As we age, our buttocks gradually changes shape by drooping and sagging. This can have harmful effects on one’s self image and sense of attractiveness. In the past, nothing could be done to correct this unfortunate circumstance. Modern science, however, has found a way to reverse nature’s aging process through cosmetic surgery. Buttock lift surgery can help an individual regain the confidence and youthful appearance aging has taken away.

Are you a candidate?

The best candidates for buttock lift surgery have poor skin tone in the buttock area. This is characterized by loose or excess skin, stretch marks, and cellulite. Patients who suffer from poor skin quality cannot benefit from liposuction and can only improve the appearance of their buttocks through buttock lift surgery. Ideal candidates are also in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery can do for them.

What is the procedure?

Various buttock lift methods and procedures can be employed based on your needs. Liposuction, implants, and lifts are all used to sculpt the buttock region into a desired shape. The buttock lift works well if you have a large amount of loose skin. The operation removes this excess skin and lifts the buttock, resulting in an optimal position with tighter skin and texture. Your surgeon must make incisions in the skin to do this, but scars can usually be placed so that they are hidden beneath a swimsuit.

Most patients undergo general anesthesia during buttock lift surgery. This means the patient is asleep and feels no pain during the operation. On the day of surgery, you will be given anesthesia appropriate to your individual needs. The location of your surgery will also be dependent on your needs. You will feel no pain during the operation itself, and any discomfort that may occur immediately after the buttock lift procedure will be managed with prescribed medication.

Buttock lift surgery is sometimes performed on patients who have undergone tummy tuck or liposuction procedures. This helps to remove excess fat from the body, but can sometimes leave behind loose skin that has lost its elasticity. Additionally, some patients desire a fuller buttock shape, which can necessitate the use of implants. These implants are made of a material that cannot rupture, spill, or deflate. The operation of placing buttock implants is called Buttock Augmentation.

Buttock lifts have been gaining popularity in the United States, boasting a 152% increase in procedures performed between 2002 and 2004. Approximately 4,000 buttock lift procedures were performed in the United States in 2004, a 45% increase over the amount performed in 2003.

Can you have a buttock lift with other procedures simultaneously?

The decision to perform other procedures simultaneously or not is usually based on your safety, comfort, and convenience. In the case of buttock lift, the risk of combining other procedures simultaneously far outweighs the benefits.

What will the recovery period be like after surgery?

After surgery, you will be fitted with a body garment that aides in the healing process and helps your skin adapt to its new contours. You should be able to return to work about two weeks after surgery, but swelling may be noticeable for several months. The immediate difference in the shape of the buttocks is dramatic. Most patients are pleased with the long-term results.

Although some swelling will occur, you will immediately be able to notice your enhanced contours after your buttock lift. Over time the swelling will recede and you will be left with a reshaped body that is sculpted to your desires. During your initial consultation your cosmetic surgeon will provide additional information regarding what you should expect immediately after buttock lift surgery.

You will likely be able to return to work approximately one to two weeks after surgery, and may resume strenuous activity in approximately six weeks. During the recovery process it is important to be mobile to guarantee good circulation and promote healing.

Will incisions be visible?

Buttock lift incisions are typically located across the buttocks or in the fold between the buttocks and the thigh. However, the location of incisions can vary depending on each patient’s needs. For many people, scars left from incisions can be easily hidden beneath a swimsuit.

Are the effects permanent?

The length of time your results will last is largely dependent on your lifestyle and health habits. By maintaining a proper diet and level of exercise, buttock lift results can easily last ten years or more. Weight gain and aging may have adverse effects on the improvements provided by buttock lift surgery. To ensure a permanently enhanced shape, it is essential to make healthy lifestyle choices.

What are the risks of buttock lift surgery?

Any form of surgery has an amount of uncertainty and risk involved. Buttock lift surgery is no exception. Complications may include adverse reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma) which may need to be drained, nerve damage, poor wound healing, and unsatisfactory scars. Other potential complications include asymmetry, displacement, hardening of scar tissue around the implant, and need for revisional surgery or removal of the implants.

At our facility, calf compression devices are used for every buttock (gluteal) implant surgery. Calf compression devices are pressure cuffs that fit over each lower leg from the ankle to the knee and compress every one to two minutes to circulate the blood. This reduces the pooling of blood in the lower extremities and further reduces the possibility of blood clots or emboli. Smokers must stop smoking well in advance of surgery because smoking seriously decreases blood circulation in the skin, which increases the risk of complications and poor healing.

How do you prepare for surgery?

It is important to be honest about your expectations and goals while speaking with your surgeon. As you plan the buttock lift surgery together, you will discuss the size, shape, and skin characteristics that you and your doctor hope to obtain through the operation. Your health history will be evaluated and the procedure will be planned and explained so that your surgeon can operate safely and provide you with the results you desire.

Your surgeon will provide guidelines with instructions on eating, drinking, the use of certain vitamins or medications, and not smoking. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you will still be feeling the effects of anesthesia.

Where is the procedure performed?

Buttock lift surgery can be performed in either an office-based surgical center or a hospital, depending on your needs. Some patients require an additional hospital stay of several days following surgery. The location and extent of the procedure vary with each patient. Your surgeon will help you determine your treatment plan during your consultation.

What will your recovery period be like?

After surgery, you will experience some swelling and soreness or pain around the surgical area. The uncomfortable part of recovery generally lasts seven to ten days. During this period, pain may be alleviated with oral medications. Gentle stretching exercises with knee raises should be started immediately after surgery. You will remain on your stomach and sides for the first 48 hours. Compression garments are generally worn for two to three weeks. Routine activities may resume at two weeks and exercise at eight weeks after surgery.