Buttocks Liposuction & Liposculpture

about the buttocks liposculpture procedure

Buttocks liposuction and liposculpture is performed by an experienced liposuction proceduralist. This procedure focuses on the careful removal of subcutaneous fat, aiming to change the contour of the buttocks area. Liposculpture is intended to assist in creating a more balanced and proportional body appearance.

If you struggle with excess fat on your buttocks and hips, finding well-fitting clothes can be a challenge, often leading to stress and frustration. Traditional fat-loss methods such as diet and exercise contribute to overall weight loss but cannot target specific areas.

Benefits of Liposuction & Liposculpture in the Buttocks Area

Be Sculptured uses the tumescent local anaesthetic technique in which subcutaneous fatty tissue is locally anaesthetised (numbed). While this technique may take longer than older liposuction techniques, microcannulas are used for the fat removal, contributing to the contouring of the buttocks area and ultimately causing less bruising due to the adrenaline in the local anaesthetic solution. By using local anaesthesia, risks associated with general anaesthesia are also avoided. Sedation for patient comfort is utilised instead, managed by an anaesthetist or an experienced sedationist.

Using the tumescent local anaesthetic technique and microcannulas, buttocks liposuction can reduce the size and shape of the buttocks. Microcannulas are considered less than 3mm in diameter and at Be Sculptured, only 2mm and 3mm cannulas are used for all procedures. This allows for smoother results. Extra time may be required to remove fat with microcannulas but more finesse and precision is achievable this way with this type of liposuction procedure.

The goal of buttocks liposuction is to achieve uniformly smooth results with a pleasing reduction in size and bulk. Excessive buttocks liposuction should be avoided in order to produce a natural, well-proportioned result and reduced sagginess of the skin of the buttock. Liposuction cannot be expected to lift or elevate the buttocks. The skilled liposculpture proceduralist can remove fat uniformly throughout the volume of the buttocks and thereby reduce the weight of the buttocks. Too much liposuction will leave an unacceptable degree of ptosis and residual skin irregularities. The banana-roll fat pad is located under the buttock on the upper posterior thigh. It’s important not to remove too much fat here and this will produce a redundant or double gluteal horizontal crease with excessive liposuction.

What to Expect During Buttocks Lipo Recovery

After a buttocks liposuction procedure, there will be a recovery period of several weeks. For the first few days, you can expect some mild pain and swelling that can be managed with prescribed medication. Wearing a special lycra bodysuit compression garment after your procedure will be required to support the healing process and reduce swelling. You’ll need to wear a double suit for the first week and a single suit for the second week.

To facilitate recovery and healing, avoid strenuous activities for the first few weeks and plan for one week off work. Be sure to follow your proceduralist’s advice that is particular to your personalised treatment plan, and maintain a healthy diet and hydration throughout recovery.

Cost of Buttocks Liposculpture

The cost of buttocks liposculpture can vary depending on your treatment plan, but prices typically start from $6,500 plus the hospital theatre fee and the anaesthetist / sedationist fee (Sept 2024). A personalised quote with a breakdown of charges, including anaesthesia fees, hospital fees and post-operative care, will follow your consultation.

Associated Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, liposuction for the buttocks carries some risks that you should be aware of for informed consent. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, and an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic, though local anaesthetic has fewer risks than general anaesthetic. Additionally, asymmetry, scarring, and changes in skin sensation are possible.

In your consultation with your proceduralist, you will have the opportunity to discuss potential risks or concerns and be given clear pre and post-operative instructions to minimise the risk of complications.

How to Prepare for Buttocks Liposuction

Preparing in advance of a buttocks liposuction procedure is essential for optimal results and recovery. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit well before surgery, as this will impair your healing and may increase the risk of complications. You should also consult your GP for a health check and ensure any medications you take are not contraindicated to anaesthetic and pain medication. It’s also a good idea to prepare a comfortable recovery space at home with protective bedding, comfy pillows, and entertainment options like books and TV shows. You might also like to have a few days’ worth of nutritious meals in the freezer so you can focus on healing rather than cooking.

Book a Consultation Today

Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with the Be Sculptured team to discuss your eligibility for a buttock liposculpture procedure. We will assess if buttocks liposculpture is right for you and work with you to develop a personalised management plan. This consultation will ensure your aesthetic goals align with what your proceduralist can realistically achieve.

Medical Research

Statement on Patient Safety During Gluteal Fat Grafting from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF), The Aesthetic Society, and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) are available here as a Joint Safety Statement.

In 2018 and 2019, two multi-society safety advisories raised awareness of the risks associated with gluteal fat grafting and called on ASPS members and the public to approach the procedure with extreme caution. Following those advisories, the Florida Board of Medicine mandated new standards of care for gluteal fat grafting that sought to reduce patient harm by requiring that fat be injected only into the subcutaneous space, above the gluteal fascia.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Review and Recommendations are available here:

The BBL had been cited as having the highest rate of death for any aesthetic procedure. This is because the fat has been inadvertently injected into the buttocks muscles themselves (instead of the subcutaneous superficial tissue layer) and the large veins in these areas siphon the fat globules into the lungs and ultimately the heart, potentially causing instant death. As many as one in 3,000 patients had been reported dying as a result of the BBL surgery, but in 2020, that figure has been reduced to 1 in 14,952 due to significant improvements in the procedure by subcutaneous fat grafting only, avoiding muscular injections, the use of thicker cannulas >4mm in diameter, and avoidance of downward direction of the cannula. 

Recommendations in improvements of the BBL are reported in an international peer reviewed medical journal. This is made available to you and may be accessed below.

Rios, L. A., & Gupta, V. (2020). Improvement in Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Safety with the Current Recommendations from ASERF, ASAPS, and ISAPS. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 40(8), 864–870. 

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of Liposculpture?

Liposculpture is a refinement in the technique of liposuction. Firstly, liposculpture is performed under local anaesthetic which makes it easier to achieve a regular, more even result, by assessing the patient at a later stage of the procedure. This is because it is possible to move into different positions and to stand up toward the end of the procedure which allows the effect of gravity to be seen on the areas that had liposculpture. This enables a much more predictable result to be achieved as more liposculpture is done to refine the areas and try to establish symmetry.

Secondly, as no general anaesthetic is needed for liposculpture, the inherent risks associated with a general anaesthetic are avoided.

Thirdly, liposculpture involves the injection of fluid into the fatty tissues before the procedure is performed. This fluid contains the local anaesthetic (lignocaine) and also a medication which effectively constricts blood vessels (adrenaline). Adrenaline vastly decreases the amount of bruising that occurs with liposculpture while the local anaesthetic produces effective relief of discomfort during the procedure and for up to 12 hours afterwards (and longer).

Fourthly, liposculpture is day surgery. There is usually no need for the person having liposculpture to stay overnight in hospital or to have blood transfusions. You are encouraged to remain active following the procedure, walking soon after, and often returning to work after a few days to a week. Time off work and normal or vigorous activities is usually kept to a minimum. A week off work is advisable for most individuals. 

Can you get liposuction on your buttocks?

Yes, you can get liposuction on the buttocks to remove subcutaneous fat and change the hip and buttock contouring.

Is buttocks liposuction painful?

You can expect some discomfort after buttock liposuction, but any pain is usually manageable with prescribed medications.

Are there scars from buttocks liposuction?

Recovery time varies, but following a buttocks liposuction procedure, most people can usually return to light activities within a week and resume normal activities in 3-4 weeks, but this may be variable amongst individuals.

Will there be any loose skin after buttocks liposuction?

With buttocks reduction, loose skin is possible. Our personalised treatment plan will consider your skin elasticity.

How much time will I need off for buttocks liposuction?

Are there scars from buttocks liposuction?

Scarring is usually minimal as the incisions are only 3-5mm in length and they typically fade over time in most people. In some individuals they may become raised or become darker or lighter in colour. The incisions are small and strategically placed but are necessary for the procedure to take place.

Who is suitable for buttocks liposuction?

To be a suitable candidate for buttocks liposuction, you must be a non-smoker, in good physical and mental health, have reasonable skin elasticity, have attempted diet and exercise, and have realistic expectations regarding possible results.

Do I need to stay overnight in Hospital?

Liposculpture is performed as a day procedure. There is rarely a need for the person having liposculpture to stay overnight in hospital, or to have blood transfusions. A half to ¾ of a day is required to perform the procedure and to stay in the hospital recovery. You are encouraged to remain active following the procedure, gentle walking soon after, and often returning to work after 1 week or possibly after a few days. Time off work and normal activities is usually kept to a minimum. More vigorous exercise may be resumed 3- 4 weeks after the procedure. 

What support garments are required?

Special lycra bodysuit compressive garments are used for about two weeks after the procedure. Double suits for the first week and a single suit for the second week.

What are the Doctor's Qualifications?

At Be Sculptured, Dr Heckenberg is trained specifically in liposculpture and she has a medical fellowship from The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM) and a Lipoplasty Fellowship. Dr Heckenberg is dedicated to the procedure of liposculpture. It is the only cosmetic procedure she performs. Performing the same procedure often is necessary to acquire appropriate skills for any procedure. Dr Heckenberg has Specialist Registration in General Practice after gaining her Fellowship in 1997 (FRACGP) and a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1996 (DRANZCOG) and has been performing contraceptive and reproductive out-patient gynaecological procedures since 1998. Her medical registration number is MED0001158434. 

Please take note

Liposculpture isn’t suitable for everyone. Only patients with a Body Mass Index of under 35 will be considered but only after they have been properly assessed during the consultation. Your BMI can be checked using the following online calculator:

Smoking increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which deprives tissues of oxygen. Blood supply is a major concern during any surgical procedure. Combining smoking and cosmetic surgery can categorically result in increased pain, loss of skin, infections, death of tissue or fat cells, delayed healing, thick scarring, permanent vessel damage, or blood clots. Smokers should cease smoking 6 weeks prior to the procedure or consider to not have the procedure at all.

Patients with body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) are inappropriate for liposuction / liposculpture or any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may believe an inconspicuous or non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect. They respond to this by performing repetitive acts such as mirror checking or comparing their appearance with others. The severity of BDD varies. For example, some people know their feelings and / or perceptions aren’t rational or justified, while others are almost delusional in their conviction. BDD causes severe emotional distress. It is not just vanity and is not something a person can just ‘forget about’ or ‘get over’.

The preoccupation of their appearances can be so extreme that the affected person has trouble functioning at work, school or in social situations. People who suffer from BDD can target any part of the body. They may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their distress, but often the anxiety returns and the search for other flaws may resume, along with ways to “fix” them. Treatment of BDD may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication after an assessment by a Psychiatrist.