Lower Back Lift & Buttock Lift
Addresses lower back rolls and flattened, sagging buttocks after weight loss — a posterior procedure distinct from both a bra-line back lift and a full circumferential body lift.
What it treats
After significant weight loss, excess skin often remains across the lower back and hips, sometimes paired with buttocks that have visibly flattened or begun to sag — a separate problem from muscle tone, since the underlying gluteal muscle can be strong even as the skin and soft tissue covering it lose their shape. A lower back lift removes this excess lower-back skin, and — because of how the incision and tissue elevation work — the same procedure can lift and reposition the buttocks at the same time, restoring a more youthful contour.
Hospital-based care
Every lower back and buttock lift is performed at Winchester District Memorial Hospital, with an anesthetist and full emergency capability on-site.
How this differs from our other back/body procedures
Three distinct posterior options
Bra Line Back Lift addresses the upper/mid back only, at bra-line height. Lower Back Lift & Buttock Lift (this page) addresses the lower back and buttock position specifically. Circumferential Body Lift combines the front of the body with the back in one continuous incision all the way around, for patients with excess skin wrapping the entire torso.
Day of surgery
- Incision placement — a horizontal incision across the lower back, positioned to be hidden beneath most underwear.
- Tissue removal — excess lower-back skin is removed; stubborn fat may be addressed with liposuction at the same time.
- Buttock elevation — remaining tissue above the buttocks is lifted and secured, elevating and reshaping the buttocks as part of the same procedure.
- Incision closure — closed in layers with dissolvable sutures; drains may be placed temporarily.
- Compression garment — applied to support healing and minimize swelling.
Recovery timeline
Moderate to significant discomfort. Sitting is uncomfortable initially — a special cushion or altered sitting position may be recommended. Drains typically removed by week 2.
Discomfort decreases. Sitting becomes more comfortable. Return to light activities and desk work with adjustments.
Most swelling resolved. Gradual return to exercise, avoiding activities that put direct pressure on the buttocks initially.
Final buttock position and back contour become fully apparent as swelling resolves and scars mature.
Sitting directly on the buttocks may be restricted or modified for a period after surgery — this will be reviewed in detail during your consultation.
Scar expectations
The horizontal lower-back incision is positioned to be hidden beneath most underwear and swimwear. Scars appear red and raised for 2–3 months, then fade to thin, flat lines over 6–12 months.
Am I a candidate?
Good candidates typically:
- Have excess skin across the lower back and/or flattened, sagging buttocks
- Have maintained a stable weight for 6–12 months, whatever the path there
- Are a non-smoker, or willing to stop 4–6 weeks before and after surgery
- Do not require excess skin removal across the full circumference of the torso (a body lift may be more appropriate in that case)
Cost & financing
Typical range: $12,000–$17,000 CAD. Your quote includes the surgeon’s fee, hospital operating room fees, anesthesia, a compression garment, and a year of follow-up care. Not covered by OHIP or private insurance; financing options are available.
Combining with other procedures
This procedure is commonly combined with a tummy tuck to address front and back together — see our guide on anterior surgery vs. adding a back lift for how to think through that decision. It’s also sometimes paired with a thigh lift for patients with excess skin extending down the lower body.
Risks & safety
As with any surgery, a lower back and buttock lift carries real risks worth understanding upfront rather than glossing over:
- Bleeding or fluid buildup (seroma)
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Changes in skin sensation
- Blood clots (DVT/PE)
- Asymmetry or unfavorable scarring
- Under- or over-correction of buttock position
- Contour irregularities or deformities
- Need for reoperation or revision surgery
- Dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcome
- Anesthesia-related risks, including rare risk of death
Dr. Borsuk will walk through how these risks apply specifically to your case, and what’s done to minimize them, before you consent to surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?
No — a BBL adds volume to the buttocks using fat transfer. This procedure repositions and lifts existing tissue through skin removal; it doesn’t add significant volume. If added fullness is your primary goal rather than lifting sagging tissue, this is worth discussing directly during consultation.
Do I need this in addition to a bra line back lift?
Only if you have excess skin in both the upper back and lower back/buttock areas. Many patients need only one or the other — a physical assessment during consultation determines which applies to you.
When can I sit normally again?
Most patients need to modify sitting (using a cushion or altered position) for 2–4 weeks, with a gradual return to normal sitting as swelling resolves.
Is this the right fit for you?
A consultation is the clearest way to determine whether your case calls for a bra line back lift, this procedure, or a full body lift.
Schedule a Consultation