Buttocks Augmentation or Lift

Millions of men and women diet and exercise on a regular basis and unfortunately many of them end up disappointed by the loose, sagging skin remaining on their thighs caused by significant weight loss. Others find that no matter how hard they work out; they can't reverse what time and gravity have done to their buttocks.

The buttocks and thighs are prone to excessive fat accumulation. They often contain deposits of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. Buttocks lift surgery is performed to tighten the skin of the outer and inner thighs and buttocks. These procedures improve the firmness of skin and underlying tissues. For those with tight, un-stretched skin, liposuction alone is the treatment of choice. If the skin is overly stretched, loose and flaccid, liposuction will be combined with the excisional surgery to remove the excess skin along with the fat. Excisional surgery is combined with liposuction when the patient has excessive folds of skin. An incision is made and concealed in the groin area and under the buttocks. The skin is tightened, re-draped and the excess skin is removed. Sutures are used to close the incision.

A combination of surgical techniques can be used to reshape and lift the bottom. Excess skin is cut away, and liposuction is often used to remove excess fat. The remaining skin is then lifted by an incision at the top of the buttocks to achieve a tighter and smoother contour. Generally this operation leaves a scar along the upper buttock, but can go down the sides if a further incision is required. If you only have a small area of excess skin at the bottom of your buttocks the scar can usually be hidden by the buttock crease.

Following your surgery you will enjoy the new, more pleasing, youthful shape you desired. If you have been considering a buttock lifts, call our office and arrange a personal consultation.

Consultation:

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering buttocks lift. During this meeting, Dr. Brill will discuss the changes you want to make in your appearance, the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He will evaluate the amount and location of the fatty tissue as well as the degree of skin laxity. He will get a complete medical history, give you specific instructions preparing for surgery, including guidelines for eating and drinking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, supplements and medications. As with any surgery, please be sure to inform us:
                       

About any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements).

If you have been exposed to significant amounts of radiation, have a history of unusual or poor scarring, or cold sores– like herpes or shingles.

If you have any serious medical conditions.

About all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).

If you have had previous plastic surgery.

Dr. Brill will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the procedure. The quality of your skin as well as amount of excess fat will be assessed at your consultation. Dr. Brill, in some cases, orders routine laboratory tests prior to surgery. During your consult, take this time to ask all the questions you have about the surgery you are considering. He will be happy to address any concerns you may have such as:

A Good Candidate:

The ideal candidate for a buttock lift or augmentation is a man or woman of any age who is otherwise in good health and is unsatisfied with the contour of his or her buttocks. People with loose, sagging skin in the outer and inner thighs and with sagging buttocks are the best candidates for a thigh and buttock lift.

Recovery:

After the procedure you will feel groggy. You will be placed in a special compression garment to control swelling and help the newly-sculpted skin adhere to the tissue underneath. Some of the stitches will be absorbable, and some may have to be removed during a follow-up visit. After a brief stay in the recovery room, you will be allowed to go home.

For the first week following surgery, we advise our patients to avoid sitting to avoid stressing the area, and when seated, to use a cushion or inflatable ring. You will need to sleep on your stomach during this time as well. Returning to regular activities takes about two to four weeks, provided your work does not involve extensive sitting and avoid strenuous activity.

Initial healing usually occurs in 10-14 days. Sutures are usually removed within the first 1-2 weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually disappear over 2-3 weeks.

You may experience moderate pain after this procedure. Pain medication, prescribed by Dr. Brill can help make you comfortable. After a few days acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen may be all that you require. But avoid aspirin as it can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. The swelling is mild to moderate, and peaks at two to three days.

Any stitches that are not absorbed will be removed after about a week. While each person’s recovery is unique, the recovery period after a buttocks or thigh lift generally lasts one to two weeks. You'll probably be able to return to work in a week, and resume exercise within 4-6 weeks. Strenuous workouts and contact sports can be engaged in after about six weeks. All swelling is gone in 3-6 months. The scars fade in 6-12 months depending on your skin.

Other Options:

An additional procedure that may enhance the result is Liposuction. Many people suffer from both surplus fat and surplus skin. In these cases one option is to treat by liposuction alone. The healing process causes some tightening of the skin, but patients need to be aware that this tightening is only enough to compensate for the amount of fat removed.

Cost / Insurance:

These procedures are considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance.

Approximate Cost Range: $2,000-$5,000 per procedure

At your consultation, you will be given exact fees, which include but are not limited to surgery, operating room, anesthesia related fees, and follow up visits.

** This is only an Average. Fees vary according to patient needs.**

Risks / Complications:

The most common risks associated with this type of surgery include, but are not limited to, a reaction to the anesthesia used, excessive bleeding, infection, visible scarring, possible asymmetry or irregularities, and possible changes in nerve sensation. The scars from an arm lift are permanent and may be visible in any position other than when the arms are hanging at the sides.

The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Frequently asked Questions:

What is recovery like following a Buttocks Lift?

We advise that you rest for at least a week after your buttock lift procedure, and be extra careful when sitting. You will be in some pain and discomfort and will have swelling and bruising around the treated area for approximately 4 weeks. Scars will be red for the first few months, but they will gradually fade. Patients who have also had liposuction will have more swelling than those who only had the lift performed. The use of smaller cannulas during liposuction allows the fibrous connections between your skin and body to remain. These connections will contract over time, after which the excessive folds of skin will be gone.

How do I find out if it's right for me?

An appointment with your surgeon is an opportunity to have an open and frank discussion about what aspects of your arms you are unhappy with, how the condition may have arisen and the improvements you would like to achieve. Your general health will also be assessed and the surgeon will recommend the best course of treatment. If you wish to have excess fat removed, rather than excess skin, liposuction may be a more suitable alternative.

How soon can I exercise after a buttock lift?

You should not participate in any exercise until approximately 4-6 weeks after your operation.

Will the buttock lift leave scars?

Yes you will be left with scars following this procedure, usually around the top and the sides of the buttocks, however these will easily be hidden by underwear or swimwear. Scarring can take around a year to fade.

What if permanent scars are unacceptable to me?

Accepting the permanency of these scars is the biggest predicament for many patients. For the majority of patients, however, losing their “bat wings” makes the scars tolerable. Patients who do not regard this as a good "trade off" should not undergo Brachioplasty.

* Notes *

If the buttocks are very large, you may benefit from liposuction to reduce the overall size, followed by recontouring to gain a better shape.

If the buttocks are sagging but there is adequate tissue available, the butt is simply lifted by removing tissue and tightening the surrounding skin to create a more pleasing contour.

If you feel this procedure is something you are interested in, please call us at:

352-331-7987 or 1-800-428-8419

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult with Dr. Brill to answer specific questions related to your medical situation. View our Web Policy