“Drooping of the lower and inner buttocks can be treated with a surgical procedure called buttock lift. The selection of patients for a buttock lift should be very careful and should be based on the severity of the problem and the expectations of each patient. Often, a buttocks lift is combined with a thigh lift, as most of the time there is also sagging in this area.” says Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ioannis Dalianoudis.
Planning prior to surgery
Pre-operative planning is performed with the patient in an upright position and involves planning the position and extent of the skin incisions so that there is symmetry in the result and the scars can be hidden by the patient’s underwear. The incisions may be made in the thigh crease (i.e. the line where the buttock joins the thigh) or higher up, at the thong line, so that they are less visible and covered by the underwear.
During a buttock lift, excess skin is removed and the plastic surgeon lifts the skin and the muscles to a higher position where they are pinned down, leading to a more youthful and toned appearance of the buttocks. The result is immediately visible and its duration depends on the stability of body weight, skin elasticity and the training of the area. A pressure bandage is also applied. Also, the size and shape of the implant that will be needed is determined.
Intervention
The buttocks lift is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours. During the surgery, a small incision is made between the buttocks. The plastic surgeon creates a “pouch” between the skin and muscle bundles of the gluteus maximus muscle where the insert is placed. The result is permanent and immediately visible.
Postoperative Course
Hospitalization is limited to a few hours after the buttocks lift surgery. After surgery, the patient should not sit for about 2 weeks because the insert may move. The same care should be taken with sleeping, which should be done in a lateral position. In the first few days the patient should have reduced mobility.
The stitches are removed in about 15 days and the patient should then use special products to regenerate and improve the appearance of the scars. Return to work and daily activity is possible in 2 weeks, while return to gymnastics and physical activity is possible after 1 – 2 months. The patient is recommended to wear an elastic corset for approximately one month after the surgery.
Complications
Butt Lift Surgery
Minor complications are swelling and bruising at the sites of the operation that last for a few days. More serious complications, such as hematoma and inflammation, are reduced by proper application of the appropriate technique, prophylactic antibiotic treatment and strict adherence to the instructions by the patient. If they occur, they are treated by drainage of the hematoma and antibiotics.
FAQ
Butt Lift Surgery
Am I a suitable candidate for Butt Lift Surgery?
Buttocks lift and augmentation surgery is performed on patients who have both a drop and small buttocks size. The procedure aims to restore the volume of the buttocks either by placing silicone implants or by the patient placing fat himself/herself, a procedure called liposuction.
Is the result of Butt Lift Surgery permanent?
The result of the procedure is permanent, if the patient avoids sudden and intense weight fluctuations and follows a balanced diet and regular exercise.
When can I return in my daily activities and work?
Return to work and daily activity is in 2 weeks, while returning to fitness and exercise is recommended after 1 – 2 months. The patient is recommended to wear an elastic corset for approximately one month after surgery.
What is the cost for Butt Lift Surgery?
The price of a buttocks lift varies and depends on the technique of the procedure, the particular difficulties it may present, and the type of implant in case it is placed. The final cost is determined after an examination by a qualified plastic surgeon.
Can Butt Lift Surgery be combined with other treatments?
Buttocks Lift can be combined with Liposuction and Lipotransfer. It is also often combined with a Thigh Lift, at the same surgical time, as in most cases a thigh drop is also present.
From what age onwards can Butt Lift Surgery be performed?
The need for a Buttocks Lift does not depend on age, but rather on the skin laxity problem that exists. As long as there is enough sagging, then any adult can undergo this procedure.
Is there a way to have a Buttocks lift without surgery and total anesthesia?
In the case of minor sagging and small buttocks volume, the Smartlipo method can be applied. A prerequisite is that there is excess fat in the abdomen or “buns”. In Cosmetic Derma Medicine we apply the advanced liposuction technique with local anesthesia with a solution of xylocaine 1% – adrenaline 1:200000.
The advantage of this method is that it does not require general anaesthesia or hypnopaedia, but it is performed with the patient awake and under local anesthesia.
The fat is aspirated with a very fine cannula through a small hole which is closed without leaving any mark. The fat collected in a sterile container is centrifuged, specially treated and injected with a cannula into the area of the buttocks where we want to increase the volume, achieving a buttock lift at the same time. The advantage of this method is the immediate mobilization of the patient, local anesthesia and return to work the very next day. The disadvantage is the need to have excess fat elsewhere on the patient’s body and the fact that the procedure may need to be repeated after some years due to fat absorption.