What is Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?
Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

What is Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

    The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has gained significant popularity in recent years as a cosmetic procedure that aims to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks. This surgery has captured the attention of individuals seeking to achieve a curvier and more defined rear end. 

    What is Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

    A BBL, which stands for Brazilian Butt Lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks. Unlike traditional butt augmentation methods that use implants, a BBL uses the patient's own fat to achieve the desired results. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a more natural and youthful appearance. The BBL procedure typically involves the following steps:

    • • Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's overall health, discuss their cosmetic goals, and determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
    • • Anesthesia: On the day of the surgery, the patient is placed under either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
    • • Liposuction: The surgeon begins the BBL procedure by performing liposuction to harvest fat from areas of the body with excess fat deposits. Common areas for liposuction include the abdomen, thighs, flanks (love handles), or back. The liposuction process involves making small incisions in the targeted areas and using a thin tube called a cannula to suction out the fat.
    • • Fat Purification: The extracted fat is then carefully purified to separate healthy fat cells from other substances, such as blood and fluids. This process ensures that only viable fat cells are used for the transfer.
    • • Fat Injection: The purified fat is injected strategically into various layers of the buttocks to achieve the desired shape and volume. The surgeon will use their artistic skill to sculpt and contour the buttocks, creating a natural and proportionate appearance. Multiple injections may be performed to achieve the desired outcome.
    • • Closing Incisions: After the fat transfer is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. These incisions are typically small and strategically placed to minimize visible scarring.

    • Recovery and Aftercare: After the procedure, the patient will be monitored in a recovery area. They may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in both the liposuction and buttock areas. Patients are usually advised to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the healing process. It's essential to follow the surgeon's post-operative instructions diligently to ensure a smooth recovery and optimize the results.

    Who Is a Good Candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift?

    Good candidates for a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) are individuals who meet certain criteria and have realistic expectations about the procedure's outcomes. Here are some characteristics that make someone a suitable candidate for a BBL:

    • • Sufficient Fat Reserves: Since a BBL involves using the patient's own fat for the buttock augmentation, candidates should have enough excess fat in other areas of their body to harvest for the fat transfer. Common areas for liposuction include the abdomen, thighs, flanks (love handles), or back.
    • • Good Overall Health: Candidates should be in good general health and not have any medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia.
    • • Stable Weight: It is important for candidates to have a stable body weight. Fluctuations in weight can impact the long-term results of a BBL, so patients are encouraged to reach and maintain a healthy and stable weight before considering the procedure.
    • • Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the results of a BBL. While the procedure can enhance the shape and size of the buttocks, it cannot provide dramatic or unrealistic changes. The surgeon will discuss what can be realistically achieved based on the individual's body type and fat distribution.
    • • No Smoking: Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Candidates are typically advised to quit smoking before the procedure.
    • • Emotional Well-being: Undergoing any cosmetic procedure can have an emotional impact, and candidates should be emotionally stable and capable of handling the changes in their appearance.

    • Willingness to Follow Post-Operative Instructions: BBL requires proper post-operative care, including wearing compression garments, avoiding sitting or lying directly on the buttocks for a certain period, and following the surgeon's guidelines for a smooth recovery.

    Will The Results Of a Brazilian Butt Lift Be Permanent?

    The results of a Brazilian Butt Lift can be long-lasting, but not entirely permanent. During the procedure, fat cells are taken from one area of the body and injected into the buttocks, and some of these cells may not survive the transfer. However, a portion of the transferred fat cells can become a permanent part of the buttocks. To ensure long-term results, it's essential to follow post-operative guidelines diligently. Avoiding direct pressure on the buttocks, wearing compression garments, maintaining a stable weight, and leading a healthy lifestyle can all contribute to preserving the outcome. Regular follow-up with your surgeon is also crucial for monitoring progress.

    What are The Advantages Of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

    The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) offers several benefits to those seeking to enhance the shape and appearance of their buttocks. Here are the key advantages of the BBL:

    • • Enhanced Buttock Contour: The primary benefit of a BBL is the noticeable improvement in the shape and contour of the buttocks. The procedure allows for a more rounded, lifted, and youthful appearance.
    • • Natural-Looking Results: Since the BBL uses the patient's own fat for augmentation, the results tend to look and feel more natural compared to buttock implants.
    • • Dual Benefit of Liposuction: The procedure involves liposuction to harvest fat from other areas like the abdomen, thighs, or hips, providing patients with the added benefit of body contouring in these areas.
    • • Customization: BBLs can be tailored to the patient's desired outcome. Surgeons can sculpt the buttocks according to individual preferences and body proportions.
    • • Minimal Scarring: The incisions made for liposuction and fat injection are small, resulting in minimal scarring that tends to fade over time.
    • • Long-Lasting Results: While not entirely permanent, a substantial portion of the transferred fat can survive, leading to long-lasting improvements in buttock appearance.
    • • Increased Self-Confidence: Many patients experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence after achieving their desired buttock shape.
    • • No Foreign Implants: Unlike buttock implants, there is no risk of implant-related complications, such as rupture or shifting.
    • • Shorter Recovery Compared to Implants: BBL typically involves a shorter recovery period compared to traditional buttock implant surgery.

    • Lower Risk of Infection: Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, there is a reduced risk of infection or adverse reactions.

    Are There Any Risks or Potential Complications Associated With The Brazilian Butt Lift?

    Like any surgical procedure, a Brazilian Butt Lift carries some risks. Complications may include infection, bleeding, fat embolism, asymmetry, and skin irregularities. Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and following post-operative instructions carefully can minimize these risks.

    How Long is The Recovery Period After a Brazilian Butt Lift?

    The recovery period after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) can vary from person to person, but generally, it takes several weeks to a few months for a full recovery. A Brazilian Butt Lift is a surgical procedure that involves liposuction to harvest fat from other areas of the body and then injecting that fat into the buttocks to enhance their shape and size.

    Here's a rough outline of the typical recovery stages:

    • • Immediate post-surgery: After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where medical staff will monitor you. You might experience some pain, swelling, and bruising at this stage.
    • • First week: You will likely need to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the newly transferred fat. You might also be restricted from sitting or lying directly on your buttocks for the first week or two to protect the fat grafts.
    • • First month: Swelling and bruising should start to subside during this period, but you should still be cautious with your movements and activities. You may gradually return to light daily activities, but avoid strenuous exercises.
    • • Second and third months: By this time, most of the swelling should have resolved, and you can gradually resume more activities and exercises as directed by your surgeon. However, it's still essential to be gentle with your buttocks and avoid putting pressure on them.

    • Long-term recovery: Over the next several months, the final results of the Brazilian Butt Lift will become more apparent as the swelling completely subsides and the fat grafts settle into their new position.

    The content of the page is for informational purposes only, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

    About the Author

    Medical Editorial Board

    Medical Editorial Board

    Approved by on 28.07.2023

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    AlperURAL
    Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

    Assoc. Prof. M.D.

    Alper URAL

    Koru Ankara Hospital