A buttock lift (also known as belt lipectomy) improves and/or removes excess, sagging buttock and thigh skin that has developed as a result of weight loss, aging and gravity, or genetics. By raising and tightening the skin over the buttocks, a buttock lift makes the buttocks appear less saggy, dimpled or wrinkled.
Am I candidate for a buttock lift?
If fitness and weight loss efforts have not helped achieved your goals, a buttock lift may be right for you.
Good candidates for a buttock lift include:
- Individuals with loss of skin elasticity in the buttock area due to extreme weight loss or aging
- Individuals with thighs that are crinkled, dimpled or flabby due to lack of exercise or cellulite
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what back lift surgery can accomplish
- Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition and fitness.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for a buttock lift is through a consultation with an expert at City Surgery Care.
How do I prepare for a buttock lift?
Preparing for your buttock lift at City Surgery Care includes discussing a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle with your surgeon, including:
- Why you want the procedure, your expectations and desired outcome
- Your medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- Your use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Your Cleveland Clinic plastic surgeon may also:
- Evaluate your general health and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Examine and measure your body, including recording detailed measurements and taking photos for your medical record
- Discuss your buttock lift options
- Discuss likely expected outcomes of buttock lift surgery and risks or potential complications.
How is a buttock lift performed?
Buttock lift surgery at City Surgery Care is typically performed as an outpatient procedure with the use of general anesthesia. The procedure can also be performed as part of a body lift or as part of a circumferential abdominoplasty.
There is not one overall approach used for buttock lift surgery. Surgeons at our facilities will tailor a method that will best suit your body shape and the amount of skin and fat to be removed.
In general, the incision is made at the waist or slightly below the waist. After the incision or incisions are made, excess skin and fat is detached from the soft tissue and removed. The skin is then tightened and closed in layers.
After surgery, a sterile dressing is applied and you will wear a compression garment or elastic girdle that tightly holds the skin in to reduce swelling and aid in the natural tightening of the skin.
What results can I expect?
The results of buttock lift surgery are visible almost immediately, but it may take several months for your final results to fully develop. A buttock lift does not add volume or shape to your existing buttocks, but it can give it a sleeker, more toned appearance.
Follow-up with a surgeon at City Surgery Care is the best way to ensure long-lasting results from buttock lift surgery.
What is involved in recovery?
Following buttock lift surgery, you may experience some mild to moderate pain or discomfort, which can be controlled by medications your plastic surgeon can prescribe for you. You may notice swelling and there may be quite a bit of bruising.
Full recovery from buttock lift surgery usually takes four to six months. While swelling and bruising usually subside within two to three weeks.
Your surgeon will recommend that you avoid any strenuous activity and exercise for up to three months following surgery.
Is a buttock lift safe?
All surgical procedures carry some risk.
Possible side effects or complications from buttock lift surgery include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Numbness or tightness (temporary).
Is this procedure covered by health insurance?
Like all cosmetic procedures, buttock lift surgery is not typically covered by health insurance. Ask to talk with a financial representative from City Surgery Care who can explain costs of the procedure and if insurance coverage is an option for you.