Buttock Lift
Introduction:
Excess skin and fat from aging, heredity factors, or after dramatic weight loss in the gluteal area can be drastically improved with a buttock lift. Not to be confused with a “Brazilian butt lift,” which adds volume using fat transfer, this procedure involves only removing skin and fat through surgical excision and liposuction.
Considerations:
Pros
– Your buttock area will look smoother and more toned.
– The results will be long-lasting.
– Any discomfort caused by excess skin will be alleviated.
Cons
– Full recovery could take several months.
– Future weight fluctuations can affect results.
– The procedure could result in loss of volume in the buttocks.
Am I a good candidate Buttock Lift?
– You have undergone bariatric surgery or significant weight loss through dieting.
– Pregnancy and/or aging have left you with loose skin and cellulite below the waistline.
– You have significant skin laxity, excess skin, and ptosis (sagginess) of the buttocks.
– The layers of fat below your loose skin are relatively thin.
– You do not smoke. Smoking slows down the healing process and increases the risk of serious complications during and after surgery. If you smoke, you must quit at least six weeks before surgery.
– Your weight has been stable for at least a year, with no further weight loss expected.
– You are in overall good health without chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. People in poor health are not good candidates for body contouring procedures. You must obtain clearance for plastic surgery from your primary care physician or from doctors treating you for medical conditions.
– You have a healthy diet. Problems such as protein deficiencies can interfere with healing.
If you are in good general health and have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.
About Your Procedure:
How is a buttock lift procedure performed?
– Your surgeon will make an incision at the top of the buttocks, in the hips, groin, or under the buttock cheeks to remove excess skin and pull the remaining skin taut.
– Liposuction may be used to further contour the buttock area or thighs to achieve a balanced look.
– Any incisions are sutured and closed in layers to ensure that the skin remains tight.
– Drains and dressings are placed and usually a compression garment or girdle is worn to reduce swelling and tighten the skin.
What will my buttock lift incisions and scars be like?
Incisions for a buttock lift could include a large incision on the top of the buttocks in the back or hidden underneath the buttock by the crease. If liposuction is involved, there will be smaller scars that will fade and be mostly unnoticeable.
Preparing For Your Procedure:
In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:
– Stopping smoking before undergoing surgery to promote better healing.
– Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
– Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.
Aftercare And Recovery
Immediately after your buttock lift
Generally, you can expect to be bandaged and wearing compression garments, and you may have some surgical drains in place. Once you learn how to take care of your drains, feel comfortable walking and moving, and are comfortable with oral pain medications, you will be discharged.
– When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some pain. If the pain is extreme or long-lasting, contact your physician. You will also have some redness and swelling after the surgery. In some cases, the swelling will remain for weeks or even months. Contact your physician to determine if your pain, redness, and swelling is normal or a sign of a problem.
– Make sure you continue to have lots of help at home. You’ll be tempted to try to help around the house soon after surgery, but you won’t feel like yourself for at least two weeks, and you still should not do anything strenuous, including lifting, for four to six weeks. If you have small children, arrange for someone else to be totally in charge of their care for two weeks.
– Ask your surgeon how to sit and sleep, including the use of pillows, to minimize the tension on your incisions, reduce pain, and facilitate a thinner scar.
– Drains, which also control swelling, are placed to remove fluid that accumulates within the incisions. Your doctor will ask you to measure the amount of fluid in your drains daily. Once the output falls low enough, your drains will be removed in your doctor’s office. Drains typically remain in place two to three weeks, but may be left longer.
Recovery time frame after a buttock lift
Buttock-lift surgery is quite extensive and will require two to three weeks of recovery before you can resume normal activities. Full healing will take several months. Being in good health, not smoking, and having help after surgery will increase the speed of healing, improve your results, and prevent complications.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Results from buttock lifts are very long-lasting. As with most surgery, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging will take a toll on the body and the results of your buttock lift. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid stretching the skin by weight gain, you can enjoy a youthful contour for a long time.
Limitations And Risks:
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:
– Adverse reaction to anesthesia
– Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
– Infection and bleeding
– Changes in sensation
– Scarring
– Allergic reactions
– Damage to underlying structures
– Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures