Is this the same as a Brazilian butt lift?
No. A buttock lift mainly removes loose skin; a Brazilian butt lift uses transferred fat to add volume.
A lift does not necessarily make the buttocks fuller and can sometimes leave them looking flatter.
Body Contouring
Buttock Lift / Gluteal Lift
A buttock lift removes excess skin and tightens supporting tissue to improve the contour of sagging buttocks.
Will there be a scar?
Yes. Removing excess skin requires an incision and leaves a permanent scar.
Its position and length depend on your skin pattern and the planned operation. Ask to review the scar location before deciding.
Who might consider it?
Someone with bothersome sagging skin, a stable weight, and health that supports safe healing.
A surgeon must assess whether a lift fits your anatomy, medical history, and goals.
01 · Overview
Understanding a buttock lift
A buttock lift, also called a gluteal lift, addresses stretched or hanging skin over the buttocks. These changes may follow substantial weight loss, aging, or changes in skin elasticity. [1]
The surgeon removes excess skin and sometimes underlying fat, then lifts and closes the remaining tissue. Incisions often run along the upper buttocks, but their placement depends on where the skin is loose and whether nearby areas are treated. [1]
This is different from fat-transfer buttock augmentation, often called a Brazilian butt lift, and from buttock implants. A lift improves sagging rather than primarily adding projection; it may be part of a broader lower body lift. [2]
- Main goal
- Remove excess skin and lift sagging tissue
- Volume
- Not primarily a volume-adding procedure
- Anesthesia
- Usually general anesthesia
- Scars
- Permanent; location varies with the plan
Why does stable weight matter?
Further weight loss can create more loose skin, while weight gain can stretch the treated area. Your surgeon will discuss how long your weight should be stable and whether your nutrition supports healing.
Will a lift remove cellulite?
A lift is not a reliable treatment for cellulite. Some surface texture may change, but dimpling, stretch marks, and unevenness can remain.
02 · Concerns & Goals
Changes you may want to discuss
Loose skin can change how your buttocks look and how clothing feels. Your consultation can focus on the changes that matter most to you.
Loose or hanging skin
Excess skin may fold or drape over the buttocks, especially after weight loss.
A lower-looking contour
Sagging tissue may make the buttocks look less supported, even when your weight is stable.
Clothing fit
Loose tissue may bunch under clothing or make certain waistbands and underwear uncomfortable.
Uneven shape or lost fullness
A lift may help some contour differences, but it does not reliably restore volume or create perfect symmetry.
03 · Options
How the approaches differ
The right approach depends on where your skin is loose, how much volume you have, and which scars and recovery demands you are comfortable accepting.
Buttock lift alone
Targets excess skin and sagging over the buttocks.
How it worksThe surgeon removes a planned section of skin and lifts the remaining tissue.
May suitMay suit people whose main concern is buttock skin laxity rather than added fullness.
Main tradeoffLeaves a permanent scar and may reduce apparent fullness.
Buttock lift with liposuction
Addresses loose skin and selected areas of excess fat.
How it worksSkin removal is combined with fat removal in areas chosen by the surgeon.
May suitMay suit people who have both sagging tissue and localized fat deposits.
Main tradeoffLiposuction cannot replace skin removal and adds swelling and contour-related risks.
Lower body lift
Treats skin laxity extending beyond the buttocks.
How it worksA broader operation lifts the buttocks while addressing areas such as the abdomen, hips, and outer thighs.
May suitMay suit people with excess skin around the lower trunk after major weight loss.
Main tradeoffRequires longer scars, more extensive surgery, and a larger recovery commitment.
Lift with a separate volume plan
Considers fullness as well as skin removal.
How it worksThe surgeon assesses whether an additional or staged augmentation procedure is appropriate.
May suitMay suit people whose goals include both less sagging and more projection.
Main tradeoffAugmentation has its own risks. Fat transfer to the buttocks carries a risk of fatal fat embolism and needs a separate safety discussion.
A buttock lift, liposuction, and buttock augmentation solve different problems. Combining procedures can change both risks and recovery. [1] [2] [3].
Can liposuction alone tighten loose skin?
Liposuction removes fat, not excess skin. When skin elasticity is poor, removing fat alone can make looseness more noticeable.
Should several body-contouring procedures happen together?
Sometimes, but not always. Your surgeon will weigh the extent of surgery, anesthesia time, blood-clot risk, nutrition, and support at home. Staging treatment may be safer for some people.
04 · Results
What may improve and what may remain
Contour rather than added volume
The main aim is less sagging and a more supported outline.
- The amount of improvement depends on skin quality, anatomy, and how much tissue can safely be removed.
- Fullness may decrease, and some asymmetry or surface unevenness may remain.
Changes settle gradually
Early swelling can hide the eventual contour.
- Your shape continues to change as swelling eases and tissues settle over several months.
- Scars usually soften and fade over time but do not disappear.
Long-term changes still happen
Results can last, but aging and weight changes continue.
- A stable weight helps limit additional stretching.
- Some people may need treatment for wound problems, scars, or residual contour concerns.
No specific shape, symmetry, or scar appearance can be guaranteed. Review realistic expectations with your surgeon. [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 the extent of skin removal and any combined procedures. Your surgical team should provide a personalized plan for positioning, wound care, movement, and follow-up.
Step 1 · Day of surgery
Treatment day
After anesthesia, staff monitor you and review your care plan. You may have dressings, drains, or a support garment. Whether you go home or stay overnight depends on the operation and your health.
Step 2 · First days to 2 weeks
Early healing
Soreness, swelling, and bruising are common. You may need help with daily tasks and instructions that protect the incision from tension.
Step 3 · Following weeks
Gradual return to routine
Activity increases according to wound healing and your surgeon's assessment. Returning to work does not mean the tissues are fully healed.
Step 4 · Following months
Contour and scar settling
Swelling continues to ease and scars mature. Keep follow-up appointments to review healing and any persistent contour concerns.
Planning everyday activities
ActivityGeneral planning contextWhat affects the plan
Sitting and sleepingPlanning context: Positioning depends on incision placement and any added procedures. [1]What affects it: Ask which positions are safe and how to avoid pulling on the wound; do not assume Brazilian butt lift rules apply.
WalkingPlanning context: Short, assisted walks may be encouraged early. [1]What affects it: Your team will balance circulation and clot prevention with protecting the incision.
Work and drivingPlanning context: Plan for time away, especially with physical work or prolonged sitting.What affects it: Driving requires safe movement and reaction time without impairing pain medication; get clearance from your team.
Exercise and liftingPlanning context: Strenuous activity is usually restricted for several weeks. [1]What affects it: Heavy lifting and lower-body exercise can strain healing tissue; resume only as directed.
These are planning topics, not personal clearance dates. Follow your surgical team's instructions, especially after combined procedures.
Before your procedure
- Discuss your health history, prior operations, and any previous blood clots.
- Review all medicines, supplements, and allergies; change medicines only as directed.
- Ask about nicotine cessation and how smoking or vaping affects healing.
- Discuss weight stability, nutrition, and any deficiencies after weight-loss surgery.
- Arrange transportation and practical help at home.
- Confirm incision care, drain care if needed, follow-up visits, and after-hours contact details.
Will I need drains or a compression garment?
Possibly. Their use depends on the operation and your surgeon's approach. If prescribed, ask how to care for them, what problems to report, and when they can be removed.
What if my wound is slow to heal?
Contact your team rather than changing dressings or applying products on your own. Some areas may need additional wound care, and larger openings can require further treatment.
06 · Safety
Risks and what your clinician assesses
Temporary soreness, bruising, swelling, tightness, and numbness can occur. These should be monitored during follow-up; worsening symptoms or new changes deserve prompt advice.
Bleeding or fluid buildup
Blood or fluid can collect under the skin and may require drainage or another procedure.
Infection
An infection may need antibiotics, wound care, or surgery.
Delayed healing or tissue loss
Incisions can separate or skin and fat may heal poorly, particularly when blood supply is limited.
Noticeable scars or altered sensation
Scars may widen, thicken, or remain uncomfortable. Numbness or other sensation changes can persist.
Contour concerns
Unevenness, asymmetry, reduced fullness, or recurrent sagging may occur. Revision surgery may be considered.
Blood clots and anesthesia complications
Clots can travel to the lungs, and serious heart, lung, or anesthesia complications can occur.
Discuss these risks and your individual health history with your surgeon. [1]
What your clinician assesses
- Overall health, anesthesia fitness, and clotting history
- Skin quality, fat distribution, and existing scars
- Weight stability, nutrition, and nicotine exposure
- Goals, scar acceptance, and support during recovery
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 lift combined with liposuction or augmentation.
Surgeon
Surgical care
The surgeon's care and the specific procedures planned.
Ask your surgeonAsk which areas are included and how additional procedures or revisions are billed.
Facility
Anesthesia and facility
Anesthesia services, operating room use, and any planned overnight care.
Ask your surgeonAsk whether these are separate charges and what happens if a longer stay is needed.
Supplies
Supplies and follow-up
Potential items include garments, dressings, prescriptions, and postoperative visits.
Ask your surgeonConfirm what is included and how unexpected wound care or extra visits are handled.
TRC
Patient Services
Any separately listed coordination or administrative services.
Ask TRCAsk whether a fee applies, what it covers, and whether it is optional.
Your written estimate should explain the services included, any separate charges, and payment terms.
08 · Questions
Common questions
Will insurance cover a buttock lift?
Cosmetic buttock lifts are generally not covered. If excess skin causes documented medical problems, ask your insurer about its criteria before scheduling; coverage is not assured.
Can the scar be hidden by underwear?
Sometimes the planned scar can sit beneath a waistband, but clothing styles and incision needs vary. Ask your surgeon to show its expected position while you are standing.
Can exercise replace a lift?
Exercise can strengthen gluteal muscles and support health, but it cannot remove substantial loose skin.
Could my buttocks look smaller afterward?
Yes. Removing tissue and tightening skin can reduce apparent volume. Discuss this before surgery if fullness is an important goal.
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Prepare for your consultation
Bring these to help your consultation:
- Confirm the procedures, treated areas, and expected scar locations.
- Review personal risks, recovery support, and follow-up arrangements.
- Obtain written care instructions, contact information, and an itemized 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 liftExcess-skin removal, candidacy, incision planning, anesthesia, recovery, lasting scars, contour limitations, and surgical risks.
- [2]American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Buttock EnhancementDifferences between buttock lifting and augmentation, volume goals, combined approaches, and serious fat-transfer risks.
- [3]American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Body LiftLower body lift treatment areas, removal of excess skin, and limitations of liposuction when skin elasticity is poor.
- [4]MedlinePlus — After surgeryPostoperative monitoring, infection and wound concerns, blood-clot complications, and the need for prompt medical attention.
Photographs are illustrative scenes, not patients, staff, facilities or outcomes. This information does not replace a personal assessment by your treating clinician.