Butt Lift Surgery: What It Is, Who It Suits, Recovery, and Results
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 31, 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is a butt lift?
A butt lift is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat and sagging skin from the buttocks to create a smoother, more toned, less dimpled shape. Unlike a Brazilian butt lift, it does not add volume. It is done under general anesthesia, takes several hours, needs a long recovery, and results usually last if weight stays stable. [1]
What the research says
Lower body lifts work best for sagging buttocks and outer thighs. A systematic review of 42 studies (1,748 patients) found the lower body lift corrected buttock and outer-thigh sagging better than belt lipectomy; wound separation was the most reported complication, and satisfaction and quality-of-life scores were high across studies (Carloni et al., Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2016).
Removing loose skin after weight-loss surgery improves daily life. A meta-analysis of 15 studies (7,339 patients) found people who had body contouring after bariatric surgery scored about 16 points higher on the BODY-Q scale for body image and physical, psychological, sexual and social function than those who had weight-loss surgery alone (Mokhtar et al., Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2026).
Volume-adding buttock procedures carry different risk levels. In a review of 4,362 patients having buttock augmentation, the overall complication rate was 12.4% — 31.4% with implants, 23.1% with local flaps and 6.8% with fat grafting (Asserson et al., Annals of Plastic Surgery, 2019).
Key takeaways
A butt lift lifts and smooths sagging buttock skin; a BBL adds volume.
Best candidates are healthy, at a stable weight, and do not smoke.
Expect several hours of surgery, drains, a compression garment and a long recovery.
Full results appear at 3–6 months and usually last if weight stays stable.
Scars are permanent but often hidden by clothing.
Butt lift at a glance
Question | Short answer |
Other names | Gluteal lift, lower back lift |
Main goal | Raise and smooth sagging, wrinkled skin |
Adds size? | No |
Anesthesia | Usually general anesthesia |
Surgery time | Several hours |
Back to usual activities | Up to several weeks |
Full results | About 3–6 months |
Full healing | Several months |
How long results last | Long-lasting if your weight stays stable |
What is a butt lift?
A butt lift is surgery that pulls up the skin around the buttocks to improve their shape and surface. It is also called a gluteal lift or a lower back lift. [1]
The goal is a smoother, less dimpled, more toned look. The surgeon removes extra skin and fat. Liposuction may also be used to shape the buttocks or thighs.
The key point: a butt lift does not increase buttock size. It tightens and repositions what is already there.
Who is a good candidate for a butt lift?
A good candidate for a butt lift is a healthy, non-smoking adult with extra fat or loose, sagging skin on the buttocks. A plastic surgeon decides whether a butt lift or another procedure fits you best. [1]
Likely a good fit | Likely not a good fit |
In good general health | Has health problems such as heart disease |
Does not smoke | Cannot quit smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery |
Does not have obesity | Has not reached a stable weight |
No chronic conditions that slow healing (such as diabetes or lupus) | Is not ready for a long recovery |
Lost a lot of weight, or had weight-loss surgery | Has unrealistic expectations about results |
Has extra fat, sagging or loose buttock skin | — |
Many people consider a butt lift after major weight loss, including after gastric bypass surgery. Weight should be stable first, because gaining or losing a lot later can change the result.
What is the difference between a butt lift and a BBL?
A butt lift removes sagging skin to lift and smooth the buttocks, while a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) adds volume using your own fat. Despite the similar names, they are different operations with different goals. [1]
In a BBL, the surgeon first removes fat from another area, such as the stomach or thighs, with liposuction. That fat is then injected into the buttocks.
Feature | Butt lift | Brazilian butt lift (BBL) |
Main goal | Lift and smooth loose skin | Add volume and fullness |
What is removed | Excess skin and fat | Fat from another body area |
What is added | Nothing | Your own fat, injected into the buttocks |
Changes size? | No | Yes |
Best suited to | Sagging or loose skin | Wanting more projection |
A butt lift tightens and smooths; a BBL adds volume. Image: Rinnit.com
How do you prepare for butt lift surgery?
Preparing for butt lift surgery mainly means stopping smoking and pausing medicines that raise bleeding risk. Your surgeon will give you exact instructions. [1]
Common steps include:
Stop smoking. Smoking slows healing. Candidates should quit at least 6 weeks before surgery.
Pause blood-thinning products. This includes aspirin and some herbal supplements — only as your surgeon directs.
Plan your recovery. Arrange a ride home and help at home. Talk through your aftercare plan with your surgeon, family or friends before surgery day.
What happens during butt lift surgery?
During butt lift surgery, the surgeon removes excess skin, lifts the remaining skin, and may use liposuction to shape the buttocks or thighs. The whole procedure can take several hours. [1]
Before the operation
You usually receive general anesthesia, so you are asleep and feel no pain.
You will likely get an antibiotic to lower infection risk.
Where the incisions go
The incision site depends on the technique. Your surgeon may cut:
Along the lower back
In the hips
Under the butt cheeks
Surgeons usually place incisions where clothing can hide the scars. Image: Rinnit.com
At the end of surgery, the surgeon:
Closes the incisions with stitches, tape or another material.
Covers them with dressings.
Places small tubes under the skin (surgical drains) to remove extra blood and fluid.
What happens right after a butt lift?
Right after a butt lift, you rest in a recovery area while the anesthesia wears off and the team checks for problems. Some people stay overnight; others go home the same day if their provider agrees. [1]
You cannot drive yourself home. Someone must take you.
Before you leave, you will learn how to care for your incisions and drains. You may also need to:
Wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support skin tightening and healing.
Take medicine to lower the risk of blood clots. Learn the warning signs in our guide to deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Avoid pressure on the surgical area, if your surgeon asks you to.
How long is butt lift recovery?
Butt lift recovery takes several months in total: most people return to usual activities within several weeks, but full healing can take several months. [1]
Stage | What to expect |
Surgery day | General anesthesia, drains and dressings; home or overnight stay |
First weeks | Compression garment; pillows when sitting; adjusted sleeping position |
Up to several weeks | Gradual return to usual activities, as your surgeon allows |
3–6 months | Full effect of the lift becomes visible |
Several months | Complete healing; scars continue to fade slowly |
Using pillows when you sit and changing how you sleep both support healing. They also lower the chance of an incision opening.
Recovery is gradual. Follow your surgeon's activity plan. Image: Rinnit.com
When will you see butt lift results?
You will see butt lift results right after surgery, but the full effect takes about 3–6 months. Swelling needs time to settle. [1]
Results tend to be long-lasting, and often permanent, if you do not gain weight. Keeping a stable weight is the best way to protect your result.
Will butt lift scars go away?
Butt lift scars do not go away completely. Because the surgery uses incisions, scarring is unavoidable. [1]
Surgeons usually place incisions in less visible areas that clothing covers. Scars fade slowly over a long time, but some may stay noticeable. Ask your surgeon exactly where your incisions will be before you agree to surgery.
What are the benefits of a butt lift?
The main benefit of a butt lift is that it removes excess skin and improves sagging — something volume-adding procedures do not do. [1]
Creates a smoother, more toned, less dimpled shape
Helps people with loose skin after major weight loss
Gives long-lasting results when weight stays stable
What are the risks of butt lift surgery?
The risks of butt lift surgery include bleeding, infection, fluid buildup, numbness, scarring, wound-healing problems and long-term pain. Your surgeon should discuss each one with you. [1]
Risk | What it means |
Bleeding (hematoma) | Blood collects under the skin |
Fluid buildup (seroma) | Clear fluid pools under the skin |
Infection | Germs enter the wound |
Wound-healing problems | Incisions heal slowly or open |
Scarring | Permanent marks along the incisions |
Numbness | Reduced feeling in the treated skin |
Chronic pain | Pain that lasts long after surgery |
Persistent swelling | Swelling that does not go away |
Smoking, chronic illness and an unstable weight can all make healing harder. That is why candidate selection matters so much.
When should you call your surgeon after a butt lift?
Call your plastic surgeon right away after a butt lift if you notice any of these warning signs: [1]
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Changes in your heartbeat
Fever
Excessive bleeding or swelling
Extreme or long-lasting pain
Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath can signal a blood clot in the lungs — call emergency services immediately. Read more on blood clot emergency signs.
Conclusion
A butt lift is a good option for people bothered by loose, sagging buttock skin — especially after major weight loss — who want a smoother, more toned shape rather than a bigger one. It is real surgery with a long recovery, permanent scars and risks that need an honest talk with a qualified plastic surgeon.
If you are weighing your options, bring this guide to your consultation and ask about incision placement, recovery time and whether a butt lift or another procedure fits your goals.
Keep learning: explore our related guides on liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and gastric bypass surgery — and browse more health guides on Rinnit.com for clear, doctor-reviewed answers.
Frequently asked questions
Does a butt lift make your butt bigger?
No. A butt lift removes excess skin and fat to lift and smooth the buttocks. It does not add volume. A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is the procedure that adds size.
How long does butt lift surgery take?
Butt lift surgery takes several hours and is usually done under general anesthesia.
How long is the recovery after a butt lift?
Most people return to usual activities within several weeks. Full healing can take several months, and full results show at about 3–6 months.
Can you sit down after a butt lift?
You will likely need pillows when sitting and may be asked to avoid pressure on the surgical area. Follow your surgeon's specific instructions.
Are butt lift results permanent?
Results are long-lasting and often permanent if you keep a stable weight. Weight gain can change the result.
Do butt lift scars go away?
No. Scars fade slowly but never disappear completely. Surgeons usually place them where clothing hides them.
Who should not get a butt lift?
People who smoke and cannot stop at least 6 weeks before surgery, have health problems such as heart disease, have not reached a stable weight, are not ready for a long recovery, or have unrealistic expectations.
When should I call my surgeon after a butt lift?
Call for chest pain, shortness of breath, heartbeat changes, fever, heavy bleeding or swelling, or severe or lasting pain.
Will I have drains after a butt lift?
You may. Small tubes called drains are often placed to remove extra fluid while you heal, and your surgeon will remove them once the fluid slows down.
Can a butt lift be combined with liposuction?
Yes. Surgeons often use liposuction during a butt lift to shape the buttocks or thighs.
Related Reading
Butt Augmentation: Types, Risks, Recovery and What to Expect compares implants, BBL and butt lift options for buttock shaping.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Results explains how a BBL adds volume with your own fat.
Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy): Surgery, Recovery, Risks and Results explains surgery that tightens loose skin around the lower body.
Excess Skin Removal Surgery: Types, Candidates, Recovery and Risks covers surgery options for loose skin after major weight loss.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Butt (Buttocks) Lift: What It Is, Surgery & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated October 1, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24241-butt-buttocks-lift
Carloni R, De Runz A, Chaput B, et al. Circumferential Contouring of the Lower Trunk: Indications, Operative Techniques, and Outcomes-A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2016;40(5):652-668. PMID: 27286851. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-016-0660-7
Mokhtar J, Akbarpoor F, Hadi M, et al. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures following Postbariatric Body Contouring: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2026;157(5):698e-711e (published online October 20, 2025). PMID: 41115286. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012544
Asserson DB, Kulinich AG, Orbay H, et al. Differences in Complication Rates of Gluteoplasty Procedures That Utilize Autologous Fat Grafting, Implants, or Local Flaps. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2019;82(5S Suppl 4):S342-S344. PMID: 30570567. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000001765
Medical disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your health and before any cosmetic procedure.
Comments