What Is a BBL Surgery?

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures for enhancing curves naturally. Unlike implants, this surgery uses your own fat to create a fuller, sculpted look. Whether you want to restore lost volume, improve proportions, or achieve a more contoured silhouette, a BBL offers a customized approach to body enhancement.

Cosmetic procedures are more popular than before, with over 15.8 million surgical aesthetic treatments performed globally in 2023. The demand for body contouring, including BBL surgery, continues to rise as people seek natural, long-lasting results. 

But is a BBL right for you? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) Surgery?

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a specialized cosmetic procedure that enhances the shape and fullness of the buttocks using your body's own fat, and no implants are required. The process involves liposuction to remove fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, which is then purified and strategically injected into the buttocks.

This approach not only enhances your curves but also sculpts the surrounding areas for a more balanced, proportionate look. Since it uses your own fat, a BBL offers a softer, more natural feel compared to implants while reducing the risk of rejection or complications associated with foreign materials.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

Not everyone is a good candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift. Here’s what makes someone an ideal fit for this procedure:

• Good Health. Since a BBL involves liposuction and fat transfer, being in good health reduces the risk of complications and promotes smoother healing. Any existing medical conditions should be well-managed before surgery.
• Non-Smokers. Smoking affects blood circulation, which can compromise fat survival and slow recovery. If you smoke, your surgeon may require you to quit before and after the procedure.
• Stable Weight. Gaining or losing significant weight after a BBL can impact your results. Ideal candidates have a stable weight they can maintain long-term.
• Sufficient Fat Deposits. Since a BBL relies on your own fat, you need sufficient fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks for liposuction. If you’re very lean, alternative options may need to be discussed.
• Realistic Expectations. A BBL enhances your natural shape, and it won’t give you an exaggerated or “plastic” look. Understanding what’s achievable is key to satisfaction with your results.

Brazilian Butt Lift vs. Buttock Implants

If you’re considering buttock augmentation, you might be weighing the pros and cons of a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) versus buttock implants. 

Here’s how they compare:

A BBL is ideal if you want a natural look and feel using your own fat while also contouring other areas of your body. On the other hand, implants may be the better choice if you don’t have enough fat for transfer but still desire fuller buttocks. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine the best option for your body and goals.

What Happens Before a Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure?

Preparing for a BBL procedure involves several important steps that help set the stage for a successful surgery and recovery. It's all about planning and making sure you're ready for the procedure:

Step 1. Consultation With a Plastic Surgeon

Meet with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and explore the options available. This is the time to ask questions and make sure you're comfortable with the planned approach.

Step 2. Medical Evaluations

Undergo any necessary medical evaluations to assess your overall health and readiness for surgery. These evaluations help identify any concerns that could impact the procedure or healing process.

Step 3. Lifestyle Changes

Make important lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking and steering clear of certain medications that might interfere with the procedure or recovery.

Step 4. Post-Surgery Arrangements

Plan for transportation and any assistance you'll need after the surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home and help support you during the initial recovery period.

Step 5. Pre-Surgery Guidelines

Follow the healthcare provider’s pre-surgery instructions closely. These guidelines often include dietary restrictions and other recommendations to facilitate a smooth procedure and healing process.

What Happens During a Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure?

The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is a meticulous process involving several essential steps to enhance your curves effectively. Here's what you can expect during the surgery:

Step 1. Anesthesia Administration

A board-certified anesthesiologist administers anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. This helps you stay relaxed and free from pain during the surgery.

Step 2. Liposuction of Donor Areas

Fat is gently removed from donor areas such as the tummy or thighs through precise liposuction techniques. This step not only helps contour these areas but also provides the necessary fat for transfer.

Step 3. Purification of Harvested Fat

The removed fat is carefully processed and purified to ensure only healthy fat cells are readied for re-injection. This essential step enhances the success and longevity of the fat grafting.

Step 4. Fat Injection into Buttocks

The surgeon skillfully injects the purified fat into the subcutaneous part of the buttocks with precision, sculpting to achieve the desired volume and shape. This step is key to creating a natural, enhanced appearance.

Step 5. Closure and Recovery Aids

Once the fat is in place, any small incisions are closed with care. A compression garment is then applied to support the area, aid in swelling reduction, and enhance the recovery process.

What Happens After a Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure?

Post-surgery care is vital to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results from your Brazilian Butt Lift. Here's what you need to keep in mind during the recovery phase:

Wearing a Compression Garment

As advised, a compression garment should be worn to help reduce swelling and support the healing of your new curves. It plays an important role in contouring your body and stabilizing the fat transfer.

Recovery Timeline

The recovery period generally spans several weeks. Initial recovery, allowing you to return to normal activities, takes about two weeks, but full healing requires more time.

Special Sitting Arrangements

It's important to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for a specified period. Using a special pillow can help distribute pressure and protect the newly transferred fat.

Avoiding Strenuous Activities

Refrain from heavy lifting and difficult activities that could strain the affected areas, as these might disrupt the healing process and affect results.

Important Follow-Up Appointments

Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon are essential for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments to your care plan. These appointments help track your healing and the success of the procedure.

What Are the Advantages of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Here are some compelling advantages of this procedure:

• Natural Curves. By using your fat for enhancement, the Brazilian Butt Lift creates natural, smooth curves that integrate seamlessly with your body. This approach provides an authentic look and feel, in contrast to the artificiality some may associate with implants.
• Targeted Fat Reduction. The procedure simultaneously addresses other body areas by removing unwanted fat through liposuction. This results in a more sculpted appearance overall, eliminating excess skin and refining your body's contours.
• Long-Lasting Outcomes. With a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and maintaining stable weight, the results of a Brazilian Butt Lift can be long-lasting. This dual benefit of added volume and fat loss supports maintaining a balanced physique over time.
• Improved Skin Tone and Texture. In addition to volume enhancement, fat transfer can lead to better skin tone and texture. The regenerative properties of fat cells contribute to a smoother, more youthful skin appearance.

What Are the Risks or Complications of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Like any surgical procedure, the Brazilian Butt Lift carries potential risks and complications, which should be considered and discussed with a qualified plastic surgeon. 

Here are some possible concerns:

• Fat Necrosis. Some of the transferred fat may not establish a proper blood supply, leading to fat cell death, known as fat necrosis. To minimize this risk, it’s essential to follow post-surgery guidelines closely.
• Infection Risk. Any surgical site can become infected if aftercare is neglected. Adhering to sterile practices and following the surgeon's advice on wound care helps prevent this complication.
• Blood Clots. Although rare, blood clots can form post-surgery, necessitating immediate medical attention. Awareness of symptoms and early intervention are key.
• Allergic Reactions. Some individuals might experience reactions to medications or anesthesia used during the procedure. Pre-operative discussions and assessments can help identify potential issues.
• Asymmetry and Volume Loss. If the fat doesn’t integrate as expected, uneven results or varying volume loss might occur. Surgeons often plan for this, injecting a slight excess amount to accommodate natural absorption.

Schedule Your Consultation for Beautiful Curves

At Riverside Facial Plastic Surgery & Sinus Center, we specialize in enhancing natural curves with expert BBL procedures. Our board-certified team is here to answer your questions, discuss realistic outcomes, and guide you toward a result that fits your body and aesthetic goals.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation today to explore whether a BBL is right for you. Call us now or book an appointment online.