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Glossar

Buttock lift: The surgical solution for excess skin

A buttock lift, also known as a gluteal lift, is the surgical procedure of choice for sagging skin on the buttocks following significant weight loss or as a result of ageing.

Important note

This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.

Following significant weight loss or as a result of the natural ageing process, the skin on the buttocks can lose its elasticity and become saggy. The result is a sagging bottom, which often appears flat and no longer matches the newly achieved or desired body shape. In such cases, a bottom lift – also known as a buttock lift or gluteal lift – is the surgical method of choice.

This article provides a clear and comprehensive explanation of what a buttock lift is, who it is suitable for, and what you need to know about the procedure, recovery and, in particular, scarring.

What is a bum lift?

Illustration: Buttock lift explained

A buttock lift (gluteal lift) is a surgical procedure in plastic and reconstructive surgery, the primary aim of which is to remove excess, sagging skin and to lift the sagging tissue on the buttocks.

This reshapes the buttocks, firming them up and lifting them into a higher, more youthful position.

The key misconception: lifting is not the same as enlargement

It is crucial to understand the difference between a lift and an augmentation.

Buttock Lift vs. Buttock Augmentation: A Fundamental Difference

  • A buttock lift removes tissue (skin) and lifts the area. The aim is to achieve a firmer, more defined shape. The volume may remain the same or even appear slightly smaller.
  • Buttock augmentation (e.g. BBL surgery, implants) adds volume. The aim is to achieve a larger, fuller bottom.

Both procedures can be combined if necessary, but they have fundamentally different aims.

Who is a bum lift ideal for?

A bottom lift is the right solution for patients whose main problem is a significant amount of excess skin.

Patients who are primarily seeking to increase volume but do not have excess skin are generally not suitable candidates for a bum lift on its own.

Infographic: Who is a buttock lift suitable for?

The operation: procedure and incision technique

A buttock lift is usually carried out under general anaesthetic.

  1. Marking Whilst standing, the surgeon precisely marks out the areas of skin to be removed.
  2. Cutting technique The incision is usually made along the upper edge of the buttocks – that is, at the junction with the lower back – in a slightly curved line. The scar is generally positioned so that it can be concealed by underwear, although it is often partially visible when wearing skimpy swimwear (e.g. a bikini).
  3. Removal of excess skin The marked strip of skin and fatty tissue is removed.
  4. Lifting and closing The lower skin of the buttocks is pulled upwards, the tissue is tightened, and the wound is carefully sutured in several layers. Drains are often inserted for a few days to drain any wound fluid.

In many cases, a buttock lift is carried out as part of a more comprehensive body lift, which also tightens the abdomen, hips and thighs.

Risks and the importance of the right cover

Infographic: Risks and precautions associated with a tummy tuck

As a major surgical procedure, a buttock lift carries significant risks:

  • Wound-healing disorders: Due to the tension and the location, these occur more frequently than with other procedures.
  • Extensive scarring: Even with the most meticulous suturing technique, unsightly, wide scars may still occur.
  • General surgical risks such as infections, post-operative bleeding or blood clots.
  • Asymmetries in the results.

Treating such complications can be time-consuming and expensive. As health insurance often does not cover the costs of follow-up treatment following cosmetic procedures, insurance to cover follow-up costs is an essential form of cover.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about buttock lifts

The cost of a buttock lift on its own is usually between 6,000 and 9,000 euros. As part of a body lift, which includes not only a buttock lift but also a tummy tuck, hip lift and thigh lift, the total cost is significantly higher.

Recovery is demanding. You will need to wear special compression trousers for several weeks. Sitting is restricted during the first 2–3 weeks and is usually only possible with support (e.g. a cushion under your thighs). You can expect to return to normal everyday activities after around 4–6 weeks; sport is often not permitted again until after 3 months.

Yes, the removed skin does not grow back. The result is therefore permanent, although it is, of course, subject to the natural ageing process and may be affected by significant fluctuations in weight.

Yes, this is possible and is often done. It is referred to as an „augmented gluteal lift“. During the procedure, the buttocks are lifted whilst volume is added using an implant or the patient’s own fat, in order to achieve a particularly rounded and youthful result.

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