Is this the same as a Brazilian butt lift?
No. A buttock lift removes loose skin; a Brazilian butt lift transfers fat to add volume.
A skin-removal lift may leave the buttocks looking flatter. Discuss volume and skin concerns separately.
Gluteal surgery
Buttock Lift
A buttock lift removes excess skin and tightens supporting tissue to improve the contour of sagging buttocks, often after weight changes.
Will there be a scar?
Yes. Removing excess skin leaves a permanent scar.
Its length and position depend on the amount and location of loose skin and whether nearby areas are treated.
How much time should I plan away?
Plan for help at home and a recovery period measured in weeks.
Work, sitting and exercise restrictions vary. Returning to work does not mean you are fully healed.
01 · Overview
Understanding a buttock lift
A buttock lift addresses skin that has stretched and no longer fits the underlying shape. The surgeon removes extra skin and some underlying tissue, then closes the remaining tissue in a lifted position. [1]
This procedure differs from fat-transfer buttock augmentation, often called a Brazilian butt lift, and from buttock implants. Those procedures add volume. A skin-removal lift mainly treats sagging and may reduce fullness. [2]
A consultation considers your skin, weight stability, health and goals. Some people need only a buttock lift; others may discuss a lower body lift that also addresses excess skin around the abdomen and outer thighs. [1]
- Main purpose
- Remove loose skin and lift sagging tissue
- Not designed for
- Weight loss or added buttock volume
- Anesthesia
- Usually general anesthesia
- Scarring
- Permanent; placement depends on the plan
Why does weight stability matter?
Further weight loss can create more loose skin, while weight gain can stretch the result. Your surgeon will discuss how long your weight should be stable and whether your nutrition supports healing.
Will it remove cellulite?
A lift may change some surface folds, but it is not a reliable treatment for cellulite or all stretch marks. Stretch marks outside the removed skin remain.
02 · Concerns & Goals
What brings people to a consultation
You may notice loose skin, a lower contour or folds that make clothing uncomfortable. What matters is which changes you would like to discuss.
Loose skin
Skin may hang or fold after substantial weight loss, aging or changes in skin elasticity.
A lower contour
Sagging tissue may change the outline of your buttocks even when your weight is stable.
Clothing discomfort
Extra skin may bunch in clothing or contribute to rubbing. Persistent rashes also deserve medical assessment.
Uneven shape
Differences between sides may be more noticeable as skin loosens. Surgery cannot promise perfect symmetry.
03 · Options
How the approaches differ
The right approach depends on where skin is loose and how much volume you want to preserve. These are planning choices, not interchangeable procedures.
Buttock lift alone
Targets excess skin and sagging around the buttocks.
How it worksSkin and some underlying tissue are removed through a planned incision, often across the upper buttocks.
May suitMay suit someone whose main concern is loose buttock skin.
Main tradeoffA long scar is expected, and the buttocks may look less full.
Lift with selected liposuction
Addresses loose skin together with localized fat deposits.
How it worksSkin removal is combined with carefully planned fat removal from selected areas.
May suitMay suit someone with both sagging skin and nearby fullness.
Main tradeoffLiposuction alone does not lift loose skin; combining treatments can increase recovery demands and risks.
Lower body lift
Treats a wider belt of loose skin around the lower torso.
How it worksButtock lifting is combined with skin removal around the abdomen, hips or outer thighs.
May suitMay suit someone with extensive loose skin after major weight loss.
Main tradeoffThis is a larger operation with longer scars and potentially more demanding recovery.
Lift with a separate volume plan
Considers sagging and loss of fullness as different concerns.
How it worksThe surgeon discusses whether augmentation should be considered separately or as part of a staged plan.
May suitMay suit someone who wants skin tightening but is concerned about flattening.
Main tradeoffFat transfer and implants introduce their own risks and are not routine parts of a buttock lift.
Ask your surgeon to name each planned procedure and explain its separate benefits, scars and risks, especially if augmentation is proposed. [1] [2] [3].
Can liposuction replace a lift?
Not when excess skin is the main problem. Liposuction removes fat rather than skin and can make laxity more noticeable in skin that does not retract well.
Where will the scar sit?
Many lifts use an incision along the upper buttocks, but placement varies with your anatomy and the extent of treatment. Ask to see the proposed scar marked relative to the clothing you usually wear.
04 · Results
What may improve and what may remain
Contour rather than added size
The main change is less hanging skin and a lifted outline.
- Fullness may decrease when tissue is removed.
- Existing asymmetry and surface irregularities may remain.
A gradual settling process
Early swelling can hide the final contour.
- Shape continues to settle over several months.
- Scars usually soften and fade over time but do not disappear.
Changes that still age
Results can last, but skin and body shape continue to change.
- Weight fluctuations can affect the contour.
- Some people discuss revision for persistent looseness, scars or unevenness.
The amount of improvement depends on your starting anatomy, the surgical plan and healing. A specific shape or degree of lift cannot be guaranteed. [1]
05 · Recovery
Planning your recovery
Recovery at a glance
- Stay after surgery
- Determined by Your Surgeon
- Initial recovery at home
- Varies by Individual
- Return to desk work
- Varies by Procedure and Work Activity
- Light daily activities
- Based on Individual Recovery
- Strenuous exercise
- Based on Surgeon Clearance
Returning to work does not mean fully healed. Follow your surgeon’s instructions; strenuous activity requires clearance.
Recovery depends on incision placement, the amount of skin removed and any combined procedures. Your team should give you a personalized plan for positioning, wound care and activity.
Step 1 · Day of surgery
Treatment day
After anesthesia, staff monitor your recovery and help with movement. You may have dressings, drains and a support garment. Whether you go home or stay overnight depends on the plan and your condition.
Step 2 · First days
Early support
Soreness, swelling and tightness are common. Arrange help with daily tasks and follow the team's directions for positioning, medication, walking and drain care.
Step 3 · Following weeks
Gradual activity
Your surgeon checks incision healing before increasing activity. Sitting, bending and lifting may remain limited even if you feel ready to do more.
Step 4 · Following months
Settling and scar care
Swelling gradually improves and scars mature. Discuss scar care once the wounds are ready, and keep follow-up appointments for persistent swelling or contour concerns.
Planning everyday activities
ActivityGeneral planning contextWhat affects the plan
Sitting and sleepingPlanning context: Restrictions depend on incision tension and any added procedures. [1]What affects it: Ask for specific positions and limits rather than following advice meant for a Brazilian butt lift.
WorkPlanning context: Time away is often measured in weeks and varies by job. [1]What affects it: Desk work still involves sitting; physical work may require a longer absence or modified duties.
Walking and exercisePlanning context: Short, assisted walks may begin early; strenuous activity waits for clearance. [3]What affects it: Activity planning balances blood-clot prevention with protection of the incision.
DrivingPlanning context: Resume only when your team clears you and you can move and react safely.What affects it: Sedating pain medicine, limited sitting tolerance and restricted movement can make driving unsafe.
These are planning topics, not a substitute for your team's instructions. Return-to-work timing is not the same as complete healing.
Before your procedure
- Discuss your health conditions, previous operations and history of blood clots.
- Review all medicines, supplements and allergies; change medicines only as directed.
- Discuss nicotine use and follow the surgeon's cessation requirements.
- Review weight stability and nutrition, especially after weight-loss surgery.
- Arrange transportation and help at home for the recommended period.
- Get written instructions for fasting, wound care, positioning and after-hours contact.
Will I need drains?
Drains may be used to remove fluid beneath the skin. If you have them, your team will explain care, recording output and when to call. Removal depends on drainage and healing rather than a fixed date.
What if the incision is slow to heal?
Contact your surgical team rather than trying to treat an opening yourself. Some areas need additional dressings, closer follow-up or a procedure. Nicotine exposure, diabetes and tension on the wound can affect healing.
06 · Safety
Risks and what your clinician assesses
Swelling, bruising, soreness, tightness and temporary changes in skin sensation are common early on. Symptoms should generally improve; worsening symptoms need assessment.
Bleeding or hematoma
Blood can collect under the skin and may require drainage or another operation.
Infection
An infection may require antibiotics, wound care or further treatment.
Fluid collection
Fluid beneath the skin, called a seroma, may need drainage even when drains were used initially.
Healing problems and scars
Incisions can separate, heal slowly or develop wide or raised scars. Skin or fat may lose its blood supply and require treatment.
Sensation and contour changes
Numbness, persistent pain, unevenness, flattening or residual loose skin can occur. Revision may be considered.
Blood clots and anesthesia complications
Clots in the legs or lungs and serious heart, lung or anesthesia problems are uncommon but potentially life-threatening.
Discuss these risks and your individual health history with your surgeon. [1]
What your clinician assesses
- Overall health, anesthesia fitness and blood-clot risk
- Nicotine exposure, diabetes and other healing risks
- Weight stability, nutrition and previous weight-loss surgery
- Skin distribution, existing scars, asymmetry and expectations
07 · Costs
What makes up the Total Procedure & Care Cost
Compare written estimates for the same planned scope: a buttock lift alone is different from a lower body lift or a plan that includes liposuction or augmentation.
Surgeon
Surgical care
Surgeon's services and the agreed procedures.
Ask your surgeonAsk which areas are treated and how revision or unplanned treatment is billed.
Facility
Anesthesia and facility
Anesthesia services, operating room use and any planned stay.
Ask your surgeonAsk whether these charges are separate and what could change them.
Supplies
Supplies and follow-up
Potential charges for garments, dressings, prescriptions and follow-up visits.
Ask your surgeonAsk what is included and whether extra wound care carries additional charges.
TRC
Patient Services
Any separately listed coordination or administrative services.
Ask TRCAsk whether a fee applies, what it covers and whether the service is optional.
Your written estimate should explain the services included, any separate charges, and payment terms.
08 · Questions
Common questions
Is a buttock lift a weight-loss operation?
No. It removes excess tissue to reshape an area, not to treat obesity. Your surgeon will discuss whether your weight and health are suitable for surgery.
Can it make my buttocks bigger?
A skin-removal lift does not add volume and may make the buttocks look flatter. If fullness matters to you, discuss that before choosing a plan.
Will insurance cover it after weight loss?
Cosmetic contouring is generally not covered. If you have documented skin problems, ask your insurer about its criteria; symptoms do not guarantee coverage.
Can I combine it with other procedures?
Sometimes, but a larger operation can add risks and recovery demands. Your surgeon may recommend staging procedures based on your health and the planned extent of surgery.
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Prepare for your consultation
Bring these to help your consultation:
- Confirm the procedures, treatment areas and proposed scars.
- Confirm recovery help, activity limits and emergency contacts.
- Review individual risks and the complete written estimate.
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Choices stay in this visit until saving to your account completes. Nothing is sent to a clinician.
Sources
- [1]Mayo Clinic — Buttock liftSkin-removal purpose, candidacy, incision planning, recovery, contour limitations and surgical risks.
- [2]American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Buttock EnhancementDistinction between buttock lifting and augmentation using fat transfer or implants.
- [3]American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Body LiftBroader lower-body contouring, skin-removal versus liposuction planning and individualized postoperative care.
- [4]MedlinePlus — After SurgeryPostoperative complication awareness, including infection and blood clots, and the need for prompt assessment of warning symptoms.
Photographs are illustrative scenes, not patients, staff, facilities or outcomes. This information does not replace a personal assessment by your treating clinician.