A buttock lift removes excess skin and fatty bulges on the buttocks. Dr Cope often combines this procedure with liposuction of the thighs. This provides an improvement in contour, giving a firmer, higher, and rounder buttock.
If there is only a small amount of skin laxity then a buttock lift can be achieved with fat transfer alone (with small incisions) – Buttock Lift using Fat Transfer. This involves taking fat from other areas of the body by liposuction and injecting it into the buttocks. This has the added advantage of giving an improved contour where the fat is removed.
Most buttock lifts involve an incision, which is hidden at the top of the buttocks, where it is hidden by underpants and swimming costumes. *The surgery involves a general anaesthetic, with a 2-3 day stay in the hospital. *Most patients return to work within 2-3 weeks following the surgery. To reduce bruising and swelling, a pressure compression garment should be worn for at least 2-3 weeks and up to 6-8 weeks after the surgery. This also helps achieve an even contour. To speed up the recovery, heavy activities and contact sports should be avoided for one month.
*Note results may vary from person to person
The ideal buttock lift candidate
Dr Cope will assess your condition and general health during your consultation. This will help determine if the procedure is right for you. In general, you are an ideal candidate for a buttock lift surgery if:
- You have good physical and mental health.
- You don’t smoke.
- You have a stable weight.
- You have excess fat deposits on other body parts that can be injected into your buttocks.
- You want to add shape and volume to your buttocks.
- You have flat buttocks due to significant weight loss.
- You have loose skin on your buttocks.
- You have realistic expectations.
The advantages of a buttock lift using fat transfer
The procedure improves buttock contours without the need for implants. By injecting your body fat into your buttocks, the procedure produces natural results. This also creates a more natural feel with a lower risk of complications. The process of fat harvesting also has the added benefit of removing unwanted body fat. This gives you more clothing options.
What to expect after the procedure
You will likely experience swelling and bruising after the procedure. To reduce swelling and support your buttocks, you will need to wear compression garments. *After two to three weeks, bruising and swelling should subside and you will feel less tightness in your buttocks. To speed up your recovery, you should avoid strenuous activities for one month. You should also avoid activities that require sitting for long periods. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you should fully recover in four to six weeks.
*Note results may vary from person to person
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr Cope will limit scar length and create the incision at the top of the buttocks. This reduces the visibility of the scars and allows them to be hidden by underpants.
The results of the procedure can last for years. While some of the injected fat can be reabsorbed by your body, a portion of the fat remains permanent. It is important to keep in mind that ageing and weight changes can affect the results of a buttock lift. You may need another surgery in the future to maintain the appearance of your buttocks.
If there is only minimal skin sagging, a buttock lift can be performed using fat transfer. Fat is harvested from the abdomen, thighs, waist, and lower back through liposuction.
This will depend on the volume of good-quality fat that can be harvested from your body. Dr Cope will determine the amount of fat needed based on your body type and condition.
The size of your buttocks can increase if you gain a significant amount of weight. This is because the injected fat cells will grow in size. On the other hand, your buttocks can become smaller if you lose a significant amount of weight. The reason behind this is that the injected fat cells shrink.
