Procedures - Buttock Lift (Gluteoplasty)

Excess skin and fat from aging or after dramatic weight loss in the gluteal area can be dramatically improved with a buttock lift. Not to be confused with a “Brazilian butt lift,” which adds volume using fat transfer, this procedure involves removing skin and fat through a surgical excision and sometimes liposuction.

When To Consider A Buttock Lift

• If you have loose, drooping skin in your buttocks
• If you recently experienced significant weight loss and are now close to your ideal weight
• If you feel self-conscious
• If the excess skin makes you uncomfortable or cause mobility problems

Considerations
Pros

• Your buttock area will look smoother and lifted.
• The results will be long lasting
• Any discomfort caused by excess skin will be improved

Cons

• Full recovery may take several months
• Future weight fluctuations can affect the final result.
• The procedure could result in loss of volume in the buttocks

Am I A Good Candidate For A Buttock Lift?
Sagging skin and fat in the gluteal area can add bulk and frustrate your efforts to achieve a slimmer, more sculpted body through exercise and diet. If any of these conditions apply to you, then you might be a good candidate for buttock lift:

• You have undergone bariatric surgery or significant weight loss
• Pregnancy and/or aging have left you with loose skin and cellulite on the buttocks.
• You have significant skin laxity, excess skin, and sagginess of the buttocks.
• You do not smoke. Smoking slows down the healing process and increases the risk of complications during and after surgery. If you smoke, you must quit at least four weeks before surgery.
• Your weight has been stable for at least a year, with no further weight loss expected.
• You are in 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.
• 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 a good candidate for this procedure.

How Is A Buttock Lift Procedure Performed?
There are several different techniques and approaches and following your consultation, Dr De Aguiar will discuss in detail the best option to assist you with your specific problem.

In general however, a buttock lift involves the following:

• an incision at the top of the buttocks, in the hips, around to the abdomen to remove excess skin and pull the remaining skin taut.
• Liposuction is typically used to further contour the buttock area or thighs to achieve a balanced look.
• Incisions are sutured and closed in layers to ensure that the skin remains tight with reduced scars.
• Drains and dressings are placed and usually a compression garment or girdle is worn to reduce swelling.

What Are My Options?
Depending on the quality of your skin, how much skin there is to remove, and your body shape, Dr. De Aguiar will determine which options are best for you. If there is a large amount of skin to remove, you may consider having a lower body lift, which would help remove skin around the stomach, buttock, thighs, and hips. The particular combinations of surgeries will be discussed.

What Will My Buttock Lift Scars Look Like?
Incisions for a buttock lift typically include a large incision on the top of the buttocks in the back, often extending around the waist. If liposuction is involved, there will be smaller scars that will fade and be barely noticeable.

How Do I Prepare For A Buttock Lift Procedure?
Dr. De Aguiar will provide you with preoperative instructions, answer any questions you may have, take a detailed medical history, and perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery. In advance of your procedure, you will be required to:

• Stopping smoking before undergoing surgery.
• Avoid taking aspirin, all anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
• Hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.

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 daily activities. Full healing will take up to six months. Being in good health, not smoking, and having help after surgery will increase the speed of healing, improve your results, and prevent complications. 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 gluteoplasty. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid significant weight gain, you can enjoy a youthful contour for a long time.