Buttock Lift

What is a buttock lift?

One Buttock lift (Buttock Lift) tightens the buttocks: excess, sagging skin is removed and the contour is reshaped—a procedure that is particularly relevant after significant weight loss or in cases of age-related excess skin. Whether and to what extent this procedure is suitable for you depends on your individual findings and will be determined during a personal consultation.

It is important to distinguish between a lift and an augmentation: In a lift, excess skin is removed and the contour is lifted; in an augmentation, volume is added, for example, using autologous fat. In certain cases, both procedures can be combined. The scar typically runs along the upper buttocks and is positioned so that it is concealed by underwear. In the first few weeks after the procedure, prolonged sitting is only possible to a limited extent, which should be taken into account when planning. The consultation takes place in Frankfurt, and the procedure is performed in Oberursel.

At a glance: A buttock lift—also known as a gluteal lift—removes excess, sagging skin from the buttocks and reshapes the contour. It is particularly relevant after significant weight loss or in cases of age-related excess skin and is often combined with a thigh or tummy tuck as part of a body lift. The appropriate approach is determined on an individual basis during a personal consultation.

When the mirror no longer shows who you are

Perhaps you’re familiar with this feeling: After significant weight loss, you’ve achieved a lot—but the excess, sagging skin on your buttocks remains and cannot be tightened through exercise alone. Some people find this bothersome in everyday life—when sitting, wearing tight clothing, or at the beach—and it can sometimes be accompanied by skin irritation in the gluteal fold. If you’d like to feel more comfortable in your own body again, we’ll take the time to calmly discuss your situation and your goals with you.

Author picture

Medically reviewed ✓

Written by Dr. med. Zeynep Potente

Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

✓ Member of the DGPRÄC (German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons)

EBOPRAS – European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery - ebopras.eu

✓ Over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery

✓ Specialization: Breast surgery and Buttock lift

📅 Last updated: August 11, 2026

What our patients say

Reviews & Awards

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 on Google · over 300 more reviews on Jameda

✓ Member of the DGPRÄC (German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons)

✓ Our own certified operating rooms in Frankfurt and Oberursel

Benefits of a Buttock Lift

A buttock lift can help achieve a firmer and more harmonious buttock contour. Potential benefits include:

  • Removal of excess, sagging skin following weight loss or aging
  • A firmer contour and a more defined profile in the buttocks and hip area
  • Better-fitting clothing and greater comfort when sitting and moving
  • Reduction of skin irritation and chafing in the gluteal fold
  • Can be easily combined with a thigh lift or tummy tuck (body lift) in a single session

Whether and to what extent these goals are achievable in your case depends on your individual findings and will be honestly assessed during the consultation.

Who is a good candidate for a buttock lift?

A buttock lift is primarily considered when there is significant excess skin on the buttocks that does not resolve through exercise or weight loss. Typical criteria:

  • Stable body weight—ideally maintained for several months, especially following significant weight loss
  • Sagging, excess skin in the buttocks area with reduced elasticity
  • Good overall health and realistic expectations
  • Avoiding smoking before and after surgery promotes wound healing

The procedure is less suitable if your weight is still fluctuating, if you have certain pre-existing conditions, or if you have unrealistic expectations. We’ll discuss what’s best for you on an individual basis.

Treatment Methods

The appropriate method depends on the extent of the excess skin and on whether only the buttocks or also adjacent areas are being treated:

  • Isolated buttock lift: Excess skin is removed through an incision that usually runs along the upper gluteal fold or along the bikini and underwear lines, ensuring it remains well-concealed afterward.
  • Buttock lift as part of a body lift: In cases of significant excess skin following major weight loss, the Lift procedure is often combined with a thigh lift and/or tummy tuck (lower body lift).
  • Combination with liposuction: Liposuction can be performed as a complementary procedure to achieve a more refined contour.
  • Auto-Augmentation: In appropriate cases, the patient’s own tissue can be used to further shape the contour during the tightening procedure.

We’ll work with you to determine the right technology for your needs after an examination and consultation.

How does the treatment work?

Personal Consultation – Your Journey Starts Here

1. Consultation and Planning: First, we examine your buttocks and skin, discuss your goals, and determine which method is appropriate. You’ll receive information about the procedure, scars, Follow-up care, and risks, as well as a personalized cost estimate. Before the surgery, we’ll discuss any necessary preoperative tests and instructions, such as avoiding smoking or discontinuing certain medications.

The Surgery – With Precision and Delicacy

2. The procedure: A buttock lift is performed under General anesthesia and takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. Excess skin is removed and the tissue is tightened along the planned incision lines; the incisions are placed so that the scars are as inconspicuous as possible when hidden under underwear. For combined procedures, the duration may be correspondingly longer.

Anesthesia – Safe and Comfortable

3. Immediately after surgery: To drain wound fluid, drains are usually inserted and a compression garment is applied. Depending on the extent of the procedure, it can be performed on an outpatient basis or may require one to two overnight stays in the hospital. During the first few days, you should avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for extended periods—we’ll show you positions that are easier on your body.

Aftercare & Recovery – What to Expect

Careful follow-up care is particularly important in the buttocks area, as the skin there is under tension when sitting and moving.

  • Compression girdle: usually for about 4 to 6 weeks, day and night
  • Conservation: Avoid sitting upright for long periods at first; sleep preferably on your side or stomach
  • Daily Life & Career: Mostly sedentary activities are usually possible again after about 2 to 3 weeks
  • Sport: No physical activity for about 6 weeks
  • Scar Care & Follow-ups: Regular follow-up examinations; scars mature over several months and gradually fade

The exact timeframes depend on the extent of the procedure and your personal healing process.

Potential Risks – We'll Be Open and Honest with You

Like any surgical procedure, a buttock lift also carries risks. We will provide you with detailed and open information in advance. This includes, among other things:

  • general surgical risks such as postoperative bleeding, infection, or Thrombosis
  • Wound healing disorders—slightly more common in the buttocks area due to tension and pressure from sitting
  • Seromas, which are accumulations of wound fluid that may need to be drained
  • Prominent or widened scarring
  • Temporary or, rarely, permanent changes in skin sensation
  • Asymmetries or the Need for Correction

Risks can be reduced through careful planning, experience, and consistent Follow-up care. We will discuss your individual situation with you in person.

Cost of a buttock lift

The cost of a buttock lift cannot be stated as a flat rate—it depends on the extent of the procedure, the chosen method, any combination with other lifts, as well as anesthesia and the hospital stay. You will receive a binding, transparent cost estimate following a personal examination and consultation at our practice in Frankfurt and Oberursel.

In medically justified cases—such as recurrent skin inflammation following significant weight loss—health insurance may, under certain circumstances, consider covering a portion of the costs. Procedures performed for purely cosmetic reasons are generally not covered.

These factors influence the cost:

  • Extent of excess skin and chosen surgical method
  • Isolated buttock lift or in combination with a thigh lift or tummy tuck (body lift)
  • Supplementary liposuction for body contouring
  • Type of anesthesia and length of hospital stay
  • Costs for follow-up care and checkups

A customized cost estimate typically includes:

  • Comprehensive consultation and preliminary examination
  • the surgical procedure and the surgical team’s fee
  • Anesthesia and Hospital Stay
  • Compression Girdle
  • Follow-up care and Checkups

Alternatives & Combinations

A buttock lift isn’t always the only option—depending on the findings, alternatives or combinations may be considered:

  • Liposuction alone: for good skin tone and bothersome fat deposits without significant excess skin
  • Body Lift: In cases of significant excess skin, this is combined with a thigh lift and tummy tuck
  • Buttock Augmentation: a different goal—here, the focus is on adding volume, for example with Autologous fat, rather than removing excess skin; in suitable cases, both procedures can be combined
  • Non-surgical procedures: can slightly improve skin tone, but do not replace a Lift when there is actual excess skin

We’ll work with you to honestly determine which option best meets your goals.

Who is treating you?

Dr. med. Zeynep Potente

Dr. med. Zeynep Potente

Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Learn more
Dr. med. Bianca Baican

Dr. med. Bianca Baican

Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Learn more
Dr. med. Livia Köhler

Dr. med. Livia Köhler

Specialist for anesthesia

Learn more
Dr. med. Christina Luther

Dr. med. Christina Luther

Specialist in Surgery and Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions About Buttock Lifts

Who is a good candidate for a buttock lift?

A buttock lift is particularly suitable for cases of significant excess skin on the buttocks resulting from significant weight loss or aging, which does not resolve with exercise. Prerequisites include a stable weight, good overall health, and realistic expectations.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. Excess skin is removed through an incision that is usually hidden in the gluteal crease or along the bikini line, and the tissue is tightened. Depending on the extent of the procedure, it can be performed on an outpatient basis or may require a short hospital stay.

A compression garment is usually worn for 4 to 6 weeks. Most sedentary activities can often be resumed after 2 to 3 weeks, and sports after about 6 weeks. Swelling subsides over the course of several weeks, and the final result becomes apparent after several months.

The incision is made so that the scars will later be as inconspicuous as possible under underwear or in the gluteal fold. Scars are permanent but fade significantly over the months. Consistent scar care helps improve the final result.

The procedure itself is performed under General anesthesia. In the first few days afterward, a feeling of tightness and moderate pain are normal and can be easily managed with pain medication. Prolonged sitting should be avoided at first.

The cost depends on the method, scope, and any combination procedures; you will receive a binding cost estimate after your consultation. If there is a medical indication—such as recurring skin inflammation following weight loss—you may be eligible for partial coverage by your health insurance provider.

A buttock lift removes excess skin and tightens the contour, while a buttock augmentation adds volume, for example, using autologous fat. The goals are different—in suitable cases, both procedures can be combined.

Buttock Lift

Details on Buttock lift

  • Duration of treatment: Approx. 2–4 hours (depending on the scope)
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia
  • Hospitalization: outpatient care up to 1–2 overnight stays
  • Compression girdle: approx. 4–6 weeks
  • Socially Acceptable: after about 2–3 weeks
  • Sport: after about 6 weeks
  • Final result: after the swelling has subsided and the scars have healed over several months

Arrange your non-binding initial consultation

Contact practice Oberursel

Contact practice Frankfurt am Main

Write to us! We will be happy to advise you!

Consultation appointment