Buttock lift to firm and elevate the buttocks.

What does a buttock lift involve?

Over time, the buttocks may sag and lose their tone, resulting in an aged and flaccid appearance. If age is the primary cause of this laxity, other factors such as lack of physical activity, excess fat, or frequent weight fluctuations can also accentuate it. The gluteal lift, an essentially aesthetic procedure, aims to restore a firm and harmonious appearance to the buttocks. It involves removing excess skin, tightening tissues, and repositioning the buttocks to enhance their contour.

The objectives of this surgery are the firming, remodeling, and repositioning of the buttocks to achieve a more balanced silhouette. When the procedure is successful, the anticipated result is firmer, more contoured buttocks. However, it should be noted that the progression is gradual: although improvements may become noticeable quickly, the final appearance is generally only visible after about six months postoperatively.

There are several types of techniques to enhance the appearance of the buttocks, which will depend on various parameters, such as the desired outcome or the technique employed.

Name of Techniques	Objective	Technique	Expected result	Anesthesia
Buttock lift	Correct the skin laxity of the buttocks to restore their firmness and contour.	Incision in the lower back, hips, or upper buttocks, removal of excess skin, and repositioning of tissues.	Firmed, lifted buttocks and an improved silhouette, with final results achieved in approximately six months.	Often generalized
The mini-gluteal lift	Correct mild to moderate skin laxity, often due to aging or a loss of tone.	Small discreet incisions (often at the upper buttocks) allowing the removal of a limited excess of skin and slight tightening of the tissues.	Subtle firming, enhanced contour without radical transformation.	Local or short general
Liposuction	Reduce localized excess fat.	The surgeon aspirates fat using fine cannulas, without removing any skin.	Refinement and remodeling of the area, but it does not correct skin laxity.	Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent.

Comparison of the main buttock remodeling techniques and their characteristics

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How is the buttock lift procedure carried out?

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.

Are there any potential complications associated with a buttock lift?

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.