What is a buttock lift?
A buttock lift, also called a gluteoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the buttock region by improving its contour and shape.
Who is a suitable candidate for buttock lift surgery?
Buttock lift surgery is usually performed on people who want their buttocks to look more youthful due to skin sagging and loosening around the buttocks region. This is particularly beneficial for people who have excessive skin due to significant weight loss. The best candidates are people in good general psychological and physical health who are non-smokers.
What are the goals of buttock lift surgery?
The goals of the surgery are to improve the aesthetics of the buttock region by removing fat and tightening excessive skin. The ultimate goal is to return the body to a more youthful appearance after age related loss of skin elasticity or excessive skin due to significant weight loss.
What is done during buttock lift surgery?
A buttock lift is an outpatient procedure performed under general anaesthesia that usually takes about two to three hours. There are several different techniques depending on the position and nature of the excessive skin. Usually, skin in the upper buttock region is removed and then pulled to close the incision. This lifts the buttock region and tightens any loose, sagging skin. Another approach is a lower incision in the fold between your buttock and back of the thigh. In some cases, liposuction is also required to enhance the buttock contouring result. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the best approach based on your individual needs.
Where is the surgery performed?
All surgeries are performed at Women’s College Hospital as day surgery by the senior plastic surgery resident under the supervision of a faculty plastic surgeon.
What to expect in the recovery? How long will I be off work? When can I resume exercise?
Expect to feel some discomfort over the first few days following surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with medication that will help manage the pain. The discomfort usually subsides after the first week following surgery. There will be some swelling that will subside over the first few weeks. During this initial period you will be able to walk and move around. You will be required to abstain from sitting for the first one to two weeks following surgery to avoid excessive sheering and damage to the surgical incisions. This will entail lying on your side and stomach while sleeping and avoiding excessive pressure on the area. Most people are able to get back to work after about two weeks while strenuous exercise should be avoided for about four to six weeks.
What are some common complications of buttock lift surgery?
Complications related to this procedure are uncommon but like any procedure they can occur. Complications include bleeding, infection, persistent pain, unfavourable scarring and poor wound healing. Poor wound healing can result in the wound coming apart called wound dehiscence. Other risks include developing a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a blood clot in the lungs called a pulmonary embolus (PE). Sometimes, a collection of blood called a hematoma or a collection of fluid called a seroma develops under the incision and requires drainage. Numbness may develop around the skin, which usually resolves over time. There is the possibility of other unfavourable results such as recurrent loosening of the skin and asymmetry, which may require further surgery to improve.
When will I see the final results of the buttock lift surgery?
Results will be noticeable immediately following the procedure. It usually takes six months to one year before the final shape and appearance is realized. As this procedure involves surgical incisions there will be scarring. The positions of the scars are usually well hidden at the pant line or within the skin folds of the buttock region. However, it is important for people to know that there will be some degree of scarring. For the majority of people, the scars heel nicely and become less noticeable reaching their final appearance after about 1 to 2 years.
