Can Vacuum Therapy Give You A Butt Lift? A Plastic Surgeon Details The 'Procedure' For Us

Those searching for a non-invasive alternative to the traditional Brazilian butt lift (BBL) are in luck thanks to the vacuum therapy technique. This technique, which is also referred to as vacuotherapy and depressomassage, promises to reduce cellulite and lift the buttocks for a firmer look, per Healthline. But does suction truly reshape your rear? Glam spoke to board-certified plastic surgeon, founder of Aura Aestetica, and co-founder of RxGenerate Dr. Jonathan Kanevsky to cut through the confusion.

"Vacuum therapy is a temporary procedure that uses suction to increase blood flow to the surface of the buttock," Dr. Kanevsky explains in an exclusive interview with Glam. "It creates temporary swelling which gives the impression of fuller buttocks." Dr. Kanevsky, who specializes in minimally invasive body contouring, also reveals how experts use a similar technique to increase the size of the breasts. While the swelling from the suction process creates the appearance of a butt lift or breast enlargement, you should not expect permanent results from this appealing service.

A typical vacuum therapy session makes use of a set of large suction cups, similar to the ones you would see during cupping therapy, but the suction cups are controlled by a mechanical device that delivers controlled pressure (via Healthline). A certified provider will attach the suction cups to each side of your buttocks for about 30 to 45 minutes, which will either precede or follow a massage. The number of sessions you'll need to see results will vary from patient to patient and provider to provider, but you may need anywhere up to eight to achieve the desired effect. As Dr. Jonathan Kanevsky tells Glam exclusively that vacuum therapy only creates the "temporary effect of fuller buttocks," you will need to attend regular appointments to maintain the lift.

While the effects of vacuum therapy are not long-lasting, this technique poses many benefits in comparison to more invasive options, such as plastic surgery. For instance, vacuum therapy does not leave any incision scars and you don't experience any downtime after treatment. Instead, you can anticipate mild swelling, tightness, and discomfort during and after your session.

While some individuals report positive effects with vacuum therapy and similar alternative treatments, including fascia blasting, which aims to tighten the skin and reduce cellulite, there is limited evidence to suggest these methods make viable alternatives for standard cosmetic procedures. As Dr. Jonathan Kanevsky explains, vacuum therapy leads to swelling. This creates a smoothing effect, but it does not provide long-term results. However, vacuum therapy does encourage lymphatic drainage, which removes toxins and water retention.

If you're looking for a longer-lasting lift, consider a traditional butt lift. "A traditional butt lift is a type of fat transfer," Dr. Kanevsky tells Glam exclusively. "Liposuction is used to harvest fat from the body that is then injected into the breast or buttocks." This is a more permanent alternative to vacuum therapy. For those interested in improving the tone of their glutes, Dr. Kanevsky also recommends "filler with products like Sculptra and Emsculpt, [which] can enhance muscle tone, or traditional good old squats at the gym!"