Buttock Lift Fact Sheet

The objective

Buttock lift surgery aims to improve the appearance of a sagging bottom area, when diet and exercise haven’t been successful at doing so, through removing fat and skin from the buttock area.

The procedure

The operation is normally carried out under a general anaesthetic and can take up to five hours. Sometimes, an epidural (which numbs the body from the waist down) can be used.

The surgeon will make an incision across the top of the buttock and, depending on the extent of the operation, sometimes along the sides as well. Crescent shaped sections of skin and fat are removed and the skin is pulled together and stitched into place. A number of techniques may be used to achieve the desired effect, and sometimes the operation is performed in combination with liposuction. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions will be stitched and drains - tubes used to remove blood or other fluids from a wound to help healing - may be inserted.

The outcome

Following surgery, the buttocks and surrounding regions may be very swollen and bruised for a number of days or even weeks, and you will need to wear a compression garment. If drains are in place, they will normally be removed after 1-2 days. Movement will be minimal and sitting down painful for the first few days. If stitches are not dissolvable, they will need removing after 10-12 days.

You will usually be able to leave the hospital after 1-2 days. You will be required to take around 2-3 weeks off work and strenuous activity must be avoided for 2-3 weeks.

Deep bruising and lumpiness as a result of surgery – particularly if liposuction has also been used - may take up to six months to disappear. There will be scars left in the buttock region that may need to be hidden with underwear.

You should expect buttocks that are in better proportion to the body and are more uplifted and firmer, as a result of this surgery.

The risks

All general anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications particular to buttock lift include infection, problems with wound healing, such as necrosis, where the blood supply is affected and the skin dies.

Fluid build up under the skin (seroma) is a risk which may require further surgery to remove, as well as haematoma (blood clot under the skin). Some patients experience reduced sensation in the treated area, which can be permanent.

More common are scar healing problems and the development of red, unsightly or lumpy scars may depend on how your body heals. As well, sometimes the skin at the suture site may separate due to failure to heal properly.

You may be left with asymmetrical buttocks.

The costs

In the UK, expect to pay from around £3,700 - £5,200. Abroad, expect to pay from around £1,500 (Czech) to around £3,050 (USA).

The availability

Buttock lift surgery is available at many private cosmetic surgery clinics within the UK and abroad.

The popularity

Buttock lift surgery is requested by women and men who feel that their bottom area sags and needs firming up, which may be due to weight loss, ageing, gravity, which they haven’t managed to achieve through diet or exercise. The surgery can make patients feel more confident in clothes and beachwear.