George
21 Feb 2024

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

A Brazilian butt lift, also known as a BBL, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and overall size of the buttocks. During the procedure, excess fat from other areas of the body is removed using liposuction (often from the abdomen or thighs) and then transferred to the buttocks. The result is often a much fuller, more shapely appearance.

Benefits of a Brazilian Butt Lift

There are many benefits to a Brazilian butt lift, including:

  • Enhanced, fuller appearance
  • Natural-looking results
  • Minimally invasive compared to implants
  • Reduced risk of complications

Who is a Candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift?

You might be a candidate for a Brazilian butt lift if you are 18 years old or older and:

  • Are in good overall health
  • Desire a fuller appearance
  • Willing to follow post-operative instructions
  • Have excess fat deposits (that can be used for the augmentation, such as from the thighs or abdomen)

Your surgeon will determine if you are a candidate for the procedure during your consultation. 

What is the Difference Between a Brazilian Butt Lift and Butt Implants?

A Brazilian butt lift uses your fat for augmentation (a fuller appearance). Implants use synthetic material that is placed into the buttocks. A Brazilian butt lift is a much more natural option and a less invasive procedure than implants. 

Brazilian butt lift

What To Expect

During your consultation, you’ll meet with your plastic surgeon/cosmetic surgeon who will ask you about your goals and expectations for a Brazilian butt lift. They will also conduct a thorough health evaluation, review your medical history, and determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. 

If found to be a candidate, your surgeon will conduct a physical examination to evaluate your current body proportions, fat deposits, and the quality of your skin. A personalized treatment plan will be customized based on your needs. They will also answer any questions and review the procedure in detail.

During your BBL procedure, you’ll be administered anesthesia, which can vary based on your surgeon’s recommendations. Liposuction will be performed on the predetermined areas of your body, the fat will be purified to ensure only healthy fat cells are used for augmentation, and the fat will be injected into your buttocks to achieve the desired volume. Small incisions will be made to administer the fat, which will then be closed with sutures (or adhesive) once the procedure is complete.

What Happens After the BBL Procedure?

After your BBL procedure, you’ll need to have someone drive you home. It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a week or two after. You might need to wear compression garments for a few weeks to support the healing process and reduce swelling. 

Most people can begin to ease back into their normal activities beginning around two to three weeks after the procedure. However, this should be done very gradually. It typically takes six to eight weeks to resume all normal activities and strenuous activity. 

Your surgeon will monitor your progress during scheduled follow-up appointments and provide you with specific post-care instructions.

Are There Risks?

While rare, the risks associated with a BBL include infection, fat embolism, asymmetry, scarring, fat absorption, blood clots, and changes in sensation. Your surgeon will review the potential risks with you and answer any questions. 

How Can I Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon for a BBL?

It’s extremely important to choose a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon for your BBL procedure. When considering which plastic surgeon is the best, research their qualifications, read reviews, and request before and after photos of previous patients. During your consultation, ask how many procedures they have performed and how long they have been providing BBL services. It’s important to choose a plastic surgeon you feel comfortable with and who aligns with your aesthetic goals. 

Brazilian butt lift

Are the Results Permanent?

The results from a Brazilian butt lift are long-lasting. Factors such as aging, lifestyle, changes in weight, and lifestyle can affect how long the results last. To maximize your optimal BBL results, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations. 

Cost

The cost of a Brazilian butt lift procedure can vary depending on your specific needs. Please contact our office for an estimate. 

Additional Commonly Asked Questions

  • Is a Brazilian Butt Lift a suitable option for me if I have a limited amount of excess fat for liposuction?

    Brazilian butt lift surgery relies on the availability of excess fat for liposuction and injection into the buttocks. If you have a limited amount of extracted fat, it might not be possible for you to receive BBL. The success of BBL largely depends on having an adequate source of fat for fat grafting. Plastic surgeons performing Brazilian butt lift procedures carefully assess each patient's unique anatomy to determine if there is enough fat for the augmentation. In cases where there is a minimal amount of fat available for grafting, alternative buttock augmentation options, such as implants, might be discussed.

  • How can I manage post-operative discomfort and swelling?

    Managing post-operative discomfort and swelling is a common concern after Brazilian butt lift surgery. To minimize these issues, patients are advised to follow their Brazilian butt lift surgeon's post-operative instructions diligently. These instructions typically include:

    • Taking prescribed pain medications as directed to manage discomfort
    • Wearing compression garments to reduce swelling and provide support to the injected fat
    • Avoiding prolonged sitting or lying on your back for the first few weeks after surgery to protect the newly injected fat
    • Engaging in light, gentle walking to encourage blood circulation without placing excess strain on the buttocks
    • Following a balanced diet and staying hydrated to support the healing process
    • Attending scheduled follow-up appointments with your Brazilian butt lift surgeon for assessments and guidance on recovery progress

    By adhering to these recommendations and closely monitoring your healing process, you can help manage post-operative discomfort and swelling effectively.

  • Is there a specific age range for BBL candidates, and are there any age-related considerations for the procedure?

    In most cases, Brazilian butt lift candidates should be 18 years old or older. Brazilian butt lift procedures are generally performed on adult individuals who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcome.

    Additional age-related considerations also come into play when determining if someone is a candidate for BBL. This is because as people age, skin elasticity and the ability to recover from surgery can change. Older candidates might experience different outcomes compared to younger ones. Additionally, the quality and quantity of available fat for grafting can vary with age. Brazilian butt lift surgeons evaluate each patient individually, taking into account factors such as skin elasticity, health status, and the presence of sufficient extracted fat.