Brazilian Butt Lift

General anaesthesia is required for butt lift surgery. Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but does have some risks. Ask your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and anaesthetist for more information. Your surgeon and/or anaesthetist will ask you about all the medications you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have. Make sure you have an up to date list before the surgery.

Modern surgery is generally safe but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur. Some general risks of surgery include:

• Heavy bleeding from an operated site. This may require a blood transfusion
• Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases
• Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions
• The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site may require further surgery
• Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s)
• Slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetes
• Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia
• Complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke may be caused by a blood clot, which can be life threatening

Specific risks and complications associated with buttock lift surgery include:

• Visible and prominent scars such as keloids and hypertrophic scars. These scars are raised, red and thickened, and may form over healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health
• Numbness and pain around operated sites. In most cases this is temporary and will improve over many months
• Skin that does not heal and may require a skin graft
• Restrictive movement to the tightened skin
• Irregular skin surface, uneven contours or rippling
• Asymmetry (unevenness) of the buttocks
• Excess fluid accumulation under the skin (known as a seroma) around an operated site that may require one or more drainage procedures with a needle
• The possible need for a blood transfusion for patients who require the removal of a large amount of skin
• Fat that has a poor blood supply may result in a discharge from the surgical wounds or palpable lumps under the skin

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions. You may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a supportive garment to minimize swelling and to support your operation site as it heals. A small, thin tube may also be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

You will need to take at least a few days off work to rest. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming and strenuous sports until advised by your surgeon.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, notify your surgeon immediate:

• Temperature higher than 38°C or chills
• Heavy bleeding from the incisions
• Worsening redness around the incision sites
• Increasing pain or tenderness, or other problems that appear to be worsening

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on post-operative care. These instructions may include:

• How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site(s) or in your general health
• When to follow-up with your surgeon

Be sure to ask your surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period, such as:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? If so, when will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When will they be removed?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?