How Much Does a Butt Lift Cost?
The average cost of a butt lift is $7,875, though it can be low as $3,735 or as pricey as $19,000, according to 187 reviews from RealSelf members.
This cosmetic procedure is different from a Brazilian butt lift or BBL (which has a very similar average cost), a butt augmentation procedure in which excess fat (harvested via liposuction) is transferred into the buttocks, creating curves and volume.
In contrast, butt lift surgery removes excess skin from the derriere, typically after dramatic weight loss. Removing this skin (which can cause a droopy or saggy look) makes the butt appear more taut, shapely, and perky.
Here, we break down all the major factors that can affect butt lift prices.
Is a butt lift worth the cost?
RealSelf members give butt lifts a 87% Worth It Rating, so the majority say their final results were worth it.
An experienced surgeon will be able to determine whether or not you're a good candidate and give you a realistic idea of your outcome, to help you determine whether it will be worth it to you.
Why do some butt lifts cost so much more than others?
The biggest factors that cause the price of a butt lift to fluctuate include:
1) The plastic surgeon's credentials and level of expertise.
With any cosmetic surgery, it's important to seek out an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with excellent credentials and reviews, to ensure that you have a safe experience and excellent results.
Experienced surgeons who has performed countless butt lifts over a decades-long career will likely have higher surgeon's fees than a younger doctor, simply because their time is more valuable.
As you're weighing cost differences between surgeons, keep in mind that it's more cost-effective to have your surgery done right the first time. While some surgeons waive their surgeon's fees for revision surgery if you don't like the outcome, you'd probably still have to cover the facility fee, anesthesia fees, and other related costs, and go through another recovery period. So choosing your surgeon is one area where you don't want to cut corners.
RealSelf Tip: Some physicians market themselves as cosmetic surgeons. Even if they say they're board certified, keep in mind that they won't have the same level of training and expertise as a surgeon who's board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
2) Where you get your cosmetic surgery performed.
There are two factors to consider here: the geographical location of your provider and the location of the operating room itself.
Major metro areas tend to have higher costs of living, which will be reflected in the price of your procedure. One notable exception to that rule: Miami, which has so many surgeons that they often have to compete for patients with competitive prices. In fact, the average price of butt lift surgery in Florida is $5,750, compared to over $17,000 in California.
As for the surgery facility itself, any procedure performed in a hospital is going to cost more than it would in a private surgery center, which typically has lower facility fees. If you go the latter route, make sure your provider's surgical facility is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
3) Who administers the anesthesia for your butt lift procedure.
Butt lifts are either performed under twilight anesthesia (local anesthesia paired with IV sedation) or general anesthesia, which is essentially a medically-induced coma.
Both types are typically administered by either an anesthesiologist (an MD) or nurse anesthetist (who will charge lower fees), and this provider should monitor you throughout your entire procedure.
Make sure whatever price quote you get during your initial consultation includes all anesthesia-related fees.
4) The complexity of your procedure.
Some buttock lifts are straightforward procedures that simply remove excess skin and fat.
Others are more involved body contouring procedures that include liposuction of the flanks or other areas of the body (to remove excess fat). They may also be combined with a tummy tuck, possibly as part of a larger mommy makeover. And some people opt for buttock enhancement with a combination of a lift and butt augmentation, either via fat grafting (a BBL) or silicone butt implants.
If you want to add volume but don't have enough of your own fat, the biostimulatory filler Sculptra can also help create rounder yet natural-looking contours. (Just keep in mind that a Sculptra butt lift offers temporary results, and it's extremely expensive because it requires so many vials of filler.)
As you'd imagine, any additional procedures will affect the overall cost of your surgery and extend your recovery time.
5) Any necessary aftercare products.
Ask your surgeon if you'll need to buy your own compression garment, a special pillow, or other recovery supplies.
Does insurance cover a butt lift?
Usually, butt lifts are considered elective cosmetic procedures, which aren't covered by insurance.
However, some insurance plans cover excess skin removal if you provide documentation that it's medically necessary and meet certain criteria. This may include lower back pain, documented skin rashes that haven't gone away after over three months of topical treatment, difficulties with intimacy, or other problems with daily living. Your insurance company may request letters from your health care providers, to back up your claim.
If your insurance won't provide coverage, your surgeon may offer payment plans or financing options to make the procedure more affordable.