Buttock Lift

I use liposuction to remove extra fat deposits and contour the area. As the liposuction cannula passes through the tissue, it creates a honeycomb effect removing fat but preserving the perforating blood vessels so that the skin is not completely undermined. By keeping these attachments, the definition of the waist is maintained.

A buttock lift involves an incision from side to side, following the contour of the upper edge of the buttocks. If you already have a scar from a tummy tuck, or if you are having a tummy tuck at the same time, then I will continue the incision from this scar, to make it one continuous scar.

If patients desire a fuller buttock, then fat grafting under ultrasound can be performed at the same time to shape the buttocks or make them larger or rounder.

Buttock lift procedures are usually carried out under general anaesthetic (you will be fully unconscious) and take between 2 to 3 hours to perform. You are likely to stay in the hospital for one night.

Having cosmetic surgery should be a very positive experience. Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, all surgery is not without risk, and it is important that you are aware of possible complications. All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation. However, if you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to discuss them. Decisions about this surgery should never be rushed.

These risks can be divided into the those specific to the surgery and those that relate to the anaesthesia.

General Anaesthetic risks: An anaesthetic is very safe, however, should a complication arise, the relevant medical expertise is immediately available to deal with this.The risks increase if you have certain medical problems, which will be discussed at length during the consultation. The risks include:

• Unintended intraoperative awareness, which is very rare.
• Dizziness and nausea.
• Sore throat.
• Damage to teeth or mouth.
• Nerve injury due to body positioning.
• Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
• Malignant hyperthermia, which is a rare life-threatening condition.

The anaesthetist will go through these risks, and others, in more detail prior to your surgery.

Scars: Scars tend to settle remarkably well. However, some patients heal with thickened scars, and this can make them more noticeable.

Bruising and swelling: This is very common and may take several weeks to settle. It is very unlikely that swelling will persist long term.

Haematoma:  This is clotted blood that collects under the skin. If a haematoma develops, it is likely to do so within 4 to 6 hours post-surgery. Any increase in swelling or pain should be reported immediately so that treatment can be given. Sometimes patients need to have this collection of blood removed with another short operation. This does not normally delay your recovery or change the cosmetic result.

Infection:  This is rare, but you may require antibiotics if there are any concerns.

Numbness, reduced sensation or oversensitivity:  This can occur around the arm. This is usually temporary, but occasionally these changes can remain to some degree.

Wound healing problems: These healing difficulties can range from minor problems, such as small scabs or areas of wound separation, to major issues, such as skin loss. Although very rare, this situation may require a skin graft to close the wound, meaning more surgery.

Patients who have diabetes, smoke, are obese or elderly are at increased risk of delayed healing.

Seroma: This is a collection of clear fluid under the skin, which sits in a pocket. This normally reabsorbs spontaneously over the course of a couple of weeks, although it can be drained with a needle if it feels tight. Vary rarely a surgical procedure may be required if it does not reabsorb.

Dog-ears: These are soft tissue prominences where the scar stops. In most cases these settle over the course of 3 months. A small local anaesthetic procedure may be required to remove any excess that remains.

Deep Vein Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism (DVT/PE): Following any surgical procedure it is possible to develop a blood clot in your legs, which could potentially break off and travel to your lungs. If the blood clot is large enough, it could prove fatal.

The overall risk for cosmetic surgery is less than 1%, but to reduce any risks of a DVT/PE, you will be provided with special stockings to wear in bed together with a blood thinning injection, if you are not mobile or have previously had a DVT or PE.

All of the risks outlined above will be discussed in detail at your consultation with me. However, if you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.

Decisions about cosmetic surgery should never be rushed.

When you wake following your surgery, I will have applied a supportive compression corset around your abdomen and back in theatre to reduce post-operative swelling. This should stay in place and needs to be worn day and night, for the first 4 weeks. It can be removed for washing, showering and for short periods during the day. The corset should assist with the reduction of any swelling and will generally make you feel more comfortable.

I occasionally use drains after the surgery. This is removed as soon as the fluid is less than 30ml/24 hours, which is normally about 3 days post-surgery. The scar will initially feel tight and under tension, but it will relax over the course of approximately one week. I recommend that you lie on your side or stand as much as possible and avoid sitting for too long, or bending your knees to your chest, as this puts tension on the scar.

The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures that do not require removal. They are often hidden under the skin, so you will not see them and will dissolve naturally over a period of approximately 4 weeks, when the incisions are strong enough to support themselves.

I use transparent glue and tape dressings (Prineo), which are waterproof and can be peeled off approximately 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, when they start to lift at the corners.

You can shower as soon as you like after surgery and do not require any dressing changes.

It is best to have 2 sets of abdominal compression garments so you can wash one and wear one.

The garment needs to be worn day and night but if you find it uncomfortable then you can swap to Lycra shorts which offer gentler compression. You will need to purchase this before your surgery, and I will guide you in the clinic. Details can also be found in the compression garment guide.

Before you are discharged from Hospital you will be given a follow up appointment to see the nurse after one week post-operatively to check your incisions. I normally see you in clinic approximately 2 weeks following your procedure.

You will not be able to drive yourself home from Hospital and, ideally, you should have someone to stay with you for the first few days to assist you. If you have any concerns during this period, please contact the clinic for advice.

Scar advice:

Once the dressings are removed, I recommend that you massage the incisions, using small circular motions at least twice a day for 5 minutes. You can use any moisturising cream of your choice and apply firm pressure until it blanches.

The scars will also benefit from Silicone scar gel (Scaraway or Kelo-cote) twice a day, which will soften and fade them, as well as applying sunblock for 12 months to provide sun protection.

The Scaraway can be purchased from Healthcare Pharmacy at Governors Square.

When you return home, you should take it easy for the first week or so. Most people take around 2 to 3 weeks off from work. You should be able to drive from 2 weeks, commence gentle exercise at around 4 weeks and return to sit ups and normal activities at around 6 weeks.

For self-funding patients, surgical fees are a combination of the hospital costs, the surgeon and anaesthetic fees and any consumables. I do not charge an additional fee for post-op appointments. The fee is based on the surgical time rather than procedure. This means that the costs are calculated fairly, and complex patients may have higher costs than routine patients. You will be given a quotation for surgery within 48 hours of your consultation

Buttock Lift - Nicotine and Surgery

Buttock Lift Compression Garments

Buttock Lift - Pre-Op Instructions

Buttock Lift - Post-Op Instructions

Dermabond™ Prineo™