A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a surgery where a doctor moves fat from areas like the stomach, hips, lower back, or thighs to the buttocks. The main goal is to increase volume and create a more hourglass figure.
Unlike its name suggests, a BBL doesn’t actually lift the buttocks. Instead, it focuses on adding shape and size. When fat is taken from the waist or lower back, it can also make the waist look slimmer and more defined.
This procedure is also called gluteal fat grafting, fat transfer to the buttocks, or safe subcutaneous buttock augmentation (SSBA).
In some cases, if a person has very little body fat, they may be a candidate for a “skinny BBL.” The surgeon may remove fat from less common areas or suggest gaining some weight before surgery. It’s important to note that donor fat from another person is not safe and cannot be used.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 23 and 30 and no major health issues are usually good candidates. If your BMI is under 23, you may still qualify for a skinny BBL, depending on your body and goals.
A key benefit of a BBL is fuller buttocks, which creates a more youthful and curvy shape. It can also lift the lower buttocks, reducing sagging from age or weight loss.
As a result, many people see a smoother, more balanced look. Some also notice less visible cellulite and firmer skin.
Clothes often fit better, and body shape looks more defined.
Besides physical changes, many feel more confident and empowered. This boost often improves social and personal relationships.
When paired with other procedures like a tummy tuck or liposuction, the results can be even more dramatic.
-Natural-Looking Results- utilizes your own fat for buttock enhancement
– Offers a more natural appearance and feel compared to implants
– Allows for better sculpting, creating a seamless blend with your body
– Minimal Scarring with small incisions for liposuction and fat transfer
– Typically requires only 2-5 incisions for liposuction and 4-8 for fat transfer
– Scars are tiny, placed in discreet areas, and fade over time with proper care
– Full Body Contour- Enhances the buttocks while providing full-body contouring
– Long-Lasting Results-Provides permanent results, unlike temporary buttock injections
– BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) is an invasive procedure with associated risks, including fat embolism.
– Fat Survival Rate- Expect a 30-50% reduction in fat volume within 3-6 months post-surgery. Not all grafts survive; an experienced surgeon can adjust fat injection amounts to compensate for this loss.
– Weight Management- To maintain BBL results, avoid significant weight fluctuations that can alter body proportions.
– Recovery Guidelines- Proper recovery is essential for the integration of fat grafts.
– Avoid sitting on your butt for three weeks.
– Refrain from intense workouts for four weeks.
During the Brazilian Butt Lift
The surgeon will begin by giving you anesthesia. If you’re having a large amount of fat transferred, they’ll use general anesthesia so you’ll be asleep and won’t feel pain. In some cases, when only a small amount of fat is needed, local anesthesia may be enough. This numbs just one area, and you’ll stay awake during the procedure.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon and their team will follow these steps:
•Use a suction device connected to a thin metal tube called a cannula.
•Make small cuts and insert the cannula into the fat layer between your skin and muscle.
•Remove fat using suction and a large syringe. Most BBLs need about 300–500 cc of fat (around 1 to 2 cups) per side.
•Purify the fat to remove unwanted fluids or oils.
•Make 3 to 5 small incisions around the buttocks.
•Inject the purified fat into the upper and middle areas of the buttocks, focusing mostly on the upper part. They place the fat into the layer just under the skin—not into the muscle.
•Close all incision sites with stitches.
After Surgery
After the procedure, your provider will wrap the treated areas with a compression bandage to reduce bleeding and swelling. If you had general anesthesia, your anesthesiologist will stop the medication so you can wake up.
Then, you’ll go to a recovery room, where medical staff will watch you closely and make sure you’re comfortable as you fully wake up.
Recovery After a Brazilian Butt Lift
You’ll likely feel sore during the first few days after your Brazilian butt lift.
Right after surgery, you may notice swelling, bruising, or mild bleeding around the buttocks. Some fluid buildup is also normal. To ease pain, you can take acetaminophen or prescribed pain medicine. If you’re using prescription meds, ask a friend or family member to help you since you shouldn’t drive.
After one to two weeks, pain usually decreases. During this time, you may need to wear a compression garment over the liposuction areas. In some cases, a small drain may be placed to help remove extra fluid or blood.
For at least two weeks, avoid sitting or lying on your buttocks. Try to stand often and sleep on your stomach or side.
After a few weeks, you can sit briefly using a special pillow that spreads out pressure. You’ll need this pillow for about eight weeks. Around this time, you can also start light activity, but avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for at least a month.
Depending on your job, you may return to work 10 to 14 days after surgery. If you sit for long periods, try using a standing desk until you’re fully healed.
Immediately following the procedure, the appearance of your buttocks may be more pronounced than anticipated.
This is due to the surgeon administering approximately twice the amount of fat necessary to achieve the desired results, as the body typically absorbs 30-50% of the fat cells within a period of 3 to 6 months. Subsequently, the remaining fat grafts will stabilize, resulting in a permanent enhancement.
The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) has faced intense scrutiny due to its historically high fatality rate. Early BBL procedures had an unacceptably high mortality rate, prompting a push for safer practices.
In 2018, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) formed the Task Force for Safety in Gluteal Fat Grafting to address these concerns. The task force identified complications, particularly fat embolism, which occurs when injected fat enters the bloodstream and obstructs circulation, often due to improper injection techniques near large veins in the buttocks.
The task force implemented new safety protocols, advocating for the use of larger cannulas and specific injection angles. Due to the new safety protocol it has significantly reduced the mortality rate associated with BBLs to approximately one in 15,000, comparable to tummy tuck procedures.
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The average cost for a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is projected to range between $10,000 and $15,000. This estimate encompasses the surgeon’s fee, operating room expenses, anesthesia charges, and associated costs.
