What you can expect

Before the procedure

A buttock lift is done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility. During a buttock lift, you'll be made comfortable with the aid of a general anesthetic — which renders you unconscious.

A tube (catheter) will be placed into your bladder to collect urine. Your legs will be placed in devices called sequential compression boots, which are used to prevent blood clotting during and after surgery.

During the procedure

Your plastic surgeon will make an incision along the lower back, from hip to hip. The excess skin below the incision is pulled up, lifting the buttocks. The extra skin and fat is then removed.

During the procedure you'll be given an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection.

The procedure typically takes two to five hours.

After the procedure

After a buttock lift, your incision will likely be covered with surgical dressing. One or more drains are typically placed under the wound and close to the incision line to drain any excess blood or fluid.

Your health care team will help you walk as early as the first day after a buttock lift to help prevent the formation of blood clots.

You'll likely feel moderate pain, which will initially be controlled by intravenous pain medication. Drains might be left in place for several weeks after surgery. You'll be shown how to empty and care for your drains.

You might need to continue taking an antibiotic and a medication to prevent blood clots (anticoagulant) after your buttock lift.

After a few days, you'll begin wearing a supportive garment for the next few weeks. This will help prevent fluid buildup and provide support while you heal.

Scar management might include use of silicone sheeting, scar cream and massage. The appearance of your scar will improve over time.

For the first months after a buttock lift, you'll need to take care when moving — increasing your activity level slowly — and avoid positions that strain your incision line to prevent the reopening of the wound. Your doctor will provide instructions. In addition, follow-up visits with your doctor will be needed.