With age or significant weight loss our buttocks gradually changes shape by drooping and sagging. In the past, nothing could be done to correct this unfortunate circumstance. However, cosmetic surgeons are now able to improve the buttock contour with a buttock lift. This surgery can help you regain confidence and a more youthful appearance.
The best candidates for buttock lift surgery have poor skin tone in the buttock area. This is characterized by loose or excess skin, stretch marks and cellulite. Patients who suffer from poor skin quality cannot benefit from liposuction and can only improve the appearance of their buttocks through buttock lift surgery. Ideal candidates are also in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about what plastic surgery can do for them.
It is important to be honest about your expectations and goals when meeting with us at your consultation. We will review your health history and examine the buttocks to determine if this procedure is right for you. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit for a minimum of 4-6 weeks before surgery to minimize the risk of complications. Smokers are much more prone to delayed healing and wound breakdown.
The buttock lift is performed in our AAAHC outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia. The incision is made just above the buttock, in the bikini line. Excess skin and fat is removed the buttock is elevated superiorly. In some cases this procedure is combined with a body lift or thigh lift. The body lift, also called a belt lipectomy, involves an incision that goes around the entire waist in the bikini area. The body lift is basically a combination of a tummy tuck and a butt lift. Depending on your circumstances, the tummy tuck and buttock lift may need to be performed separately. We will evaluate you at your consultation and discuss the risks, benefits and alternative treatments.
The incisions for these lifts are closed with dissolvable sutures and drains are usually placed to remove excess fluid that accumulates in the first week after surgery. The incisions are covered with tape and a compression garment is worn for 4 weeks to help reduce swelling and assist the skin in contracting to the new body contour. The drains and tape are usually removed one week after surgery. Sometimes the drains may need to stay in longer if your body is producing excess fluid from inflammation after surgery.
Expected recovery is between one to two weeks. It is important to begin walking the day after surgery to prevent blood clots from forming in the deep veins of the leg. You can resume light exercise after two weeks and more vigorous exercise after six weeks.
Some bruising is normal after surgery. This usually goes away in the first few weeks. Your incisions will be noticeable immediately following surgery but they will gradually fade and flatten for up to a year after surgery. You will also have some puckering around the incision after surgery. This will smooth out over a month or two. If your skin has lots of stretch marks or is extremely thin, this is a sign of poor skin elasticity. Patients with poor skin elasticity may be more prone to widening of the scar after surgery. Sometimes patients elect to do a scar revision procedure 8 -12 months after initial healing to improve the appearance of the scars. Your skin will also be firm and numb at the outset. It will soften and normal sensation will return gradually. Permanent numbness of the skin in the surgical are is not common but can sometimes occur.
Tulsa Surgical Arts - 7322 91st Street, Tulsa, OK 74133 - 918-392-7900
