Gluteoplasty, also known as a Butt Lift or Gluteal Augmentation is a type of plastic surgery to remove excess fat and loose skin in the buttocks region. Liposuction and implants may also be used to create the desired affect. Gluteoplasty can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to complete. Typically you will be placed under general anesthesia, but an epidural may be used under certain circumstances. The procedure involves cutting the skin of buttocks and thigh, removing excess fat, and trimming away excess skin. The scars are strategically placed at the waistline or below to minimize their appearance while wearing swimwear or underwear.

The gluteoplasty surgeon will make an incision across the top of the buttock and, depending on the extent of the operation, sometimes along the sides as well. Crescent shaped sections of skin and fat are removed and the skin is pulled together. Sometimes the operation is performed in combination with liposuction where a fine cannula is inserted into the incisions to vacuum away the unwanted fat deposits.

The skin is pulled together over the new body contour, the incisions are sutured, and drains my be inserted to remove blood or other fluids.

Gluteoplasty Recovery

Swelling and bruising will be present for ten to fourteen days after the gluteoplasty procedure, and discomfort and tightness in the buttock area is common for the first 24 to 48 hours. You will wear a supportive compression bandage over the area to help with the reduction of swelling and tightening of skin. After the surgery, recovery from bruising and swelling should occur within the month. Patients usually need 6 weeks after surgery before attempting any strenuous activities. Full gluteoplasty recovery is generally complete about 4-6 months after surgery and most patients are back to work within a week or two. Vigorous physical activity should be avoided for about three to six weeks. It is important to stay as mobile as possible during gluteoplasty recovery to promote good circulation and effective healing.

Gluteoplasty Side Effects

• Swelling
• Bruising
• A tight feeling in the buttocks

Gluteoplasty complications may include:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Allergic reaction to the anesthetic
• Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
• Seroma (build-up of fluid)
• Skin necrosis (skin death)
• Unfavorable scarring
• Poor wound healing
• Asymmetry

How Long do gluteoplasty results last?

Gluteoplasty results can be quite long lasting, often up to 10 years or more, but are subject to change as a result of weight gain and aging.

Is there much discomfort for gluteoplasty?

After gluteoplasty, pain and discomfort can vary depending on the degree of work done. Some patients are comfortable recovering at home with standard pain killers, while others need closer care by a nursing or hospital staff.

Questions to ask a surgeon about the gluteoplasty procedure:

• Am I a good candidate for gluteoplasty surgery?
• Are my described expectations realistic?
• Where is the surgery performed?
• How long will the procedure take?
• What kind of anesthesia is used?
• Can I see your qualifications?
• Ask to see any gluteoplasty before and after photographs of recent surgeries?
• What percentages of your gluteoplasty patients have had significant post-surgical complications? (surgeons should disclose this information to you)
• Who will be assisting my surgery? Can I see their qualifications?
• How much will my gluteoplasty cost?
• Do you offer patient financing? (Flexible payment schemes for your surgery)
• Will you repeat/correct procedures if the agreed goals are not met? If this is the case, will I be charged again? Ask to observe the exact procedure you are considering before you decided to have surgery if you are unsure (this could be on videotape or in real life).

Gluteoplasty Costs

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons quoted the national average for gluteoplasty at approximately $4,664. This is only the surgeon's fee, you should be aware that you may incur other fees such as: facility fees, anesthesia, and medication.