01What is a buttock lift?
A buttock lift primarily treats skin laxity: sagging, flabby or crepey buttocks, distended skin, infragluteal folds and an « orange-peel » appearance (dimpling). Its principle is to remove the excess skin and lift the buttock — it does not create volume on its own. That is why it is suited above all to people who have experienced significant weight loss or marked laxity with age or after pregnancy.
To add volume and round out the buttocks, the lift is readily combined with buttock lipofilling (BBL) or the placement of buttock implants; to treat the whole belt after weight loss, it forms part of a bodylift with abdominoplasty. Conversely, if the laxity is mild and you want to avoid any scar, non-surgical solutions (Lanluma biostimulation, HYAcorp, threads) may be enough.
02Buttock lift techniques
Depending on the nature and location of the laxity, the surgeon chooses one of these techniques (sometimes combined), each one defining where the scar lies:
- The upper buttock lift: lifts the buttock upwards, indicated for overall laxity; the scar sits at the top of the buttock and can be hidden under underwear.
- The infragluteal lift (DTA lift): for buttocks that are too long or laxity of the lower portion, it redefines the infragluteal fold by removing excess skin from the lower buttock (the « infragluteal banana »); the scar is nearly invisible, hidden in the fold.
- The butterfly-wing lift: for moderately sagging buttocks; the scar is limited to the inner hollow at the top of the buttocks (V shape).
- The lateral lift: tightens the saddlebag area; the scar lies on the outer side of the upper part of the buttocks.
03The stages of the procedure
Whatever the technique, the procedure follows three steps:
- Skin resection: the excess skin (a spindle) is removed from the lower back or the top of the buttocks; local fat flaps may be preserved to reshape a buttock that is too flat.
- Redraping: the skin is tightened and redraped for a harmonious contour and a smoothed surface.
- Suturing: the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures, then a shaping dressing is applied.
04How the procedure works
Before the procedure
A consultation helps to identify the best technique for your case (the extent and location of the laxity, your weight and pregnancy history) and to assess the expected result. Once the procedure is decided, pre-operative instructions are given: stopping smoking and oral contraception one month beforehand, stopping medication that promotes bleeding 10 days before, a stable weight up to the procedure, and an anaesthesia consultation at the latest 48 hours before.
During the procedure
The buttock lift is carried out under general anaesthesia and lasts about 2 hours (often 1 to 2 nights in hospital, with day-case surgery possible in some cases). After surgical marker drawings outlining the area, the surgeon makes the incisions according to the chosen technique, removes the excess skin (with liposuction if needed), tightens and redrapes the skin, then closes with absorbable sutures. A compression garment is fitted at the end of the procedure.
After the procedure
Pain is moderate and relieved with painkillers; swelling and bruising subside within a week. A compression panty is worn for one month, with an anticoagulant treatment for 15 days (to prevent phlebitis). One important point: sitting and driving should be avoided for about a fortnight (tension on the sutures); standing, lying on your back or a half-sitting position are preferred. Around ten days of rest, about 3 weeks off work, returning to sport and lifting loads after a minimum of 1 month. Sun exposure on the scars is to be avoided for around 6 months. The result is permanent at around 3 months.
05Prices & fees in Paris
| Procedure | Aesthetic fees |
|---|---|
| Buttock lift – rounded buttocks | 6 800 – 8 800 € |
Indicative “from” prices, surgeon fees included. The final quote is given at the consultation, after examination, depending on the area treated and the technique chosen. Part of the procedure may be covered by French national health insurance when the medical criteria are met.
06Your questions
What is a buttock lift for?+
To lift sagging buttocks and tighten loose skin by removing the excess skin: it smooths out folds, refines the skin and firms up the contour. It does not create volume — it is a surgery for laxity, common after significant weight loss.
How much does a buttock lift cost in Paris?+
Expect around 6,800 to 8,800 €, depending on the technique and the extent to be treated (consultation, anaesthesia and compression garment in addition). The precise quote is provided at the consultation.
Lift, lipofilling (BBL) or implants: which to choose?+
The lift removes excess skin and lifts sagging buttocks (but leaves a scar). To add volume, you opt for buttock lipofilling (BBL) or buttock implants. The two procedures are often combined: lift, then reshape.
Buttock lift or infragluteal lift: what is the difference?+
The infragluteal lift (DTA) treats only the lower part of the buttock: it removes the « infragluteal banana » and redefines the fold, with a scar hidden in the crease. The upper lift, on the other hand, raises the buttock from the top for overall laxity.
Is there a non-surgical buttock lift?+
For mild laxity, yes: biostimulation (Lanluma), HYAcorp hyaluronic acid or thread lifts firm and reshape without a scar. When the skin is clearly sagging, only surgery removes the excess skin.
Where are the scars? Will they fade?+
Their location depends on the technique (top of the buttock, infragluteal fold, inner V…). Pink in the first few months, they fade by around one year and become very discreet after about two years; massage and healing creams speed up their maturation.
When is the result permanent?+
At around 3 months, once the swelling has subsided and healing has begun: improved contour, lifted buttocks and smoother, firmer skin.
What are the contraindications?+
A buttock lift is not advised in cases of chronic skin disease or infection of the area (herpes, eczema), vascular disorders (varicose veins) or clotting disorders, autoimmune disease or poorly controlled diabetes.
Is a buttock lift reimbursed?+
For purely aesthetic purposes, no. However, as part of a bodylift after massive weight loss (reconstructive surgery), insurance coverage by the French national health insurance is possible: discuss it with your surgeon.
What is the recovery like?+
Around 10 days of rest, about 3 weeks off work, a compression panty for 1 month, anticoagulants for 15 days. You avoid sitting and driving for about 15 days and sport for 1 month.
