Uneven buttock contour
Uneven buttock contour includes asymmetry, dents, bulges or different shape between sides. Mild asymmetry is normal. More visible irregularity may reflect bone, muscle, fat, cellulite, scars, previous injections or surgery.
What you may notice
- Different height or projection between sides
- Local dents or hollows
- Bulges beside flatter areas
- Irregularity after surgery or weight change
Why it can happen
Pelvic shape, spinal alignment, muscle size and fat distribution are rarely identical. Trauma, scars, liposuction, injections and muscle or nerve problems can create acquired changes.
What may help
Exercise or physiotherapy may help an identified muscle imbalance or postural problem. Liposuction, subcision, fat transfer, implants or lifting may suit selected causes. Gluteal fat grafting carries a potentially fatal fat-embolism risk. Body-filler injections can cause serious complications, and injectable silicone should be avoided. Previous injections and surgery must be disclosed before further treatment.
When to consult
Seek medical assessment for a new change, weakness, pain, a mass or inflammation. Stable concerns need cause-based assessment.
Evidence and sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Buttock enhancement [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buttock-enhancement (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Body lift [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift (new tab)
- National Health Service. Liposuction [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/liposuction/ (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Plastic Surgery Foundation, The Aesthetic Society, Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation. Statement on patient safety during gluteal fat grafting [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/Patient-Safety/BBL/Gluteal-Fat-Grafting-Safety-Advisory_Aug22.pdf (new tab)
- US Food and Drug Administration. Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers) [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): FDA; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/dermal-fillers-soft-tissue-fillers (new tab)