Buttock lift

The buttock lift is a procedure used to lift sagging buttocks. Relatively unknown in France, this surgery can be performed on any patient, regardless of body mass.

The buttocks can start to sag naturally with age or most frequently after significant weight loss. When significant weight is lost, this excess skin on the rear of the body is often accompanied by excess skin on the front of the body, and, therefore, the buttock lift will be combined with abdominoplasty, to perform a body lift.

The buttock lift involves removing excess skin located at the top of the buttocks to lift them, like a face lift, and treating the appearance of “sagging” buttocks.

In a buttock lift, fatty tissue is removed and can then be grafted under the skin to reshape the buttock and increase its volume. The buttock is lifted and resculpted with this buttock tissue.

In every case, the scar is located in the upper region of the buttocks, which is covered by panties or a G-string, extending from one hip to the other.

Patients should stop smoking one month before the procedure to optimize healing and reduce the risks of phlebitis and embolism. A pre-operative blood test will be prescribed and a consultation with the anesthesiologist is required at least 48 hours before the surgery. Patients must also plan for a two- to three-week recovery period, as doctors cannot prescribe leave from work for cosmetic surgery.

The buttock lift is performed under general anesthesia, and the procedure lasts two to three hours.

Markings are drawn in a standing position, without anesthesia, to ensure that the scars will be located inside the area covered by underwear or a bathing suit.

The first part of the surgery generally involves liposuction of the love handles to enhance the shape of the buttocks. An incision is then made in the skin and the upper region of the buttocks is deepidermized, which means that the skin is removed while keeping the fat to restore the rounded shape of the buttocks. The buttock is lifted over this buttock tissue to achieve a lifted and reshaped buttock. The sutures are usually absorbable and do not need removing afterwards.

The procedure generally includes an overnight stay, which can be extended if necessary. Drains are not usually left in place.

At the end of the surgery, a compression garment (panty) is placed on the patient and must be worn for four to six weeks.

The compression garment placed on the patient after surgery must be worn for four to six weeks.

Showers are allowed starting the day after surgery, but baths must be avoided for at least the first month.

The patient must start walking again the day after surgery, but a sitting position will be difficult for 10 to 15 days. Standing and lying positions are recommended.

Sport and exercise cannot resume before 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Exercising the buttocks muscles will, of course, boost the results of the buttock lift procedure.

As with any surgery, general complications are possible, but the most common complication is slow healing, meaning that bandages need to be changed daily for several weeks. Seroma (lymphatic effusion under the skin) is also possible in cases that involve extensive skin lifting and will generally reabsorb on its own.

In all cases, the final appearance of the scar is visible one year after surgery and must be protected from the sun throughout this time.

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