What Is A Buttock Lift? (Brazilian Butt Lift)

Buttock-Lift

A buttock lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to improve the shape and appearance of the bum. As we age, skin loses its elasticity and gravity takes its toll, meaning that the bum can lose its youthful firmness. Your bottom can be made to look more aesthetically pleasing using a number of methods including liposuction, injectable body contouring using fillers, fat transfer or buttock implants. New methods are constantly being developed to lift or improve the bum, so it is important to have a detailed consultation with a cosmetic surgeon to investigate your options before embarking on buttock lift surgery.

If you are unhappy with the size and shape of your bottom, then you could be a candidate for buttock lift surgery. Whether your bottom has become saggy and shapeless with age or you were born with a flat or non-existent bottom, then a butt lift could help. As long as you are fit and healthy and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve then you could be suitable for this treatment.

The ideal candidate would also have good quality skin on the buttock area. As with all types of cosmetic surgery, there are some medical conditions that would preclude you from surgery. The best way to discover if you are a suitable candidate is to book a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons who can discuss the pros and cons of the procedure with you and determine whether or not it is right for you.

As with any surgical procedure there are risks involved in having buttock surgery. You will be swollen and a bit bruised after your surgery but this is temporary. You may also get a loss of sensation in your buttocks, which should subside after a couple of months. The major risks of any surgery are the general anesthetic itself and the risk of post-surgical infection. Symptoms of infection can include increased pain, severe tenderness, excessive swelling and fever like symptoms. If you experience any of these contact your surgeon. Scarring is a significant risk with buttock surgery as it requires long incisions to be made in the butt cheeks. Although these will usually be hidden under clothing they can be quite visible.

The scars should get better over time but be prepared for them to not ever fully disappear. Another risk of buttock surgery is asymmetry in the buttocks or an uneven look. Buttock implants can sometime move, making your bottom look misshapen. The skill and experience of the surgeon you choose hold minimize the risk of this occurring but in some cases you may require additional surgery to correct the problem. Similarly, fat transfer procedure can also leave you with uneven results, which may require further surgery to correct. To avoid any possible risks and complications, make sure you follow your surgeon’s post-surgical advice very carefully.

The type of buttock lift you are having will determine the technique used. There are three main ways to enhance the size and shape of your bottom: a traditional buttock lift, fat transfer, known as the ‘Brazilian Butt Lift‘ or buttock implants.

All buttock surgery is usually performed under general anesthetic. In some cases, an epidural is used. In this case you would be awake during the surgery but would not feel anything from the waist down.

Traditional Buttock Lift

If you are having a traditional buttock lift, long incisions will be made into your bottom so that sections of skin and fat can be removed. The remaining skin and tissue can then be pulled up and lifted before being stitched back into place. Your surgery will take between one and a half and two hours depending on the extent of work you are having done. When your buttock lift surgery is completed, dressings and support bandages will be applied and a drainage tube may be inserted.

Fat Transfer (Brazilian Butt Lift)

If you are having a Brazilian butt lift, liposuction will be used to remove fat from other areas of your body such as the abdomen, hips or thighs. The fat cells are then purified and injected back into your buttocks using fat transfer techniques. This type of surgery is generally safer than having buttock implants, as it uses your own tissue, and can produce long lasting results.

Buttock Implants

Having buttock silicone implants is a more invasive procedure, which involves long incisions being made in the bottom in order to insert silicone implants. Once the incisions have been made, the surgeon will create a pocket in which to place the implant. Once the plastic surgeon is happy with the size, shape and positioning of the implants you will be stitched back up.

You may be required to stay in hospital overnight, or possibly for a couple of days, following buttock surgery. In some cases, you may be able to go home the same day. When you are discharged it is a good idea to arrange for someone to pick you up as you may be in some pain and comfort and will not be able to drive. You may be quite bruised and swollen following your surgery. Bruising should subside within a few days but swelling could take a couple of months to fully disappear. Because your buttock area is used while walking, standing and sitting, recovery from this surgery can be painful. You will need to take time off work and take it easy for one to two weeks. You should refrain from sports and vigorous activities for four to six weeks. You will usually be asked to wear compression garments for three or four weeks to assist healing. It is vital that you wear these as instructed by your surgeon.

Before you decide which procedure you wish to have you will need to have a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon. Buttock surgery is a complex procedure so it is vital you pick someone who has extensive experience in this type of surgery.

During your consultation your surgeon will discuss your reasons for wanting to have buttock lift surgery with you and assess whether or not you are a suitable candidate. They will then take a full medical history and go through the risks and benefits of the buttock lift procedure. They will also usually take photographs of your bottom to use as a comparison later. Once you have decided to go ahead with the surgery, you will be given a consent form to sign. Make sure you read this and all the associated material you are given carefully.

The consultation is your opportunity to address any concerns you may have and ask any questions you need answering.