Saggy buttocks is a common side effect of ageing, genetics or dramatic weight loss in men and women. As the buttocks store a high level of fat, it is normal for this area to sag over time. 

A saggy bum may cause a loss of self-confidence, and affect the clothes people wear. Sagging buttocks can be resolved though, and many steps can be taken to prevent a saggy behind. The options range from surgery, such as the Brazilian Butt Lift to non-surgical alternatives such as Sculptra or Morphus8. If sagging buttocks are causing you concern, then we’re going to share all that you need to know about this condition in this article. 

What Causes Sagging Buttocks?

Sagging buttocks can be caused by a variety of factors. Generally, these are linked to the gluteal muscles which are the largest muscles in your behind. These muscles are strong which adds to the firm and taut appearance of the buttocks. It is completely natural for buttocks to sag over time and understanding the causes will help you to find the best solution. 

• Ageing: As we age, the gluteal muscles naturally lose some of their strength and tone. This means that the buttocks and thighs begin to lose the firm appearance that they previously had. Even those who maintain an active lifestyle may find they’re buttocks sag over time. This is due to the fat surrounding the gluteal muscles breaking down - this is a natural process and occurs all over the body. It is normal to start seeing this process in your late to mid- 40s and will continue as you get older. Many patients find a Buttock Lift or BBL treats this concern effectively and counteracts the loss of confidence which is common with sagging bum. 
• Lack of exercise/poor diet: A lifestyle that sees little exercise and perhaps poor diet choices can add to a flat saggy bum. Exercise helps to tone and the gluteal muscles resulting in firmer more perky buttocks. When exercise is lacking, excess fat cells sit between the gluteal muscles and skin. This can lead to the skin stretching creating excess saggy buttocks skin, which exacerbates the appearance of saggy buttocks. Consistent exercise will help to improve the appearance of your buttocks within 3-6 months.   
• Sitting still for prolonged periods of time: Many of us have jobs where sitting still for long periods of time is unavoidable. Unfortunately, jobs that keep you in a sitting position may make a flabby bum worse. This is because it causes excess fat cells to build up around the buttocks causing them to sag as well as loss of tone in the gluteal muscles. 
• Dramatic weight loss: It is very normal to experience a saggy butt after weight loss. Excess fat cells cause the skin to stretch. When we lose weight, the skin cannot always bounce back to its previous shape and position due to loss of collagen and elastin. This leads to excess skin that adds to saggy buttocks. 

Are There Any Other Surgeries That May Be Beneficial?

While treating saggy buttocks, for many women it makes sense to also remedy other issues that they have around the lower part of the body. This can lead to an overall improved body image and one that boosts confidence. Surgeries that can complement a buttock lift include: 

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift targets loose and sagging skin around the thighs. This procedure leads to skin that feels smoother and has a firmer appearance. This successfully addresses loose skin around the thighs and hips, which in turn can alter the appearance of your buttocks. This is a good option if your surgeon advises you that the perceived area of concern is not where you would yield your desired results.

Liposuction

Lipo perfectly complements saggy buttock surgery as well as thigh lifts. It sees the removal of excess fat and can lead to areas of the body looking more toned and contoured. If your concern is excess fat rather than loose skin, then body liposuction would be more effective in the first instance. However, this isn't to say that a combination of this and a thigh or buttock lift wouldn't be advisable.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

A brazilian butt lift combines the 'lift' of a traditional butt lift with adding volume, shape, and contour by utilising your own body's fat tissue. If you're concerned that the appearance of your sagging buttocks is because it feels flat or without definition, then a BBL might be the right fit for you. This procedure became particularly popular because it does not use artificial implants - fat is taken from other parts of your body - but despite this it is still vitally important to talk through with a surgeon. There are a number of options available for BBL surgery, so it is bespoken for you. Skinny BBL is appropriate for slimmer patients and Male BBL takes into accountconsiders the specific concerns men may have about their buttocks. 

Non-Surgical Options for Saggy Buttocks

For those who feel that they are not ready for saggy buttock surgery, there are a couple of non-surgical options to consider. Both involve being injected around the buttocks and can provide long-lasting results. 

The options to consider are:

• Sculptra: This is an injection that stimulates the production of collagen. It is a popular facial treatment but can also be beneficial to the appearance of the buttocks. The production of collagen can lead to the buttocks having a more contoured appearance along with added volume. You will initially require two sessions, spaced 6 weeks apart, and maintenance treatments every 2 years to maintain the results. 
• Fillers: Dermal fillers are another injectable solution. The active ingredient in this is hyaluronic acid which is a natural substance found in our bodies. Fillers can help fill out hollows and give a smoother and more toned appearance. Depending on the fillers used they will last in your body for 6 - 18 months and you will require maintenance sessions to keep the results long term.

Are Diet and Lifestyle Linked to Saggy Buttocks?

Given that a flabby bum has a major association with weak gluteal muscles, there is a clear link between lifestyle and sagging buttocks. Of course, ageing and some genetic factors will also play a part, but some actions can be taken to strengthen and tone the gluteal muscles and at least delay sagging buttocks.  

In terms of diet, this alone will not address any issues but can play an important role. Avoiding processed foods, added sugars and excessive calories is a given to prevent a build-up of excess fat. Exercises recommended by the NHS include: 

• Squats
• Side-lying leg raises
• Bridges
• One leg kickbacks 
• Lunges

These exercises work by targeting the gluteal muscles. They also strengthen and tone muscles in the lower back and upper leg.

What Causes Loose Skin on the Thighs?

Loose skin on the thighs can occur naturally as one ages. This is because the skin loses elasticity as we get older as we lose collagen and elastin levels, and the skin starts to sag or look loose, losing the firm appearance the thighs naturally had.  

Another reason why people get loose skin on their thighs is because of weight loss, especially if they’re older. Combined with the loss of elasticity, sudden weight loss means the skin no longer returns to where it should be. This can cause sagging if a large amount of weight has been lost.

Can You Get Rid of Saggy Thighs?

If you’re wondering ‘can I tighten loose skin on my thighs’ then there are a variety of surgical and non-surgical options for you.  

Surgical procedures are frequently the most feasible way to decrease thigh fat. Expert surgeons can target the fat in your thighs and remove it, leaving you with the legs you desired. Here at the Cadogan Clinic, our surgeons are highly experienced in carrying out thigh lifts and liposuction, perfect for getting rid of saggy thighs. 

A thigh lift is a surgical operation that is performed under general anaesthesia. It is utilised to reduce excess sagging skin and enhance the overall appearance of your thighs. Incisions are made, and extra skin is removed before the thigh is re-sculpted to look more appealing. There may be instances when your surgeon suggests combining this with liposuction, which can target any excess fat in your thighs. 

How Can I Tighten Loose Skin on My Thighs Naturally (Without Surgery)?

If you are interested in reducing your thigh fat naturally, without surgery, the best solutions are a combination of nutrition and exercise. 

There have been claims of various topical therapies that, when applied to the thigh, induce the skin to tighten and appear more appealing, but their usefulness is questionable. Such treatments, without a doubt, would be incapable of offering a long-term remedy.  

When considering how to reduce sagging thighs it’s important to understand cosmetic procedures deliver outcomes that diet and exercise alone cannot provide. That is why they are so popular among people who want to lose fat in this area.  

If you are concerned about having sagging buttocks our dedicated surgical advisors can organise a consultation with an expert to put your mind at ease over any concerns that you may have about a surgical procedure. Our flexible payment options on offer mean surgeries to address sagging buttocks are accessible to anyone.