Buttock Lift

A buttock lift is a cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of the buttocks. It may be done as part of a tummy tuck. Or it may be done as part of a lower body lift to contour the buttocks, groin, thighs and abdomen.

During a buttock lift, excess skin and fat are removed from the buttocks. The remaining skin is then repositioned to create a more toned look.

Why it's done

With age, the skin changes and becomes looser. In addition, sun damage, changes in weight and genetic factors can make it harder for skin to spring back into place after being stretched. These factors can cause the buttocks and other parts of the body to sag.

A buttock lift is typically done in combination with other body contouring procedures. You might consider a buttock lift if you:

• Have lost a large amount of weight and your weight has been stable for at least 6 to 12 months

• Are overweight and haven't been able to lose a large amount of weight through physical activity and changes in your diet

• Have a healthy weight but want a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your lower body

• Have a healthy weight but you've had fat removed through liposuction and you have loose skin

Keep in mind that a buttock lift won't change your skin quality.

A buttock lift isn't for everyone. Your health care provider might caution against a buttock lift if you:

• Have a severe chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes

• Plan to lose a significant amount of weight

• Have a body mass index that's greater than 32

• Are a smoker

• Have an unstable mental health condition

Risks

A buttock lift poses various risks, including:

•Fluid buildup beneath the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of seroma. Fluid may also be removed after surgery using a needle and syringe.

•Poor wound healing. Sometimes areas along the incision line heal poorly or begin to separate. You might be given antibiotics if there is a wound healing problem.

•Scarring. Incision scars from a buttock lift are permanent. But they're typically placed in areas that aren't easily visible.

•Changes in skin sensation. During a buttock lift, the repositioning of your tissues can affect superficial sensory nerves. You'll likely feel some reduced sensation or numbness. Numbness usually decreases in the months after the procedure.

Like any other type of major surgery, a buttock lift poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

If you're having a buttock augmentation at the same time as a buttock lift, discuss the side effects with your surgeon. Using your own fat can have potentially serious side effects, such as infection and even death