V Lift
in Miami
A True Buttock Lift that Reshapes the Hips & Backside
The lower body can lose shape in ways that volume alone can’t address. If you’ve noticed loose skin and sagging in the hips and buttocks, a V Lift at PURE Plastic Surgery in Miami, Florida, with Dr. Natalia Vidal can restore firmer, more youthful contours. This advanced procedure removes sagging tissue and reshapes the lower body with liposuction and fat transfer for a lift that looks defined, not just “fuller.”
What Is the V Lift?
The V Lift is a surgical buttock lift performed by double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Natalia Vidal. Unlike a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), which adds volume via fat transfer, the V Lift eliminates and tightens sagging skin to improve lower body contours.
The V Lift addresses three things in one procedure:
- Loose skin in the hips and buttocks
- Excess fat and contour irregularities across the back and flanks
- Shape and contour of the hips and buttocks
"The V Lift is a modification of a lower body lift," Dr. Vidal explains. "The incision looks like a V, starting in the center of the buttocks and extending laterally, basically like a thong or bikini line. It lifts the hips and buttocks and it takes care of a lot of the irregularities that can happen in the area because of skin laxity."
Is the V Lift the Same as a BBL?
The names sound similar, so it’s easy to assume a buttock lift and a BBL do the same thing. In reality, they solve different problems: one primarily adds volume, while the other focuses on lifting and reshaping loose tissue. Here’s how they compare.
A BBL uses fat transfer to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks. It's a volume procedure with no skin removal involved. A BBL is the right call for patients with good skin elasticity who want a fuller, rounder backside.
A V Lift is a true lift. Skin is excised, the buttock and hip tissue are repositioned, and fat is transferred to refine the final contour. This is the right procedure when skin laxity is part of the picture and a BBL alone wouldn't deliver the result you want.
Is the V Lift the Same as a BBL?
The names sound similar, so it’s easy to assume a buttock lift and a BBL do the same thing. In reality, they solve different problems: one primarily adds volume, while the other focuses on lifting and reshaping loose tissue. Here’s how they compare.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a V Lift?
The V Lift is designed for patients with skin laxity in the hips and buttocks, particularly those who have lost a significant amount of weight or who have already had a tummy tuck.
Good candidates typically:
- Have noticeable skin laxity or contour irregularities in the hip and buttock area
- Have already had a tummy tuck and want to address the lower body next
- Want a true lift, not just added volume
- Are at or near a stable goal weight with a healthy BMI (33.5 or less)
- Are non-smokers in good overall health
If skin laxity isn't a major concern and you simply want more volume, Dr. Vidal will likely steer you toward a BBL or South Beach Butt Lift (SoBeBL) instead. During your consultation, Dr. Vidal evaluates your concerns, skin quality and anatomy to determine which approach is right for you. At PURE, no two surgical plans are exactly the same, because every recommendation is shaped around your proportions and goals.
Can the V Lift Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes, and in many cases, Dr. Vidal recommends it.
Because the V Lift focuses on the lower body, patients often combine it with a 180-degree back lift to extend the contouring further up the torso. Liposuction of additional areas, like the inner thighs or under the armpits, can also be added if it fits within the safe operating window. Dr. Vidal limits combined procedures to approximately five hours of surgical time, which keeps complication rates low.
For weight loss patients, the V Lift is typically performed after a tummy tuck or mommy makeover has already addressed the breasts and abdomen. Adding the V Lift as a second-stage procedure lets the body fully recover between operations and produces stronger overall results.
What If I Don’t Have Enough Fat to Transfer?
Not every V Lift candidate has enough fat available for a meaningful transfer. Massive weight loss patients, especially, tend to come in lean, with very little donor fat left to harvest. For those patients, Dr. Vidal uses a technique called auto augmentation. “Instead of removing that excess tissue, I kind of ‘fold it up’ to achieve volume in the buttocks,” she explains.
What Happens During V Lift Surgery?
A V Lift is performed under general anesthesia at PURE's Joint Commission-accredited surgical facility in Miami. Total surgical time is typically four to five hours, depending on the extent of liposuction and whether the procedure is combined with auto augmentation, additional contouring or a 180-degree back lift.
Dr. Vidal performs the V Lift in stages:
- Liposuction of the back and flanks. Dr. Vidal removes fat from the entire back, including the upper back, lower back and flanks. The fat is then purified and reserved for transfer. For patients with limited donor fat, this stage may be modified or skipped in favor of auto augmentation.
- The surgical buttock lift. A V-shaped incision is placed in the upper portion of the buttocks, hidden along where a thong or bikini line falls. The incision extends laterally on both sides, where it can connect with an existing tummy tuck scar if you've had one. Excess skin is removed and the buttock tissue is lifted and repositioned. If auto augmentation is part of your plan, Dr. Vidal folds in tissue from the upper buttock area at this stage to create internal volume.
- Fat transfer to hips and buttocks. When donor fat is available, the purified fat is transferred to the hips and buttocks to add shape and volume, smoothing out any remaining contour irregularities. Dr. Vidal places fat strategically to address asymmetry and create a balanced silhouette from both the front and back.
- Incision closure and drain placement. Incisions are closed with multi-layer suturing. Two surgical drains are placed to manage swelling. You'll wake up wearing a compression garment.
The V-shaped scar is strategically placed so that everyday clothing, swimwear and lingerie cover it. As the scar matures over the first six to twelve months, it fades from pink to a thin, pale line.
What Is the V Lift Recovery Like?
Recovery from a V Lift is more involved than a BBL because of the surgical lifting component. Plan for at least one to two weeks off from work and follow Dr. Vidal's post-op instructions carefully. While everyone heals differently, here is a general breakdown of the typical recovery timeline:
- Days 1 to 7: You can expect some pain and swelling in the hips and buttocks. Drains are placed during surgery and should remain in place until removed by Dr. Vidal. Begin your lymphatic massages and wear your compression garments as instructed. You’ll have a mandatory post-op check-in on day five to assess your recovery and address any questions you may have.
- Weeks 1 to 2: Things will start to feel more manageable, but your body is still in recovery mode. Continue to wear your compression garments, get your lymphatic massages and avoid strenuous activity. Drains are often removed by this time and many patients can resume light desk work after one to two weeks.
- Weeks 2 to 6: By this point, pain is drastically reduced and most patients feel comfortable moving normally and resuming normal activities. Exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Vidal. Swelling will also continue to subside and you’ll start to see your final results.
- 6+ Weeks: Most swelling has resolved and your final contours become visible. Your incision lines will begin to lighten and fade, blending in better with the surrounding skin. To ensure an optimal scar appearance, follow all incision care guidelines closely and avoid sun exposure. UV rays (especially in Miami) can permanently darken fresh scars, making them more noticeable.
If you’re flying into Miami for your V Lift at PURE, you’ll be cleared to travel and return home after your post-op check-in with Dr. Vidal at day five. We partner with AC Hotel Miami Dadeland and arrange for transportation to and from your appointments for an easy, seamless experience! View our resource page for out-of-town patients for more information on booking, accommodations and travel planning.
What Results Can I Expect from My V Lift?
As your V Lift results develop, you’ll see firmer, more youthful contours in the hips and buttocks, along with balanced curves and a sculpted, defined back. Because the procedure addresses both laxity and volume, the final outcome is more comprehensive than a BBL alone, especially for patients with loose skin.
Your final results take some time to develop as swelling resolves and the tissues settle into their new position. Some fat resorption is also normal in the months following surgery — Dr. Vidal accounts for this when planning your procedure. Since the lifting effect is structural and the transferred fat becomes permanent, you can expect to enjoy your new contours for years, especially with a healthy lifestyle.
What Our Patients Say
“Just an all around amazing experience and amazing people. They really care for their patients (before AND after surgery). I'm 6 weeks post up and so far loving my results. Dr. Vidal was my surgeon. She is the sweetest and so caring. Love her!” — Miranda K.
“Dr. Natalia Vidal performed my surgery, and she was absolutely amazing. She walked me through every step of the process, so I knew exactly what to expect both before and after the procedure. I couldn't be happier with the results—they are exactly what I wanted and needed.” — Natascia F.
“Dr. Vidal far exceeded my expectations. She was not pushy and listened to my goals and wants that I wanted to achieve for my body. She made sure that I met all pre-op requirements prior to surgery and went over everything from beginning to end and explained how she would achieve my goals. I cannot express my gratitude enough Dr. Vidal, thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart.” — Mercedes Q.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Vidal for Advanced Body Contouring
Dr. Natalia Vidal is double-board-certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). She completed two fellowships, one in burn and reconstructive surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and a second in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Miami. She was personally trained in BBL techniques by Dr. S. Alexander Earle, founder of PURE Plastic Surgery and President of the World Association of Gluteal Surgeons (WAGS).
Dr. Vidal is one of the few female plastic surgeons in Miami performing facelifts, breast procedures and complex body contouring at this level. Her expertise in restoring shape and proportion (particularly after pregnancy or weight loss) is what drew her to develop the V Lift at PURE.
For massive weight loss patients, Dr. Vidal often combines the V Lift with a 180-degree back lift and fat transfer to the hips and buttocks. We don’t get to choose where and how the fat comes off when we lose weight, so the V Lift is designed to restore smooth, balanced proportions. This procedure can also address changes in the hips and buttocks caused by factors related to aging and pregnancy.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What is a buttock lift?
Will a V Lift make my buttocks look smaller?
When can I sit normally after a V Lift?
Will I have visible scarring?
Can I get a V Lift after a tummy tuck?
Can I combine a V Lift with a thigh lift?
How much does a V Lift cost in Miami?
Who is not a good candidate for a V Lift?
The staff at pure is absolutely amazing!
Best customer service. Everyone from the office was so welcoming and friendly. From the first initial phone call with Rose up until the procedure she was so helpful and caring. Yeni performed Aveli on me and she was the best. She was very caring and very informative. She always made sure I was comfortable and feeling no pain. You can’t go wrong with choosing Pure Plastic Surgery!
Dr. Garret is a highly professional plastic surgeon. His staff are warm and very friendly. I did a breast and lift augmentation; He did an excellent job! I love my results. I would recommend him with closed eyes.
Amazing place to have your plastic surgery! Thank you so much Pure Plastic Surgery for such a great experience. From the initial consultation to post-surgery follow-ups, the entire experience was top-notch. Dr. Garret Wegerif expertise and professionalism put me at ease, and the outcome exceeded my expectations. Thanks to all the team for checking up on me every day….. you are the best!
