- Buttocks and possibly outer thighs addressed in one single operation
- Tightening extends lower in the back and side of thighs than other circumferential excisional procedures
- Can be combined with breast surgery or arm contouring procedures
- Can be combined with liposuction in selected areas
Clear Lake
Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
575 East Medical Center Boulevard
Webster, TX 77598
Phone: (281) 282-9555
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Med Center/Museum District
Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
1801 Binz Street #300
Houston, TX 77004
Phone: (713) 521-4777
Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Buttock Lift
The buttock lift here in Houston and Webster, helps our patients improve the contour, size and skin tone of their buttocks. A buttock lift is often performed after a massive weight loss where the skin has been stretched beyond its natural range of elasticity, and has lost the ability to contract.
The incisions are designed to be hidden by clothing and sportswear or to lie in normally occurring anatomic folds. Layered suture techniques are used to carefully close the area of incision in order to maintain the lift, tightening and smoothing the remaining skin.
Swelling, which is commonly seen after butt lift surgery, is controlled by compression garments and the use of drains. Sterile collection tubes are used to evacuate excess fluid. Weekly follow up visits help to achieve an optimal outcome by allowing adjustments based on visible progress, which varies among patients.
Buttocklift
Before & After Photos
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
Buttock Lift Method and Recovery
Buttock lift surgery, which differs from a Brazilian butt lift, is performed through an incision that usually starts in the buttock crease. Excess skin is then removed and the buttocks are lifted and tightened. A buttock lift is performed under general anesthesia. You may return home the same day following your procedure. Full recovery takes between two to three weeks.
Buttock Lift Standard Procedure Techniques
All lower buttock lift techniques tighten the buttocks and back of the thighs. The technique can be extended to help the hips/outer thighs. Loose sagging skin below the incision is removed. The remaining skin in the buttock and thighs is pulled upwards, and the skin is repaired, suspending the tissues and tightening them. This requires positioning the patient on their tummy or side during the procedure. Incision closure is performed in multiple layers over drains, to control stretching and swelling.
Candidates for buttock lift surgery all have extra skin, which must be removed by excision. This differs from liposuction, in that liposuction removes only fat through small quarter-inch incisions, but no skin. However, liposuction may be done in conjunction with buttock lifting techniques to smooth and contour areas separate from the effects of the buttock lift excisions. Again, a thorough discussion and examination are essential to determining a comprehensive surgical plan.
Meet Our Plastic Surgeons
Each plastic surgeon on our team has the training, experience, and talent needed to provide the natural-looking results patients want while ensuring their safety and comfort.
Request Your ConsultationButtock Lift Benefits/Advantages/Options
Other Considerations of Buttock Lift Surgery
Since the operation achieves tightening of the lower body by excising loose tissue (skin and fat), the buttock lift should be performed when the patient is as close to their desired or ideal body weight as possible. If, for example, the patient has tightening of their buttock and then loses weight, the tightened skin will loosen and become saggy. Conversely, postoperative weight gain will either stretch the skin, which has been tightened, or undo the improvements of the buttock lift.
Because the buttock is lifted and suspended to the skin closure, excessive heaviness in the thighs and buttocks at the time of surgery may prevent a long lasting effect. In such cases, further weight loss may be recommended before performing this procedure. If this is not feasible, liposuction may be an option to thin the thighs and buttocks before attempting excisional buttock lifting.
Buttock Lift Surgery Risks/Complications/Patient Safety
- Seromas (collections of fluid below the skin) may require the use of drains
- Delayed healing from small separations in the incision closure in areas of high tension and stretch
- Numbness in areas adjacent to the incision
- Slight asymmetries may occur in spite of efforts to balance skin and fat removal
- Bleeding may lead to bruising, but it is very rare to require transfusions
- Blood clots to the lung (pulmonary emboli) are rare. Sequential compression devices (SCD’s) on the calves during surgery has significantly lessened the incidence in body contouring procedures
Buttock Lift Recovery Process
Surgical drains are placed to remove fluid, which accumulates within the incisions. The amount of fluid is measured by the patient on a daily basis. Once the output falls low enough, arrangements are made for removal of the drain in an office outpatient setting. Drains typically remain in place for 7 to 10 days, but may be left longer.
Sutures in the incision closure may require removal. This typically occurs around two weeks after surgery, and this, too, is done in an office as an outpatient treatment.
Compression garments may be placed on the patient to control swelling, to support the suspended tissues, and to smooth and flatten the skin. Placement can occur at the time of surgery, or later, at the surgeon’s discretion.
Activity is determined by the progress of the healing of the incision. Patients are encouraged to walk the day after surgery. Once the drains are removed, movement is easier.
This procedure is typically performed as an outpatient. We have accommodations available for patients that wish to be kept overnight or transferred to a local care facility.
Resuming normal activities can occur four to six weeks after surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Consider a Buttock Lift?
Every patient and every cosmetic surgery is different. One of the most important factors for the success of a buttock lift, or any procedure is taking the time to review your goals and set realistic expectations.
Am I a Good Candidate for Buttock Lift Surgery?
Patients who benefit from buttock lift surgery have:
- Loose skin in their buttocks and back of their thighs
- Loose skin in their hips and side of their thighs
- Desire a fuller, rounder buttock
- Acceptance of the thin scars around the waist
- Patients who have had massive weight loss
Each patient’s anatomy and proportions of loose skin vary from individual to individual. The decision to utilize buttock-lifting techniques depends upon your goals and expectations as well as an examination by your surgeon. This will help determine whether the buttock lift will achieve a satisfactory outcome for you.
Will Buttock Lift Surgery be Painful?
For the most part, pain is controlled by oral pain medications.
Will There be Scarring from Butt Lift Surgery?
There will be a scar along the incision. It will be as thin as your surgeon can make it, using multiple layers of sutures to prevent spreading. However, there will always be some evidence of the surgical incision. Your surgeon may be able to show you pictures of the scar locations, as an example.
What are Some Typical Short-Term Side Effects from Buttock Lift Surgery?
Numbness or decreased sensation can occur in the upper buttocks or thighs. Seromas, collections of fluid (serum) under the skin may occur even after drain removal. These may require removal by aspiration in the office using a syringe. Swelling may require the use of compression garments around the waist and thighs for four to six weeks after surgery.
What Type of Anesthesia Will be Used for Buttock Lift Surgery?
Buttock lift surgery is typically performed under a general anesthesia. In this type of surgery, you would be put to sleep with an intravenous sedative. After you are asleep, a breathing tube would be placed in your mouth to ensure that the airway is secure during the position changes necessary during the surgical procedure.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Buttock Lift will enhance your body contour by making your buttocks firmer with less loose skin. You may find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance.
The incisions from the procedure will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable.
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your buttock should remain firmer for many years. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen, you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body contour.
Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon
You will return to our office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated. Please remember that our relationship with you does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact us by phone or email.
Financing Your Buttock Lift
We offer a number of payment plans and financing options designed to fit your needs.
Learn more about a buttock lift at Houston Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery or see examples of butt lift surgeries in our Photo Gallery.
Payment Options
We’ll work with you to make your aesthetic dreams come true. We offer flexible financing plans to meet most budgets.
Learn More