What Does a Buttock Lift Involve?

If your bum looks big in everything, as well as droopy and flabby, you may benefit from a buttock lift. The procedure can give sagging buttocks the ooomph they need to make them look better and more shapely both in and out of clothes. Suitable for both men and women, this specialised cosmetic surgery leaves scars and has a long recovery period, but the results speak for themselves.

What Does a Buttock Lift Entail?

Traditionally, an incision is made in the crease below the buttocks and excess fat and skin are both removed, then the new skin edges are stitched together. This leaves a large scar, which in some cases can stretch from hip to hip, although it is hidden in part by the buttock crease. New techniques are now underway which would help usually younger patients with better skin elasticity. The skin is not taken away but is “threadlifted” and held in place with tiny teeth to help fight the effects of gravity.

Buttock lifts are carried out with either general anaesthesia or an epidural (the kind that is often used in childbirth, to numb from the waist down). Most patients have the operation in hospital with an overnight stay or two. The plastic surgeon, in consultation with the patient, may also elect to perform extensive liposuction at the same time, if needed.

What is the Recovery Period Like?

Recovery for this procedure is quite lengthy. There is some bruising and considerable swelling, which can take months to disappear, although you can return to work after a few weeks. You may need to wear a body garment for a month or more. Some people have a butt lift as part of a total body lift, so the recovery period is even longer.

Is There a Risk of Complications?

Like every type of major surgery, a buttock lift has its own risks, such as infection, delayed healing, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), raised scars and complications following general anaesthesia. You may be left with a lop-sided rear end and could suffer nerve damage with resulting numbness. Discuss all the risks beforehand with your surgeon, and make sure he or she is accredited by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

What's a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Not to be confused with the bikini wax from the same country, this procedure is where the buttocks are lifted by injections of fat or implants, which make the bum appear higher. Fat is taken from other parts of your body, purified, then shoved into your buttocks. This is not to make your derriere smaller but to make it appear perkier and more shapely. Butt implants, on the other hand, are made of silicone and are used only if the patient has no body fat to spare. You cannot sit down for at least three weeks if you have one of these procedures carried out. Thank Jennifer Lopez for these.

Who Should Not Have a Buttock Lift?

Those with pert buttocks. Seriously folks, anyone who has had phlebitis in the legs or has problems with keloid scars should not have a buttock lift, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with specific illnesses etc. Smokers should either quit or cut down before undertaking surgery of this kind.

Consult with your surgeon before undergoing any procedure, especially an elective cosmetic one. If you have flat buttocks, for example, then a fat transfer, injections or buttock implants (see above) may be better than a traditional lift. If you have excess fat but your skin quality is good, liposuction may be all that is required.

How Much Does a Buttock Lift Cost?

Prices of course vary, but expect to pay anywhere from £5,000 to £6,500.

Butt lifts are one way to alter the appearance of your bottom, diet and exercise are another. You may want to consider the latter before trying the former. Good luck!