Buttocks Lift

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While some people seek enlargement for a fuller look in their buttocks, others simply want to give theirs a little lift. Buttocks lift is a procedure designed to improve excess skin and underlying tissues that have become loose and flabby. Sagging skin as a result of age, genetics or large amounts of weight loss are common reasons for patients requesting buttocks lift.

Who is a candidate for a buttocks lift?

• Patients who have lost weight--on their own or through gastric bypass surgery--and as a result have an undesirable shape to the buttocks.
• Those who either with age or or genetics have poor elasticity, poor skin tone and a great deal of looseness to their buttocks skin.

The procedure

Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure takes approximately two to three hours.  Buttock lift requires that incisions be made vertically across the top of the upper buttocks area, extending to the sides of the back. This incision will typically be concealed with undergarments and clothes. The length of the incisions will depend on the amount of excess skin to be removed. After incision are made, the excess skin is removed and the remaining skin and tissue are lifted to achieve a smoother, tighter overall look to the buttocks.

Although buttocks lift is often times combined with liposuction, the primary goal is only to tighten deep tissue and skin.

How will I look and feel after surgery?

• For the first few weeks, you will have tape over your incisions.
• A compression garment will be placed on you immediately after surgery to provide good support, keep the lifted skin tight and help keep swelling down. The garment will be worn for about three to four weeks.
• Patients may be allowed to shower the day after surgery, but some will wait a couple of days. Careful patting of the incision area is needed to keep the area dry.
• A small amount of bleeding is normal within the first few days.
• Surgical drains placed during surgery to help eliminate residual bleeding and fluid build up will be removed after about one week.
• Sutures are typically internal.
• Bruising should start to fade after two to three weeks.
• Swelling will be present for about three to four months but a dramatic difference is seen about one month after surgery.

When can I get back to my everyday activities?

• Patients can return to work within a week to 10 days. However, it will take about a month to regain your full energy.
• More strenuous activities should be avoided for four to six weeks.

Results of your surgery

It is important to realize that scars are permanent and every patient will heal differently. Your own body and its ability to heal will determine the quality of your final scar.

Certain patients may have a tendency to “keloid” healing with a raised scar that is darker in color while others may end up with a smoother, lighter scar result.  This is true for any surgical procedure requiring incisions. However, with buttocks lift the incision area is more invasive, similar procedures such as tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift and breast lift.

You will notice a change in the shape of your buttocks almost immediately. However, you will still be very swollen for a few months.  The shape and contour of your buttocks may appear a bit boxy in the beginning until swelling subsides and your result softens.

Depending on the individual, scars can take about one year to fade in color. Most scars associated with this procedure are well concealed in undergarments and other clothing.

Patients who have realistic expectations prior to their procedure are usually extremely pleased with their outcome. A tighter, smoother, younger-looking buttock appearance has many patients feeling more confident and comfortable.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE

• There are risks associated with any surgical procedure.
• The specific risks and suitability of each procedure for a given individual can only be determined at the time of consultation. 
• Minor complications that do not affect the outcome may occasionally occur.
• Major complications are rare.
• Your plastic surgeon will review any and all risks and benefits with you prior to surgery, during a private consultation.