Butt Lifts—What to Expect

Aug 3
07:48

2010

Andrea Avery

Andrea Avery

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

A butt lift is a new type of cosmetic surgery that helps patients regain the shape in their hind end that has been lost during childbearing or extreme weight loss, or those who are generally dissatisfied with the appearance of their derriere. Read on for more information about what you can expect from a butt lift.

mediaimage
This technique is performed by one of two methods. In the first method,Butt Lifts—What to Expect Articles excess skin and tissue are removed from the upper part of the buttocks and lifted prior to closing the incision, which would be placed at the top of the gluteal area. The other option is a little more complex. It involves either transplanting the patient’s own fat from another area of their body and injecting it into the buttocks, or silicone implants are placed in the buns. The incision is placed in the crease where the buttocks meet the leg, or sometimes hidden closer inside the crack. This hides the incision scar very effectively. 

Though transplanted fat is a simpler and less invasive method, its effects may not last forever, whereas implants would. If you tend to maintain your weight at generally the same level, this loss of results wouldn’t be an issue. If you have any doubts regarding which type of butt lift may be right for you, depend upon the advice of your cosmetic surgeon and be thorough in detailing your medical history and typical weight range, along with your goals and expectations from the procedure.

The actual surgery spans anywhere from 2-3 hours and is done under general anesthesia. This is an outpatient procedure, which means you are able to return home the same day as surgery.

You can expect your recovery from a butt lift to take around two weeks. Be vigilant about allowing your body to heal properly and follow your surgeon’s advice to the letter. Sitting and laying on your back will be uncomfortable for a few weeks, so it is important to avoid those activities until you can painlessly be in those positions. In other words, let the pain and discomfort be your guide.

Good candidates for a butt lift include patients in relatively good health with no history of surgical complications or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Also, those that are unable to build gluteal muscles to plump their buns to the extent they desire. Patients with a lack of volume in this area, who are seeking a more proportional curve to their body are good candidates for this procedure. 

For more information on this and other cosmetic surgeries, make an appointment with your plastic surgeon today.

Butt Lift Recovery

A butt lift is a fairly new type of cosmetic surgery that reshapes the gluteal area to create a more curvaceous silhouette. Given the target area of this procedure, recovery can become a little tricky if you’re not prepared. This article will describe the process of the surgery as well as what to expect in the days following, and tips on how to be ready for the recovery period.

The butt lift process is begun by positioning the incision near the upper portion of the buttocks, yet still inside the bikini area. The surgeon then pulls the skin taut and removes the excess skin and tissue before closing the incision. This surgery corrects sagging, droopy skin and results in a more taut behind. Some patients opt for the placement of silicone implants or transplanted fat in the area if lack of gluteal volume is an additional problem.

Since this is an outpatient procedure, you will be sent home the same day of surgery. However, this is where it may get complicated if you are not prepared. You will be advised not to sit or lay on your back for at least a week. All pressure and force on your buttocks must be avoided, and movement in the area must be limited as possible. After a week, you may be able to sit or lay on your back, but only for short periods of time. You will need help in your home for the first week or so.

You will be required to wear a surgical support girdle for four to six weeks. The surgeon will place you in this girdle after your butt lift and its purpose is to immobilize the area, which will protect it and aid in its healing. 

In order to make your recovery as easy and comfortable as possible, you may decide to purchase a body pillow that will allow you to lay and sleep comfortably on your side without the fear of rolling over on your back during the night. Walking and standing should be minimized during the first two weeks, so be prepared for a lot of lying down. 

To prevent boredom and cabin fever, go to the library the week before your butt lift and check out a few books you’ve wanted to read. Borrow some movies from friends and family and treat yourself to an issue of your favorite magazine. If you don’t own a laptop, ask about borrowing one with wifi so you can stay connected from the comfort of your bed without having to sit on a chair at your desktop computer. 

Now that you know what butt lift recovery is like, you can be prepared to make the most of your downtime and allow your body to heal properly.