Gluteal lift: everything you need to know about this technique for sculpting the buttocks

As with any surgical procedure, certain preoperative steps are mandatory.

• What steps should you take to prepare for surgery?

  The first step is the preoperative consultation with the plastic surgeon responsible for the operation. During this appointment, all details regarding the surgery itself are explained to the patient. The patient, in turn, must provide essential information to ensure the operation proceeds smoothly, such as medical history and any ongoing medication regimen. After this and following a series of tests and examinations (blood work, allergy testing, etc.), the practitioner will either grant or withhold approval. Once the date is set, the patient needs to prepare under optimal conditions to be ready on the day of surgery. For example, follow the instructions given by the surgeon (stop smoking, avoid alcohol, discontinue or adjust certain medications, maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is also important to be aware of the operation’s risks, the postoperative course, potential pain, recovery duration, and to have realistic expectations regarding the results.

• How is the operation performed?

  On the day of surgery, a local or general anesthesia is administered to the patient. The type of anesthesia depends on the techniques used by the surgeon. Once the patient is asleep, the plastic surgeon makes the necessary incisions, typically at the lower back or hips, or on the upper buttocks. These incisions provide access to the internal buttock tissues. The remodeling process can then begin. The surgeon proceeds to lift the tissues by excising the excess skin . Once the reshaping and lifting of the buttocks are complete, the incisions are sutured closed. They are then bandaged for protection.

• What are the postoperative steps?

  After the procedure is complete, the surgeon will provide postoperative instructions that the patient must follow. These may include wearing compression garments, resting for an extended recovery period, applying topical therapy to the scars, or avoiding any physical activity that engages the gluteal muscles. These recommendations are grounded in common clinical principles, but their duration and intensity vary depending on each patient’s individual profile and healing trajectory.

  The surgeon also provides postoperative follow-up to monitor the progress of healing. Regular visits are essential: the first about one week after the procedure, then additional appointments in the following weeks, before gradually spacing them out to every 3 to 6 months.

As with any surgical procedure, a gluteal lift can entail certain complications, which vary according to the patient’s individual sensitivity, the quality of the surgical technique, and adherence to postoperative instructions. Among these are infections, hematomas, permanent scarring, or sensory disturbances (hypersensitivity or numbness in the area). In some cases, the outcomes may fall short of expectations, resulting in asymmetry or irregularity in buttock contour.

In the event of complications following a buttock lift, it is important to act promptly. The first step is to contact your plastic surgeon to describe any unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain, significant swelling, or redness. He or she will then be able to provide appropriate recommendations, whether involving local wound care, pharmacological treatment, or a follow-up appointment. For optimal recovery, it is advisable to avoid self-medication and to carefully adhere to the healthcare professional’s advice. Finally, monitoring symptom progression closely and reporting any changes helps ensure optimal follow-up and a smooth recovery.

The buttock lift is primarily intended for healthy individuals with pronounced skin laxity. However, it is not recommended for people with serious health conditions, active smokers, those with significant overweight, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.