Buttock Lift

Buttock Lift

The buttocks have become the focus of attention in recent years. There are patients who are unsatisfied with their flat and saggy buttocks,. They desire buttocks that are full, rounder and perky.

A buttock lift, commonly known as butt lift, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks. For patients with flat or saggy buttocks, buttocks lift can create round and firm buttocks. Fat graft transfer (Brazilian Buttocks Lift, BBL) and buttock implant (gluteal implant) are the two main options for buttock lift.

Preparation

1. Inform the doctor of any pre-existing medical conditions and drug allergy. All medical conditions must be treated and stabilized before surgery.

2. Stop smoking at least one week before surgery. Smoking is harmful to wound healing and increases the risks of other post-operation complications.

3. Stop the following medications and supplements from one week before surgery until one week after surgery.

   1. All supplements containing vitamin E, ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, and other ingredients that increase bleeding during the procedure. Other supplements, traditional medicine, and herbs, in which ingredients are unknown, have to stop as well.

   2. Medicine that increases bleeding during the procedure such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin. However, you may need to consult your physician who prescribed the medication before you stop them.

4. On the day of surgery, wear simple and comfortable clothing. Do not wear any makeup. Do not wear any jewelry and metal objects on the face and body.

Surgery

There are two types of buttocks lift:

1. Fat Transfer (Brazilian Buttock Lift, BBL):

Duration of Surgery: 2-4 hours

Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia

Hospitalization: Daycare or one night stay in hospital

Recovery*: Back to work in 7 days, light exercise after 2 weeks, heavy exercise after at least one month. * The actual speed of recovery may vary from person to person.

Technique: Fat is harvested from the body (usually the abdomen or thighs) by using liposuction. The fat is purified and injected into the buttocks. Fat transfer may be combined with liposuction of the surrounding areas such as the lower back, flanks, and thighs to reshape the body contour and enhance the overall result.

2. Buttock implant

Duration: 2 hours

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia

Hospitalization: Daycare or one night

Recovery: Back to work in 7 days, light exercise after one to 2 weeks, heavy exercise after at least one month. * The actual speed of recovery may vary from person to person.

Technique: For patients with limited fat to harvest, buttock implants can be used as an alternative. An incision is made in the intergluteal crease located between the buttock mounds. A pocket of space is created for the insertion of the implant.

Post-operative Care**

1. What to expect: Swelling usually peaks on the second to third day after surgery and will gradually subside after that. The buttocks may feel tight and full for the first 2-3 weeks.

2. General care:

   1. Avoid direct pressure on the buttocks for at least 3-4 weeks. Sleep the stomach for 2 weeks. Use a pillow to reduce pressure on the buttock when sitting.

   2. A supportive garment is used to support the buttocks for the first month.

   3. Avoid smoking for at least one month. Smoking increases the risk of wound complications.

   4. Adequate rest and sleep are helpful for a speedy recovery.

   5. Be relaxed and calm. Contact the clinic if there are any queries.

3. Medicine: Finish the oral antibiotics as prescribed. Take the painkiller as prescribed when necessary.

4. Wound care: After removing the wound dressing, clean the wound with a clean cotton tip soaked with sterile water/saline. Apply antibiotic ointment.

5. Physical activity: Avoid heavy physical activity and exercise for at least one month.

6. Follow-up: Come back one week after surgery for suture removal and review.

7. Emergency: If there is heavy bleeding, a rapid increase in swelling or severe pain, immediately contact the clinic/doctor for advice.

** The instructions in this list are only for general guidance. If you have any specific queries or concerns during the post-operative recovery, please contact the clinic for further advice.