How Long Does It Take For The Swelling To Go Away After A Lower Buttock Lift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a lower elliptical buttock lift in late December.  It looks similar to the procedure that is shown on your website.  Is it normal to still have swelling around and below the incisions 3 months later?  My PS says yes, but I would like a second opinion.  The ‘swelling’ is significant to the point that it looks like a ‘banana roll’ on the back of my thigh, below the incision and buttock crease.  Can you comment?  Any information would be appreciated.  Thanks.

A: All I can say is that this has not been my experience with the lower buttock lift. From what I have observed there usually is very little swelling with this procedure and a quick recovery. The only long term issue is how well does the scar do and the stability of its location. I would suspect that this is more related to the amount of tissue removed rather than swelling at this point.  The very act of sitting on it and the lack of any tissue undermining done in a lower buttock lift limits how much swelling can occur and how long it persists. But this comment is made without seeing pictures of what you look like so this is just speculation for now.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana