Nonsurgical Butt Lift: Non-Invasive Body Contouring

This article explores the nonsurgical butt lift procedure, its different types, benefits, and expected results.

What Is a Nonsurgical Butt Lift?

A nonsurgical butt lift is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the contour, size, and shape of the buttocks without surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure that typically requires repeat treatments to maintain the results.

It is ideal for individuals seeking moderate butt enhancements with no downtime.

Types of Nonsurgical Butt Lift

Buttock-contouring treatments use different techniques to tighten the tissue in the gluteal area. Each treatment has a unique method for contouring and lifting the buttocks with minimal downtime and varying results.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a safe, FDA-approved fat-freezing treatment that can help you eliminate up to 25% of fat that doesn’t respond to diets and exercise. The treatment may also help reduce cellulite. It is minimally painful, requires no anesthesia or downtime, and is perfect for those who would like to avoid incisions and needles. Results are permanent if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

You can combine it with CoolTone, a muscle-toning treatment that can help sculpt and contour your backside once all the excess fat has been eliminated.

Injections and Fillers

Dermal fillers restore lost volume by stimulating collagen and elastin, responsible for skin elasticity. Neurotoxin injectables inhibit muscle activity to smooth the skin and improve its texture. Both treatments are used as off-label procedures to lift the buttocks.

The following is a list of available injections and fillers based on their active ingredient:

• Botulinum toxin (Botox®) –Botox injections insert botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes the muscles and suspends their activity, smoothing all textural irregularities (e.g., fine lines, creases, wrinkles, or dimples).
• Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra®) – This synthetic substance is used in off-label procedures for hip dips and buttocks. The provider injects this biostimulator deep beneath the skin’s surface to promote collagen production and enhance the shape and curve of the buttocks.
• Hyaluronic-acid fillers – HA-based injectables such as Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Belotero Balance®, Revanesse Versa®, and RHA Redensity® add volume, contour, and firm up the skin with hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance known for its moisture-retaining and skin-rejuvenating potential.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (Bellafill®) – This injectable contains synthetic PMMA microspheres that stimulate collagen production, adding volume to the buttocks for natural-looking results that can last over five years.
• Calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse®) – This CaHa-based filler stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping to create firmer, fuller buttocks. It can also smooth out hollowness and dimples for a smoother appearance.

Light Therapy

Red light therapy (RLT) penetrates the skin with low-level red and near-infrared wavelengths to reduce fat, wrinkles, stretch marks, and cellulite and restore skin elasticity. The non-invasive laser resurfacing technique stimulates fibroblast activity and can target different areas to eliminate stubborn fat cells and tighten skin texture.

Results may first appear after two weeks but become more noticeable after a few months. A balanced diet and an active lifestyle significantly prolong the results.

Sofwave

Sofwave uses ultrasound called synchronous ultrasound parallel beam technology (SUPERBTM) to stimulate collagen production and thicken the dermal layer. This treatment is clinically proven to reduce cellulite and tighten the thighs and buttocks. It is safe for all skin types and colors.

This skin-tightening procedure focuses more on improving elasticity than lifting the glutes. It delivers fast results that remain for up to twelve months.

How Does a Nonsurgical Butt Lift Work?

Non-invasive butt lift procedures use different methods to achieve fuller, curvier, and tighter buttocks.

• Injectable treatments use fine needles to insert the neurotoxin or fillers into the rear area to restore collagen, increase volume, and smooth fine wrinkles and dimples. The body gradually breaks down and absorbs the inserted substance, fading the effects.
• CoolSculpting freezes stubborn pockets of fat in the buttock area, helping you permanently eliminate “banana rolls”. The body flushes out frozen fat cells, and the results becomes noticeable after a few months.
• Light therapy stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin by applying low-light lasers to targeted areas, firming up the buttocks, reducing cellulite, and eliminating fat deposits.
• Sofwave is a skin-remodeling cosmetic procedure that uses an ultrasound device to heat the mid-dermal tissue and rejuvenate collagen, firming up the skin and reducing cellulite.

How Does a Nonsurgical Butt Lift Differ from a Surgical Butt Lift?

A nonsurgical butt lift is a non-invasive procedure that requires no anesthesia, incisions, or recovery time. It can change the size and shape of your butt, making it firmer and more lifted.

A traditional butt lift is a surgical procedure that lifts the skin in the buttock area without changing its size or making it tighter. There are also surgical butt augmentation procedures, such as butt implants and Brazilian butt lifts.

Note: Learn about other ways to tighten skin on your legs.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Nonsurgical Butt Lift?

A suitable candidate for a nonsurgical butt lift is a person who is:

• A healthy adult looking to add volume or reshape their buttocks.
• An individual who prefers non-invasive and subtle cosmetic enhancements.
• A person with sufficient body fat in the buttock area.
• A person with moderate skin laxity and good skin elasticity.
• A non-smoker or someone willing to quit smoking.
• Has realistic expectations about the procedure and the results.

What Are the Advantages of a Nonsurgical Butt Lift?

Nonsurgical butt lift treatments have numerous advantages compared to traditional procedures.

• They are non-invasive and require no incisions.
• Recovery time is minimal, and you can resume your regular activities on the same day.
• You can change the size, shape, and contour of your buttocks.
• They are considered safe if performed by a licensed medical practitioner.
• Butt enhancement is natural, and results develop gradually.
• You can customize the treatment combining it with other cosmetic procedures.
• Side effects are mild and temporary, and the procedure is less painful than surgery.

What to Expect Before the Nonsurgical Butt Lift Procedure?

Ensuring safety and optimal results requires preparation before the procedure. Here is what you can expect to go through:

• Discuss your goals and suitability for the chosen butt lift procedure with a board-certified provider.
• The doctor will examine your buttocks and discuss your concerns and desired outcomes.
• Discuss your medical history, past cosmetic procedures, medication, and any allergies.
• After reviewing your goals and health history, the doctor will recommend the most effective treatment.
• You will receive all the necessary information to understand the procedure and potential side effects.

What to Expect During a Nonsurgical Butt Lift?

The process for a nonsurgical butt lift differs depending on the type. These procedures last thirty to sixty minutes and are typically performed in a medical office. They require no anesthesia and are minimally painful.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting butt lift procedure involves the following:

• The provider will cleanse the area and apply a clear gel pad, a barrier between the cooling panel and your skin.
• The applicator is placed on the treatment area, causing a slight tugging and cooling sensation in the first 5-10 seconds as your skin and fat are pulled between the cooling plates.
• You may feel pulling, mild pinching, cold, tingling, or aching, which typically subsides as the area becomes numb within a few minutes.
• The session may last thirty-five minutes up to an hour.
• After the session, the cosmetic team will massage the treated area to increase blood flow, break up fat cells, and enhance fat reduction.

Injections and Fillers

Filler-type butt lift procedure consists of the following:

• You will undress from the waist down and stand up or lie down flat on your stomach, depending on the injection method.
• The provider will swab the injection area with 60% to 70% alcohol.
• An anesthetic will be applied to numb the area, preventing pain or discomfort during the injection.
• The provider will use a small needle to inject dermal filler beneath your skin, and you may feel slight pressure or throbbing.
• Depending on the filler type and the desired outcome, the provider may use multiple syringes or vials per treatment (eight to twenty of Sculptra, ten syringes of Radiesse).
• The provider may place a small bandage over the injection site, after which you can get dressed again.

Note: Read our comparison article Radiesse vs. Sculptra and find out the differences between these two fillers.

Light Therapy

Light-therapy butt lift procedure entails the following:

• You will remove your clothes below the waist and put on eye protection.
• The provider will cleanse the skin in the area where light therapy will be applied.
• They will position a device near your buttocks that emits repeated light pulses. After several pulses, the device may be moved to another area.
• Once the session is done, you can remove the eye protection and get dressed again.

Softwave

A Sofwave procedure typically looks like this:

• You will remove the clothes from your waist down.
• The doctor will clean the skin and apply a strong numbing cream.
• The handheld device attached to the machine is placed on targeted points.
• Each section is heated, and you may experience a stinging sensation.
• The device beeps, indicating that it can be placed on the next section.
• The procedure lasts thirty to forty-five minutes, and you may feel sore afterward.

Nonsurgical Butt Lift Results

Results vary depending on the treatment type you select. Since a nonsurgical butt lift is not permanent, most treatments require follow-up visits to maintain the results.

Is a Nonsurgical Butt Lift Reversible?

Apart from CoolSculpting, nonsurgical butt lift results are not permanent. Depending on the treatment type, you can wait for the effects to wear off or try to reverse the outcome.

Hyaluronic-based dermal fillers can be dissolved, allowing you to change the look if unsatisfied with the results.

Sculptra, Sofwave, Bellafill, Radiesse, and Botox are irreversible treatments. Light therapy sessions may be reversed with alternative cosmetic or surgical procedures, such as liposuction.

Note: Read about how hyaluronidase injections help dissolve lip fillers.

Nonsurgical Butt Lift Aftercare

You will receive specific post-care instructions from your provider. Since this is an outpatient procedure, you can go home the same day and return to your regular activities.

The following is a list of aftercare tips for all butt lift procedures:

• Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours.
• If you experience mild pain or discomfort, you can take over-the-counter NSAIDs.
• Avoid massaging or applying heat to the treated area.
• Drink plenty of water to support the fat-elimination process after a CoolSculpting treatment.
• Refrain from alcohol and nicotine to ensure optimal healing.
• Avoid direct sun and heat exposure for three to five days, especially after light therapy.
• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Use gentle skincare products for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
• Avoid sitting directly on the treated area for extended periods for 24-48 hours.
• Follow all post-treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Note: Recover faster with the following CoolSculpting aftercare guidelines and dermal filler recovery tips.

Are There Any Side Effects of a Nonsurgical Butt Lift?

The procedure is considered safe if you adhere to the aftercare protocol. Most side effects are mild and subside on their own after several days.

These are the most common Botox side effects:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Bumps

The following is a list of typical filler side effects:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Bleeding at the injection site
• Tenderness
• Pain
• Redness
• Itchiness
• Bumps
• Rash

You can expect the following side effects after a CoolSculpting session:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Erythema (redness)
• Tenderness
• Pain
• Firmness
• Cramping
• Numbness
• Itchiness

Light therapy may provoke the following side effects:

• Rash
• Redness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Skin sensitivity
• Tenderness
• Dryness or flakiness

Sofwave patients report the following side effects:

• Discomfort
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Swelling
• Stinging

When Should You Call a Doctor?

Most side effects are temporary and mild. Contact your chosen doctor if they become severe or take longer to subside.

Get prompt medical assistance if you notice any of the following:

• Prolonged bruising or swelling
• Hyperpigmentation
• Infection
• Increasing pain
• Skin damage (e.g., ulcers, burns, blisters)
• Allergic reactions
• Lumps or nodules
• Severe headaches
• Blurred vision
• Muscle weakness
• Vascular occlusion (blood vessel blockage)

Nonsurgical Butt Lift Cost

Health insurance does not cover the procedure. The total cost depends on the treatment type and the number of units and sessions required.

Here are the average prices for different butt lift treatments:

• Sculptra – $500
• Fillers – $915 per vial
• Light therapy – $75-$125
• CoolSculpting – $3200
• Botox – $300 to $600
• Sofwave – $900 and $2400

Conclusion

Nonsurgical butt lift treatments are an effective non-invasive solution for eliminating dimples and plumping up the buttocks. Different skin-tightening cosmetic procedures offer various methods to tighten the glutes, firm up the skin, and smooth all textural irregularities.

Contact our friendly Vibrant Skin Bar staff for more information on this topic.