The buttock lift to firm and elevate the buttocks.

What does a buttock lift involve?

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

The objectives of this surgery are the firming, remodelling and repositioning of the buttocks, in order to achieve a more balanced silhouette. When the procedure is successful, the expected result is firmer, more contoured buttocks. However, it should be noted that progress is gradual: while an improvement may be noticeable quickly, the final appearance is generally only visible after around six months postoperatively.

There are various techniques for enhancing the appearance of the buttocks, which will depend on different parameters, such as the desired outcome or the technique utilised.

Names of techniques	Objective	Technique	Expected result	Anaesthesia
The gluteal lift	Correct skin laxity of the buttocks to restore their firmness and contour.	An incision is made in the lower back, hips or upper buttocks, excess skin is excised and the tissues are then repositioned.	Firmer, lifted buttocks and an improved silhouette, with definitive results after approximately six months.	Often generalised
The mini gluteal lift	Correct mild to moderate cutaneous laxity, often due to ageing or a loss of skin tonicity.	Small discreet incisions (often at the top of the buttocks), allowing the removal of a limited amount of excess skin and slight tightening of the tissues.	Subtle firming, contour enhancement without radical transformation.	Local or short-acting general anaesthesia
Liposuction	Reduce localised excess fat deposits.	The surgeon aspirates fat through fine cannulae, without excising any skin.	Refinement and remodelling of the area, but does not correct skin laxity.	Local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia depending on the extent.

Comparison of the principal gluteal contouring techniques and their characteristics

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How is the buttock lift procedure performed?

As with any surgical operation, certain preoperative steps are mandatory.

What preparatory steps should be undertaken before the operation?
The first step is the preoperative consultation with the plastic surgeon responsible for the procedure. During this meeting, all details concerning the surgery itself are communicated to the patient. The latter must, in turn, provide certain essential information to ensure the smooth running of the operation, such as their medical history and inform the surgeon of any ongoing medication. Following this, and after a battery of tests and examinations (blood test, allergy test, etc.), the professional will either give or withhold their approval. Once the date is set, the patient must get themselves into the appropriate condition so as to be ready on the day itself. For example, adhere to 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 stakes of the operation, the post-operative course, any potential pain, the duration of recovery, and to have realistic expectations regarding the results.
How is the operation carried out?
On the day of the operation, a local or general anaesthetic is administered to the patient. The choice of anaesthesia depends on the techniques employed by the surgeon. Once the patient is asleep, the plastic surgeon makes the necessary incisions, typically located on the lower back or hips, or across the upper buttocks. These incisions provide access to the internal tissues of the buttocks. The remodelling can then begin. The surgeon proceeds to lift the tissues by excising the skin in excess. Once the reshaping and lifting of the buttocks are complete, the incisions are sutured to close them. They are then bandaged to protect them.
What are the postoperative stages?
Once the operation is complete, the surgeon will provide the patient with postoperative instructions to follow. These may include wearing compression garments, resting for an extended period, applying topical scar care, or refraining from any physical activity that engages the gluteal muscles. These recommendations are based on universal principles, but their duration and intensity vary according to each patient’s individual profile and healing process.
The surgeon also oversees post-operative follow-up to monitor the progress of healing. Regular visits are essential: the first is scheduled approximately one week after the procedure, followed by further consultations in the subsequent weeks, before being progressively spaced at three- to six-month intervals.

Are there any potential complications associated with a buttock lift?

As with any surgical procedure, a buttock lift may entail certain complications, which vary according to the patient’s individual sensitivity, the technical quality of the surgery and adherence to postoperative instructions. Among these are infections, haematomas, permanent scarring, or sensory disturbances (hypersensitivity or numbness in the treated area). In some cases, the results may fall short of expectations, resulting in asymmetry or irregularity of the buttock contour.

In the event of complications following a buttock lift, it is crucial to act without delay. The first course of action is to contact your plastic surgeon to report any unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain, marked swelling or redness. They will then provide the appropriate recommendations, whether this involves local care, pharmacological treatment or a follow-up appointment. For optimal recovery, it is best to avoid self-medication and adhere closely to the healthcare professional’s advice. Finally, remaining attentive to symptom progression and reporting them ensures optimal follow-up and a serene recovery.

The buttock lift is primarily indicated for healthy individuals presenting with marked skin laxity. Conversely, it is contraindicated in cases of serious health conditions, active smoking, significant overweight or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.