Buttock Lift
- Approximate duration: 4 hours
- Anesthesia: General
- Recovery: 4 to 6 weeks
Who is this procedure suitable for?
As we age, or more frequently after significant weight loss, some people may end up with empty, dangling folds of skin. When this loose skin is surgically removed from the buttocks, it is called a buttock lift. As with liposuction, the purpose of a buttock lift is not to correct obesity, but rather to improve contours. Patients must have reached an “ideal” and stable weight before the procedure.
Surgical and post-operative details
Anaesthesia
Dr. Nicolaidis always performs these procedures under general anesthesia.
Surgical techniques
The buttock lift aims to tighten sagging skin in the buttocks, while improving the crease between the buttocks and thighs.
Many techniques exist to treat different degrees of sagging. Mild cases can be treated with a butterfly buttock lift. For moderate cases of hanging skin, a lower buttock lift, with or without a side lift, may be considered. Finally, for more severe cases, a superior buttock lift is usually necessary.
Liposuction and fat transfer by injection (fat grafting) are very effective complementary techniques for buttock lift, allowing Dr. Nicolaidis to sculpt the figure. Due to the many problems associated with buttock implants, Dr. Nicolaidis prefers fat transfer to increase the volume of the buttocks.
Convalescence
Compression garments are applied at the end of surgery to reduce swelling, prevent fluid build-up, and promote skin adhesion. For minor cases, the initial discomfort is usually well controlled with prescribed painkillers. For larger cases, an overnight stay at the clinic may be considered. Bruising and swelling usually diminish within 1 to 2 months. It is important to note that one should avoid sitting or limit sitting periods to the bare minimum for three weeks after surgery. Strenuous physical activity is usually possible after 6 to 8 weeks. The majority of symptoms disappear between 4 and 6 months.
Return to work
Return to work is usually possible after 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery and the type of professional activity.
Possible complications
Risks include: swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring, numbness (which can sometimes be permanent).
Post-surgery advice
The first week
- Keeping your dressings clean and dry
- Do not sit down (except to go to the bathroom)
- Sleep on your stomach as much as possible, or on your back if it’s really necessary, but not on your sides
- Avoid contracting the gluteal muscles as much as possible (e.g., minimize stairs)
- Wash yourself with a washcloth (sponge wash)
- Record the amount of drainage per day per drain (bring this data to your follow-up visit with Dr. Nicolaidis)
- Wear your compression garments at all times
- Walk for at least 5 minutes every hour during the day (do not stay in bed all the time)
Your first post-operative appointment with Dr. Nicolaidis is very important, even if you feel fine. Call us as soon as possible if no appointment has been made (the first visit is normally scheduled before the operation).
After the first week
- Avoid sitting for another 2 weeks
- You can usually start sitting gently again after a total of 3 weeks, if healing goes well
- Continue to keep your dressings dry and clean (unless otherwise directed by Dr. Nicolaidis)
- Wash with a sponge to keep your dressings dry
- Protect your scars from the sun for at least 6 months
- Avoid heavy lifting until further notice from Dr. Nicolaidis
- Do not take a bath or shower until Dr. Nicolaidis allows you to do so
- Continue to wear compression garments as recommended by the doctor
- Move regularly during the day to prevent blood clots
Please note
- It is normal to have slight swelling and bruising of the buttocks in the first few weeks after a buttock lift or Brazilian Butt Lift, with or without implants.
- For your comfort, be sure to take your pain medication as prescribed.
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