendieta’s website. He offers butt implants for those who do not have enough fat for natural enhancement.

Many have questioned however, if she has undergone any kind of butt enhancement surgery. After all it doesn’t seem natural for a women to have proportions like Ms. Guerra has. But she claims it is all natural, and attributes her butt to genetics and what she calls a butt blaster routine (mostly lunges and squats).

But the question still remains; does Vida have the best butt in show business? After looking at these pictures, I’ll let you be the judge.

Different from butt implants, a butt lift involves a process called fat transfer. In this process, fat is taken from unwanted areas (i.e. hips, thighs, love handles) and transferred to the buttocks. This surgery is extremely skill-intense, meaning it is the skill of the surgeon that will determine how successful the outcome will be.

Brazilian Butt Lift

The Brazilian butt lift varies from other buttock enhancement procedures, as it mainly focuses on the upper part of the butt, giving it that desired ‘lifted’ look. This can not only help out women in their 40’s and 50’s, but also younger women who are seeking that perkier looking backside.

However for some women who have tried exercise and still aren’t achieving the results they desire, there are alternatives. Plastic surgery has become more and more popular these days, and among the growing numbers of procedures being performed is butt implant surgery. With this surgery the doctor creates a pocket and inserts the implant under the gluteus maximus muscle. This will then create the toned and firm look that many women desire.

To get a better idea, view these before and after photos of women who have undergone butt implant surgery, to see what results can be expected.

Kim Kardashian

Starting with J-Lo almost a decade ago, having a big booty went from being a bad thing, to being something that every girl wanted to have. For those who desire a more curvaceous backside, the torch has now been passed to Kim Kardashian. Known most recently for starring in the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and for dating NFL star running back Reggie Bush, Kim is quickly becoming better known for her booty.

Ms. Kardashian has been accused by many of having butt implant surgery, however she swears it is all natural. In fact, she says her butt is a little too big and wants to lose a few pounds back there. Say it isn’t so!

Padded Panties

I’m guessing this is supposed to be worn with loose fitting pants or dresses only. I don’t think bulging pads under tight clothes is the look most women are going for (unless they’re shooting for that NFL linebacker look), so doesn’t that defeat the purpose? I mean if you’re going to do something don’t do it half…well you know!

After watching this video hopefully any women out there considering butt augmentation surgery of any kind, will heed the warning of this poor girl’s story. You need to do extensive research first, and set up initial consultations with at least two maybe even three doctors, to see which one is the best fit for you.

Make sure to ask the doctor for before and after photos of previous patients he or she has perform the particular procedure you are looking to get done. Also ask if you can get the contact information of those previous patients as well, so you can ask questions about their experience with the doctor, his staff, the cleanliness of the office, and other general questions.

The entire procedure takes approximately 2 hours, and recovery time is anywhere from 5 to 7 days. Side effects may vary from patient to patient, but normally consist of soreness, numbness, and minor swelling.

Results can vary and depend on each individual patient’s physique prior to surgery, as well as the skill of the plastic surgeon performing the surgery.