Buttock Lift in New Jersey & Philadelphia
Over time, natural aging, gravity, and weight changes can cause the backside to lose firmness and definition. These shifts in skin tone and tissue support may create a flatter or sagging appearance that impacts overall body proportion.
At our locations in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David W. Allison offers buttock lift (gluteal lift) procedures designed to restore a more youthful, firmer shape by removing excess skin and tightening soft tissues. Dr. Allison’s approach emphasizes natural proportions, minimal visible scarring, and patient comfort every step of the way.
Whether your goal is to lift, smooth, or reshape sagging buttock contours, Dr. Allison tailors each plan to your anatomy, goals, and skin quality, focusing equally on safety and aesthetic appeal.
What Is a Buttock Lift?
The buttock lift, also called a gluteal lift, is a surgical procedure that improves the tone and shape of the buttocks by removing excess sagging skin and repositioning soft tissue to achieve a firmer, more lifted contour. Its primary goal is not to increase volume but to correct skin laxity, drooping, and a loss of support in the underlying tissues.
If volume enhancement is also desired, a buttock lift may be combined with fat grafting or auto-augmentation, but its core purpose remains lift and tone.
Benefits of a Buttock Lift
The buttock lift offers several benefits that combine aesthetic improvement with functional gains:
- Elimination of sagging, loose skin that obscures shape
- Firmer, elevated contours and improved definition
- Enhanced silhouette and smoother transitions from back and thighs
- Better compatibility with clothing and swimwear
- A more youthful, refreshed appearance
- Long-term improvement in shape when weight is maintained
Because the procedure tightens and repositions existing tissues rather than introducing foreign materials, it often results in a natural, balanced outcome rather than an exaggerated look.
Ideal Candidates
You may be a good candidate for a buttock lift if you:
- Have sagging or excess skin of the buttocks that doesn’t respond to non-surgical efforts
- Are near or at a stable, healthy weight
- Have good overall health and no serious medical conditions that hinder healing
- Are a non-smoker or able to quit before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about what the lift can achieve
A buttock lift is most effective when skin elasticity is moderate, and the primary concern is skin sag, not just volume deficiency. Dr. Allison carefully assesses your skin, fat distribution, and contour to determine if a lift or a lift with augmentation is the best plan.
How the Procedure Works
Incision and Tissue Removal
Dr. Allison begins by marking the areas of excess skin and planning incision lines in discreet locations. Common incision patterns include:
- An incision just below the waistline (sometimes combined with a lower body lift)
- An incision in the crease between the buttocks and upper thighs
- Combinations or variations depending on skin redundancy and anatomy
Through these incisions, excess skin and underlying tissues are removed, and adjacent tissues are lifted and secured. The remaining skin is redraped to produce smoother, tighter contours. Liposuction may be added to improve adjacent contour, such as the lower back or flanks, for better proportional balance.
Closure and Support
The incisions are closed with layered sutures, supporting internal structure and minimizing tension on the skin. Drains may be placed temporarily in some cases. After closure, a compression garment is applied to help control swelling and support the new contours.
Recovery and Results
It is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the early days. Dr. Allison provides specific guidance and pain management to keep you comfortable.
Bruising and swelling improve steadily during the first few weeks, and most patients resume light, non-strenuous activities within 10 to 14 days, depending on the extent of surgery. Patients are typically comfortable returning to normal routines after about two weeks, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are deferred for six to eight weeks to allow proper healing.
Support garments should be worn as directed to reduce swelling and assist in shaping. Sleeping positions and sitting habits may need modification—especially after lift procedures with fat grafting—to avoid undue pressure.
Initial improvements are visible right away, but final results mature over three to six months as swelling resolves and tissues settle. Incision lines may take up to two years to fully mature and fade.
Patients who maintain a stable weight and follow after-care guidelines typically enjoy long-lasting improvement in shape and contour.
“Dr. Alison is a phenomenal doctor! He is an excellent surgeon. In addition to his surgical skills, he has an amazing bedside manner. He cares about his patients. You can call him anytime and he always responds. Would recommend 100%.”
Real Patient
Potential Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, a buttock lift has potential risks including:
- Bleeding, infection, or seroma formation
- Poor wound healing or skin necrosis
- Visible scarring or contour irregularity
- Asymmetry or overcorrection
- Changes in skin sensation or numbness
- Need for revision surgery if shape shifts over time
- General anesthesia or circulation-related complications
Dr. Allison takes every precaution—from patient screening to sterile technique and postoperative monitoring—to minimize these risks. He ensures patients understand all possible outcomes before proceeding.
Maintaining Your Results
To preserve the results of a buttock lift, Dr. Allison advises maintaining a stable weight, embracing a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excessive sun exposure to scar lines, and wearing supportive undergarments during recovery. If volume enhancement is part of your plan, the transferred fat behaves like normal fat and may change with weight fluctuations.
Dr. Allison’s team provides long-term guidance to help patients sustain their results through balanced habits and ongoing support.
Scheduling Your Consultation
During your private consultation with Dr. Allison, you’ll discuss your goals, medical history, and areas of concern. He evaluates your skin quality, tissue elasticity, and body proportion to recommend a surgical plan—lift only or lift plus augmentation.
You’ll also review recovery timelines, risks, and expected outcomes. Appointments are available at our locations in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia for your convenience. By the end of your visit, you’ll have a clear, personalized path forward.
Why Choose Dr. David W. Allison
Dr. David W. Allison, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized for combining technical precision with an artistic eye. With offices in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia, Dr. Allison delivers individualized, thoughtful surgical care in a supportive environment.
His approach to buttock lifts prioritizes proportion, balance, and natural contour. He communicates clearly, sets realistic expectations, and supports patients with thorough pre- and post-operative planning so they feel confident through every step of the process.
Take the Next Step Toward Elevated Confidence and Shape
A buttock lift can help you regain the contour, firmness, and confidence you deserve. Dr. David W. Allison and his team serve patients in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia, offering advanced surgical techniques and compassionate care. Schedule your private consultation today to learn how a butt lift can help you achieve a smoother, more balanced silhouette.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buttock Lift Surgery
Is a buttock lift the same as a Brazilian Butt Lift?
No. The buttock lift focuses on removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissue, while a Brazilian Butt Lift adds volume via fat grafting. Some patients choose to combine both for lift and fullness.
How long does recovery take?
Many patients return to light day-to-day activities in one to two weeks, while strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are delayed for about six to eight weeks or as directed by Dr. Allison.
Will I have visible scars?
Yes. Incisions are typically placed in discreet areas such as below the waistline or in natural creases. With proper care, scars fade and blend with surrounding skin over time.
Can a buttock lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine a lift with body-contouring surgeries such as liposuction, abdominoplasty, or thigh lift for an improved, cohesive silhouette.
What type of anesthesia is used?
The buttock lift is usually performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure comfort and safety during the procedure.
Is a buttock lift safe?
When performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility, the buttock lift is considered safe and effective. Dr. Allison follows strict surgical and safety protocols to minimize risks.
When will I see results?
You will notice immediate improvement in shape, although full refinement and shaping occur over the next three to six months as swelling resolves and tissues settle.
Are the results permanent?
Yes. Results are long-lasting, though natural aging, gravity, and weight changes may subtly affect shape over time. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your outcome.