Overview
Individuals who have loose skin around the buttocks due to significant weight loss, pregnancy or aging may consider a butt lift to achieve a tighter, shapelier look. This is a body contouring procedure offered by Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau, which addresses excess and sagging skin on and below the buttocks. During a surgical butt lift, this excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is pulled up for a tighter look. Our plastic surgery office also offers the “Brazilian butt lift,” which can sometimes be confused with a surgical lift. During the Brazilian method, the Dr. Fernau does not “lift” the butt, but rather, fills it with volume via a fat transfer.
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Surgical Technique
During a traditional butt lift, incisions are usually made under the butt cheeks along the natural crease, but in cases where a lower body lift is also being performed, the incisions may be placed near the waistline as well. Liposuction is usually a part of this procedure. Once the loose skin is trimmed away and the underlying tissues pulled tight, the surgeon will essentially “lift” the butt cheeks upward and secure the incision with sutures. If the incisions were placed under the butt cheeks, the scarring will be able to be hidden with undergarments. A butt lift gives the buttocks a firmer look. The appearance of loose skin, cellulite dimples and wrinkling will be smoother and more toned.
During/After Surgery
During a butt lift surgery, general anesthesia is used and is performed in an accredited surgical facility, most often as an outpatient procedure. If a combination surgery is performed with a butt lift, an overnight hospital stay may be required. Swelling and bruising will last several weeks as the area heals. Scarring is also unavoidable, but every effort is made to make the incision as inconspicuous as possible so that they can be concealed. In most cases, patients will be able to sit down after 2 weeks and will be able to return to their normal routine within 6 weeks.
Expected Cost
The average cost for a butt lift can range between $6,000 and $9,000. This cost variation considers factors such as whether or not liposuction was used, as well as the severity or complexity of the surgical case.
Plan Your Procedure
- Average Cost
- $6,000 - $9,000
- Recovery Time
- 2-4 Weeks
- Average Procedure Time
- 1-2 Hours
- Post-op Follow-up
- 2 Weeks
- Procedure Recovery Location
- Out-Patient
Butt Lift FAQs
Lift or Lipo?
It depends. Both of these procedures address different cosmetic issues. For individuals who have loose skin or wrinkles under the buttock area, a butt lift is necessary. This procedure may still include liposuction if there is excess fat to be removed. Patients with a healthy skin tone who simply want a smaller buttock may see improvements with liposuction alone. These alternatives can be discussed during the initial body assessment and consultation.
Butt Implants?
Butt augmentation is a procedure in which implants are used to give the buttocks volume and a shapelier curve. Another common procedure is the Brazilian butt lift, which gives the buttocks the same effect as butt augmentation except instead of using an implant, a fat transfer is performed. It is important to note that although a butt lift improves the firmness of the butt, it does not add volume. Some patients may benefit from a combined procedure that involves a butt lift with a fat transfer or implants.
Weight Gain?
A butt lift is recommended for those who are close to or at their goal weight. When there is a significant weight gain after this surgery, the surgical results can be compromised. Similar to any body contouring procedure where the shape and contour of the body is enhanced, adhering to a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and regular exercise will help maintain the results for years.
How Bad Is The Scarring?
As with most skin removal surgeries, there will be some scarring with a butt lift procedure. The plastic surgeon will make every effort to minimize scarring and their visibility by placing the incisions within the natural folds under the buttocks. Post-surgery care is very important for effective healing of the wound. Compression garments and topical creams will also help. Over the years, the scars will fade and flatten out.
