What Is a Buttock Lift?
A buttock lift or gluteal lift is a cosmetic treatment that improves the shape of the buttock and tones the underlying tissues supporting the skin. In the procedure, the skin of the buttocks will be pulled up to tighten the skin and reduce the dimples that appear on the sagged or loose skin. It is also known as belt lipectomy or lower back lift. Based on the individual’s needs, excess fat will also be removed from underneath the skin to improve the appearance. As a result, the butts appear firm, well-contoured, even, and round.
Buttocks sag due to many reasons, like:
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Aging.
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Ultraviolet (UV) damage or sun damage.
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Obesity or overweight.
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Genetics.
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Gravity.
What Are the Things to Be Considered Before a Buttock Lift Surgery?
A buttock lift surgery is indicated in the following candidates:
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Physically healthy and fit individuals.
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No underlying medical conditions which cause poor healing or risks during the surgery.
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Do not smoke.
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Patients with loosening of the skin in the gluteal (buttock) area.
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Patients with a positive mental attitude towards the surgery.
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Patients who are not obese.
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Individuals with extra fat or sagging in the buttock area.
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Individuals leading a healthy lifestyle and following fitness goals.
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The buttock’s shape is uneven or asymmetric.
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The individual who has undergone weight loss surgery.
The following things should be considered before doing a buttock lift surgery:
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Since smoking can increase post-surgical complications, the individual should completely quit the habit of smoking.
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The patient should keep the underlying system conditions in control.
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Deficiencies can cause healing issues, and the individual should consider having a proper and well-balanced diet.
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If the individual has undergone weight loss surgeries or has lost large amounts of weight recently, should try to stay within the ideal weight range for a successful surgery.
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Individuals who are obese or overweight should undergo weight loss treatments to bring the weight within the ideal range before the surgery.
How Is a Buttock Lift Surgery Performed?
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Preparation: As a part of preparing the patient for the surgery, the surgeon may ask to take necessary laboratory tests. The doctor may ask to take a few medications. If the patient is a smoker, quitting the habit is necessary before opting for or going for surgery. If the patient is already under certain medications, the doctor may alter the medicines and may also ask to quit the use of blood thinning medicines like Aspirin.
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Procedure: Intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia will be given to the patient. Usually, the surgeon may make an incision below the waistline, under the cheeks of the butt, and along the lower back region. The underlying fat may be removed by a process called liposuction. Excess underlying tissues will be removed after raising the flap, and skin will be trimmed as required. The surgeon will then suture the area with dissolvable sutures tape or other materials. Antibiotics may be continued after the surgery to prevent infections.
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Recovery: After surgery, care must be taken not to apply too much pressure on the surgical site. The doctor may ask to wear compression wears to reduce swelling and enhance firmness. Additional care may be required to prevent infection and pus or fluid accumulation.
What Are the Benefits of a Buttock Lift?
The following are the benefits of a buttock lift treatment:
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Symmetric buttocks.
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Smooth skin on the buttocks.
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Reduces the discomfort caused by the existence of excess skin.
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Toned buttocks.
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Improved shape of the buttocks.
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The youthful appearance of the body.
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The individual may look better in outfits, and the overall appearance improves, thus improving self-esteem.
What Are the Contraindications of a Buttock Lift?
Buttock lift surgery is contraindicated in the following cases:
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Obesity: Obese patients may develop seroma after the treatment. Seroma is the accumulation of fluid under the skin of the surgical site. In addition, the pressure at the surgical site may increase in case of obesity.
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Venous Thromboembolism: It is the formation of a blood clot that obstructs the blood flow through the veins.
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Diabetes: It is a metabolic condition characterized by an increased blood sugar level. In the case of diabetes, the chances of infection increases after any surgery.
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Health Problems: In case of severe underlying systemic conditions, buttock lift surgery is contraindicated. The surgery will not be indicated in case of heart conditions.
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Cigarette Smoking: Smokers may get a poor outcome of the disease. Their healing may get impaired, and the chances of the wound getting infected may get increased.
What Are the Risks of a Buttock Lift Treatment?
Buttock lift surgery may have the following risks or complications:
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Anesthesia risks.
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Infection.
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Severe pain on the surgical site.
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Numbness or altered sensation.
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Asymmetric butts.
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Bleeding or hematoma.
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Altered healing.
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Severe swelling.
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Seroma.
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Pus or fluid accumulation.
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Scarring.
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Necrosis or death of the underlying fat tissues (fat necrosis).
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Loosening of the skin.
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Skin loss.
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Skin discoloration.
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Irritation at the sutures.
When to See the Doctor?
It is necessary to consult the doctor immediately in the following cases:
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If the patient gets severe and persistent pain after the surgery.
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Chest pain.
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Signs of infection, like fever.
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Dyspnea or shortness of breath.
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Bleeding, which persists for a long.
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Severe swelling.
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Altered heartbeat.
What to Expect After a Buttock Lift Surgery?
The final results of the procedure may take time to show up. The scarred tissue may take more time to heal. The scars may be visible for a prolonged period after the surgery. Due to gravity and aging, the chances of the skin getting loosened or sagged are more. Therefore, the results may fade away with time. Due to fat necrosis that happens post-surgically and unpredictably, the lifting achieved may be uneven. If the body weight is not maintained, the fat levels get altered, and the results may get affected.
Conclusion
Buttock lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that lifts the buttock and improves the texture of the skin on it. It has many benefits and demerits. The risks are also higher if the patient is leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Choosing an experienced surgeon, following the pre and post-surgical instructions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help decrease the risk and improve the results.