What It Is

A buttock lift, also called gluteoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the buttocks to create a firmer, smoother, and more lifted appearance. Unlike a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), which adds volume with fat transfer, a buttock lift is designed to tighten and reshape sagging buttocks, often after significant weight loss or aging.

The goal is to restore a youthful, balanced contour by eliminating drooping tissue and improving the overall proportions of the lower body.

Why It’s Done

Patients choose a buttock lift because:

• The buttocks appear flat, saggy, or droopy after weight loss or aging.
• Loose skin causes discomfort, chafing, or difficulty wearing fitted clothing.
• They want smoother lines in clothing, swimsuits, and underwear.
• Non-surgical treatments cannot correct significant sagging.

Good candidates include:

• Men and women with moderate to severe buttock sagging.
• Patients at a stable weight after bariatric surgery or lifestyle weight loss.
• Non-smokers in good health who understand that this procedure focuses on lifting, not enlarging.

Alternatives

• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): For patients who want added volume and contour using fat transfer.
• Buttock implants: For those who want enhanced projection rather than skin tightening.
• Non-surgical tightening: Radiofrequency or ultrasound treatments may help mild cases but cannot remove excess skin.

Preparation

Before undergoing a buttock lift in Korea, patients will:

• Have a consultation to assess skin laxity, fat deposits, and body proportions.
• Complete pre-surgery tests (bloodwork, ECG if needed).
• Stop smoking and alcohol at least 4 weeks before surgery.
• Avoid blood thinners and supplements that increase bleeding.
• Arrange for 2–3 weeks off work and home support during early recovery.

How It’s Done

• Anesthesia: Performed under general anesthesia.
• Incision: Typically made along the upper buttock crease, lower back, or hip line, positioned to be hidden under clothing.
• Skin and fat removal: Excess skin is excised, and liposuction may be used to refine the contour.
• Lift and tightening: The remaining tissue is repositioned and tightened for a firmer, lifted appearance.
• Duration: 3–4 hours, sometimes requiring an overnight hospital stay.

Recovery

• First week: Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the buttock area are common. Pain is manageable with prescribed medication.
• Positioning: Patients are advised to avoid prolonged sitting or lying directly on the buttocks for 1–2 weeks.
• Compression garment: Worn for 6–8 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing.
• Return to work: Most patients return to light activities within 2 weeks.
• Exercise: Light walking is encouraged, but strenuous workouts should be avoided for 6–8 weeks.
• Final results: A smoother, firmer contour is visible within weeks, with final results settling after 3–6 months.

Possible Complications

• Bruising, swelling, or temporary numbness in the treated area.
• Scarring along the incision line (usually concealed by underwear).
• Fluid buildup (seroma) or wound healing delays.
• Rare risks: infection, asymmetry, or blood clots.

Treatment Options in Korea

Diagnosis

Korean surgeons perform a thorough physical assessment to evaluate skin laxity, fat distribution, and buttock proportions. 3D imaging may be used to plan incisions and demonstrate expected results.

Medical Treatments

For patients with mild sagging, non-surgical tightening treatments such as radiofrequency or ultrasound may be considered, but these are not effective for moderate or severe cases.

Surgical or Advanced Therapies

• Buttock lift for patients with sagging buttocks and loose skin.
• Combination with liposuction to refine contours and remove excess fat.
• In some cases, combined with BBL (fat grafting) if both lifting and volume enhancement are desired.

Rehabilitation and Support

• Scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing and scar care.
• Scar management therapies (silicone gels, laser treatments, microneedling).
• Lymphatic drainage massage to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• International clinics in Korea provide detailed aftercare and translation services for foreign patients.