Gluteal lift is the surgery to correct drooping and shapeless buttocks. Age and gravity take a toll on the buttocks, making them sag. The buttock is lifted, sculpted with liposuction, augmented with implants or fat, or a combination of any of the above. However, it is the skin quality that determines whether a buttock lift, or liposuction with or without implants is needed. If one has poor skin quality and a droopy buttock, then a buttock lift is the answer. Poor skin is usually associated with a great deal of cellulite and skin irregularities. Stretch marks are usually present. This type of skin is generally noticed in patients with a massive amount of weight fluctuation, either weight gain or loss. It is also seen in sun damaged skin and in older patients.

For a Gluteal lift, anesthesia of choice is usually general, but local anesthesia with sedation is also used. The operation takes about 2–3 hours. The area that has the overhang needs to be carefully evaluated since it can be in three different areas: the lower buttock; the inner part of the buttock; and on the sides of the buttock. Nearly all types of excess can be improved with the traditional buttock lift. However, a limited excision of the skin is performed for localized areas, especially in the lower buttock area, and incisions are placed in the buttock crease. During the traditional operation elliptical segments of skin and underlying fat are removed from the buttock area. The incisions are placed in the upper buttock area extending up to the sides of the abdomen. The superfluous skin and tissue are lifted to achieve a tightening and smoothing effect. The operation is designed to improve skin and underlying tissues that had become loose and flabby. Although the operation is often combined with liposuction, it is aimed primarily at the tightening of skin and deep tissue. Tape is placed over the incisions and a body garment is provided, which is to be worn for 3–4 weeks. Drain tubes are placed under the skin to evacuate any fluid, which may ooze after the operation. The closure of the skin is done with dissolving-type suture material, which does not require removal.

Apart from the risks of infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia, specific Gluteal lift risks include temporary changes in skin sensation, accompanied by numbness or sweating, disrupted wound healing, asymmetry, and wide, obvious scarring as the nature of this operation necessitates long cuts. Recurrence of the droopiness is also possible