Butt cheeks pulled apart after body lift. Is this permanent?

Question

I had a body lift with fleur de lis incision last Friday (3 days post op). I was able to shower today and noticed my butt cheeks are pulled apart in the middle of my butt. Is this permanent or do you think it will fix itself once the swelling goes down?

Jason E. Leedy, MD · Answer

Depending on a patient's anatomy there can be some "anal show" or buttock separation which exposes the gluteal cleft immediately after surgery.  This occurs when the lifting to the buttock area is directed more up and out as opposed to just straight up.  I will direct the pull upwards in order to avoid an unsightly buttock gap postoperatively, but you shouldn't worry.  Only 3 days post-op is very early and the tissue in that area always relaxes.  Over the next few weeks it will likely resolve.  Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and they will likely reassure you.  Best of luck!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello nosilla000, thank you for your questions and providing
yourhistory. Congratulations on having undergone a body lift. After
a bodylift, it is not uncommon for the buttock cheeks to be pulled
apart. Itmay take 6-8 weeks for the buttock cheeks to relax and be less
spreadapart. This situation is usually temporary and resolves with time.
Besure to follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon to
be surethat your situation is resolved with time.If you have any questions feel free to contact my office. Good
luck.Sincerely,J. Timothy Katzen, M.D

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The pulling apart associated with a lower body lift is a temporary phenomenon and will resolve as the swelling resolves.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Yes, this is normal after a body lift, and it is something that should go away after several months.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

This is normal at this stage of your post operative recovery and usually resolves within in a few months.  Keep following your plastic surgeons post operative advice.

Anne Taylor, MD · Answer

Hello,It sounds like it is too early to make any major predictions except that you are very swollen and a lot is still going to change. I would follow the advice of your surgeon and rest!

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for question. this is fairly normal following a lower bdy lift and typically goes away in 2 to 3 months.Peter Fisher M.D.

Butt cheeks pulled apart after body lift. Is this permanent?

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