Butt Lift Surgery: Your 2025 Guide to a Better You

Why Buttock Lift Surgery Matters for Your Body Confidence

Butt lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess, sagging skin from the buttocks to create a smoother, firmer appearance. Unlike a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) or implants that add volume, a traditional buttock lift focuses on lifting and tightening existing tissue. It’s ideal for individuals with loose, drooping skin from significant weight loss, aging, or genetics.

Quick Overview: What You Need to Know About Butt Lift Surgery

• Purpose: Removes excess skin and fat; tightens and lifts the buttocks for a more contoured look.
• Best for: People with sagging skin after weight loss, aging, or pregnancy—not for adding volume.
• Not the same as BBL: A butt lift removes tissue; a Brazilian butt lift adds fat.
• Procedure: Performed under general anesthesia; involves incisions, skin removal, and repositioning.
• Recovery: Several weeks to months; requires compression garments and limited sitting.
• Results: Long-lasting if weight remains stable; does not stop natural aging.

Many people confuse a buttock lift with a BBL, but they serve different goals. A traditional lift addresses hanging skin, while a BBL uses fat transfer to add curves. Understanding this difference is the first step toward choosing the right procedure for your body.

I’m Daniel J. Farrugia, MD, PhD, FACS, a board-certified surgeon at BodyLuxe in Chicago. While my practice specializes in awake body contouring like liposuction and BBL, I’ve trained extensively in all gluteal contouring procedures, including traditional buttock lifts. I help patients understand which options will best achieve their aesthetic goals safely and naturally.

Understanding the Buttock Lift: A Procedure for Shape, Not Size

If you’re dealing with loose, sagging skin—especially after major weight loss or from aging—then butt lift surgery might be what you need. But if you’re looking to add curves or volume, we’re talking about a different procedure.

A butt lift surgery, or gluteal lift, is about removing excess skin and tightening what remains to restore firmness and smoothness. It addresses sagging or irregular skin by lifting and sculpting your existing tissue to create a more toned, youthful contour, not by adding projection.

This procedure is especially transformative for people who’ve lost a significant amount of weight and are left with skin that has lost its elasticity. A butt lift removes this excess tissue and repositions what’s left for a smoother silhouette. It’s often performed as part of a larger lower body lift for post-bariatric patients.

The surgical technique involves making incisions—typically along the lower back or within the natural creases of the buttocks—to remove redundant skin and fat. The remaining skin is then pulled taut and repositioned. Incision lines are strategically placed to be as discreet as possible, often hidden by underwear or swimwear.

Key Differences in Butt Lift Surgery vs. Volume-Enhancing Procedures

The primary purpose of a butt lift surgery is correcting skin laxity, not adding size. If your main goal is a rounder, fuller backside, you’re looking at a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) or buttock implants. A BBL uses your own fat to create curves, while implants use silicone for permanent volume.

Some patients need both tightening and volume. Combining a butt lift surgery with fat transfer can provide comprehensive results. A personalized consultation is essential to determine the right approach. Safety is our top priority, and the plastic surgery community has made great strides in improving outcomes. For example, research from the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) has established key safety guidelines for gluteal fat grafting, as detailed in this scientific research on gluteal contouring safety. This reflects our profession’s commitment to patient well-being, a value we share at BodyLuxe.

Are You a Candidate for Butt Lift Surgery?

Understanding candidacy for a butt lift is key to making an informed decision. The ideal candidate has excess, loose, or sagging skin on the buttocks from significant weight loss, aging, or genetics. This procedure is designed to address skin laxity, not to add volume.

Good candidates should also meet these criteria:

• Stable weight: You should maintain a consistent weight for at least six to twelve months before surgery, as fluctuations can compromise results.
• Non-smoker: Smoking significantly impairs healing and increases complication risks. Patients must stop smoking well before and after surgery.
• Good general health: You should be in good overall health. Chronic conditions or a high BMI may be contraindications.
• Realistic expectations: A clear understanding of what the procedure can achieve is crucial for satisfaction.

The Benefits of Choosing a Butt Lift

For the right candidate, the benefits are significant.

• Improved Appearance: The primary benefit is a smoother, firmer, and more toned buttock contour.
• Better Clothing Fit: Many patients feel more comfortable and confident in swimwear and fitted clothing.
• Physical Comfort: Removing excess skin can resolve issues like chafing, irritation, and hygiene challenges.
• Increased Confidence: Achieving a more proportionate lower body provides a major confidence boost.
• Long-Lasting Results: With stable weight, the improvements can last for many years.

Understanding the Risks

Like any surgery, a butt lift has potential risks.

• General Risks: These include adverse reactions to anesthesia, bleeding (hematoma), and infection.
• Specific Risks: Complications can include seroma (fluid buildup), poor wound healing, and permanent scarring (though placed discreetly). Some patients experience temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation. Minor asymmetry can also occur.
• Serious Risks: Rare but serious complications include blood clots like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.

We encourage you to review resources like the Buttock lift risks and preparation guide from Mayo Clinic. Our team in Chicago is always available to discuss your specific concerns.

The Surgical Journey: From Consultation to Final Results

Choosing to undergo butt lift surgery is a significant decision. At BodyLuxe in Chicago, we are committed to supporting you through every step with expert guidance and care.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Your journey begins with an initial consultation to discuss your goals and determine if a butt lift is right for you. We will conduct a thorough medical history review and a physical exam to assess your skin elasticity, excess tissue, and body proportions. This helps us create a safe, customized surgical plan.

Before surgery, you will receive detailed pre-operative instructions. These include:

• Smoking cessation: You must stop smoking at least six weeks before and after your procedure to ensure proper healing and reduce complication risks.
• Medication adjustments: You’ll need to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain supplements that increase bleeding risk.
• Arranging post-op care: You must have someone drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.

What to Expect During the Butt Lift Surgery

A traditional butt lift is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep for the entire procedure. The surgeon makes precise incisions in discreet locations, such as along the lower back or within the buttock creases, to minimize visible scarring.

Through these incisions, the surgeon performs excess skin removal, trimming away loose skin and underlying fat. Next is tissue repositioning, where the remaining skin and tissues are lifted and secured with deep sutures to create a firmer, smoother contour.

Surgical drains may be placed to collect excess fluid, reducing swelling and the risk of seroma. These are temporary and removed within a week or two. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures. The entire procedure duration is typically two to three hours but can be longer if combined with other treatments.

Recovery and Long-Term Results

In the immediate post-op period, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area. You will be fitted with compression garments to reduce swelling and support your new contour, which you’ll wear for several weeks.

Pain management is a priority; we will prescribe medication to keep you comfortable. Moderate pain and bruising are normal and improve within the first week. The most challenging part of recovery is the activity restrictions. You must avoid direct pressure on your buttocks for four to six weeks, which means sleeping on your stomach or side and using special cushions when sitting. However, light walking is encouraged from day one to prevent blood clots.

You’ll see an immediate improvement, but final results become visible as swelling subsides over three to six months. Scar maturation is a gradual process; scars will fade and flatten over one to two years and are typically well-hidden by clothing. The longevity of results is excellent, provided you maintain a stable weight. While surgery doesn’t stop the aging process, it provides a lasting improvement to your body’s contour.

Frequently Asked Questions about Butt Lifts

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from patients at BodyLuxe in Chicago about butt lift surgery.

How long do the results of a buttock lift last?

The results of a butt lift surgery are long-lasting, as the excess skin and fat removed are gone for good. However, the natural aging process will continue, and significant weight fluctuations can stretch the remaining skin and alter your contour. The best way to preserve your results is to maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. With proper care, you can enjoy your improved shape for many years.

What is the cost of a butt lift?

The cost of butt lift surgery varies, but in the United States, it can range from $5,000 to $10,000. This often only covers the surgeon’s fee. The total investment typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, facility fees, and other expenses like compression garments and medical tests. Geographic location, like Chicago, also affects pricing. During your consultation at BodyLuxe, we provide a detailed, itemized estimate so you understand the full investment in your safety and results.

How do I choose a qualified cosmetic surgeon?

Choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision for your safety and results. Look for these qualifications:

• Experience: Choose a surgeon with significant experience in body contouring and specifically butt lift surgery.
• Before and After Photos: Review their gallery to see if their aesthetic style and results align with your goals.
• Patient Reviews: Testimonials can provide insight into the patient experience and level of care.
• Good Communication: You should feel comfortable with your surgeon and confident that they understand your goals.

Conclusion

If you struggle with loose, sagging skin on your buttocks from weight loss, aging, or genetics, butt lift surgery may be the solution. This procedure is designed to remove excess skin and tighten tissue, creating a smoother, firmer contour. Its focus is on reshaping and lifting what you already have, not adding volume like a BBL. For those who want both lift and volume, a butt lift can be combined with fat transfer for comprehensive results.

At BodyLuxe in Chicago, we are committed to providing honest information and personalized care. While we specialize in awake body contouring like liposuction and BBL, our board-certified surgeon is an expert in all forms of gluteal contouring, including traditional butt lift surgery. We prioritize patient education and natural, “snatched but believable” results in a premium, safety-first environment.

A personalized consultation can help you determine if a butt lift, a BBL, or a combination approach is right for your goals.

Ready to feel more confident in your body? Learn more about buttock lift options at BodyLuxe and schedule your consultation today.