BUTTOCK LIFT

A buttock lift is a procedure designed to tighten the skin of the buttock area. The procedure can be performed alone or in combination with other operations such as a thigh lift and abdominoplasty. The combination of these three operations is often called a body lift. Like the face, the remainder of the body suffers the consequences of time, gravity and in some cases significant weight loss. While some areas are affected more than others, skin wrinkling and loss of tone occur throughout the body. To achieve a balanced and pleasing aesthetic result, many patients seeking a tummy tuck may also need both a thigh and buttock lift. A buttock lift is a very powerful body rejuvenating procedure that perhaps is underutilized in the United States. Dr. Parson has extensive experience with this procedure. The ideal candidate for this operation is an individual with excess skin along the buttocks with associated cellulite. The procedure may incorporate liposuction to achieve balance between the torso, thighs and buttocks. The incision required for the procedure is placed very low on the back, just above the buttocks. The scar, which usually heals very well, is hidden by most contemporary underwear and bikini swimwear.

Dr. Parson's patients find the buttock lift procedure to be very gratifying because of its ability to improve both buttock contour and skin tone. Most individuals are not aware of the operation and only first recognize its potential when during consultation Dr. Parson provides upward traction over the buttocks with the patient standing in front of a mirror.

The First Office Visit
At the first office visit, Dr. Parson will take a medical history and perform a focused physical examination. Medical conditions such as bleeding disorders, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, hernias, or a history of smoking will be of particular concern to Dr. Parson. Information regarding medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past, including all kinds of pain medications, will be requested by the doctor. Your height and weight will be recorded. One should know that this is not an operation for obesity. Thus, any patients more than 50% over their ideal body weight should consult with their primary physician. He will also delineate the site of the planned incision for the buttock lift with you standing in front of a mirror.

The Pre-Operative Visit
You will meet again with Dr. Parson approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery at which time any remaining questions you may have regarding the operation will be answered. You will be asked to discontinue medications that could lead to bleeding during the surgery. The specific medications will be reviewed with you at the visit. You will then be asked to sign a consent for the surgical procedure as well for our board-certified anesthesiologist to provide anesthesia. Dr. Parson performs buttock lifts with general anesthesia.

Photographs will be taken of your abdomen, thighs and buttocks and any other areas upon which Dr. Parson will be operating. Specific instructions regarding the date and time of your procedure will be given to you. You are not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. Exceptions may be made for certain individuals. You will need to arrange for an adult to drive you to and from our office on the day of the operation and for the first visit after the surgery. You should wear loose fitting clothing that will wash easily in the event they are soiled. Do not wear jewelry, contact lenses, or bring valuables to the operating room. Remove all body jewelry from pierced body parts; this can interfere with the procedure and may represent a safety threat to you because of the use of electrocautery during the procedure. Do not shave or wax prior to surgery; this may increase your risk of infection. Any shaving that is necessary will be done the day of surgery by our staff.

The balance of your surgical fee is due at this pre-operative visit.

Finally, Dr. Parson will write prescriptions for preventative antibiotics to decrease your risk of infection and a narcotic analgesic for post-operative pain relief. The antibiotics should be started the day after surgery.

The Day of Surgery
On the day of your procedure, you will meet with the peri-operative nurse and your vital signs will be checked. The doctor will place skin markings on your buttocks to direct him during the procedure. The anesthesiologist will review your medical history and will then administer an anesthetic.

A buttock lift alone takes 2 hours. When the procedure is combined with an abdominoplasty and thigh lift it takes from 3 to 4 hours. The procedure involves removal of excess skin from the buttock area. Liposuction may sometimes be incorporated to further improve body contour. Drain tubes are placed under the skin to evacuate any fluid, which may ooze after the operation. The drains are removed approximately 1-2 weeks after surgery. The closure of the skin may be done with dissolving-type suture material, which does not require removal.

Dressings are placed on the incisions. Patients will be required to remain in the hospital overnight following this procedure. It is necessary to have an adult drive you home and be with you during the first 24 hours after discharge. Patients cannot be discharged to the company of a minor or to a car service. Patients from out of town should plan to stay locally for approximately 7-10 days.

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