A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a surgical procedure in which a physician transfers adipose tissue from areas such as the abdomen, hips, lower back, or thighs to the buttocks. The objective of this procedure is to create a more pronounced hourglass figure characterized by enhanced buttock volume. It is important to note that this procedure does not involve an actual “lift,” as it does not seek to elevate the buttocks; rather, it focuses on increasing their volume. A BBL can also contribute to a more tapered appearance of the waist, particularly when the harvested fat is sourced from the abdominal region or lower back.
This surgical intervention may also be referred to as gluteal fat grafting, buttock augmentation with fat grafting, or safe subcutaneous buttock augmentation (SSBA).
In certain cases, individuals may be described as candidates for a “skinny BBL” if they possess insufficient adipose tissue for the procedure. In such instances, the physician may either extract fat from other regions of the body or recommend a weight gain regimen prior to the surgery. It is critical to emphasize that utilizing adipose tissue from a donor is not considered a safe alternative for individuals lacking adequate body fat.
Ideal BBL candidates
Generally, individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 23 to 30 and without any underlying health conditions are typically deemed eligible for the procedure. Additionally, if your BMI is below 23, you may still qualify for a skinny BBL.
A key benefit is the restoration of volume in the buttocks, leading to a fuller, more youthful silhouette and enhanced natural curves. The procedure also lifts the lower buttocks, combating sagging caused by age or weight loss, resulting in a more balanced shape.
Many patients notice reduced cellulite visibility, giving the skin a firmer appearance. This improvement often leads to better-fitting clothing, enhancing how outfits look on the body.
Beyond physical changes, many individuals experience increased self-confidence and empowerment, positively affecting their social interactions and personal relationships. When combined with procedures like tummy tucks or liposuction, results can be even more transformative, improving body proportions.
-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 a Brazilian butt lift procedure, you will be placed under general anesthesia, ensuring that they are unconscious and do not experience any pain. In cases where only a minimal amount of fat transfer is required, local anesthesia may suffice. If local anesthesia is administered, the patient will remain awake throughout the procedure, as this type of anesthesia numbs only a localized area of the body.
Once the patient is adequately anesthetized, the plastic surgeon, along with their team of healthcare professionals, will carry out the following steps:
After surgery
Following the Brazilian butt lift procedure, your healthcare provider will apply a compression bandage to the affected areas in order to minimize bleeding. In the event that you have received general anesthesia, your anesthesiologist will cease the administration of anesthetic agents to facilitate your awakening. Subsequently, you will be transferred to a recovery room, where healthcare professionals will monitor your condition and ensure your overall well-being as you regain consciousness.
The initial days following your Brazilian butt lift procedure are typically associated with considerable discomfort.
You may experience swelling and bruising in the buttocks region. Additionally, there may be slight bleeding from the incisions, and fluid retention around the affected areas is common. To alleviate pain, some individuals opt for prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter acetaminophen. If you are utilizing prescribed pain medication, it is advisable to have a family member or friend assist you during your recovery, as driving is not recommended.
Within one to two weeks, you should notice a reduction in pain levels. During this period, it may be necessary to wear a compression garment over the areas that underwent liposuction. In certain cases, a temporary drain may be required in the incision site to facilitate the removal of excess blood or fluid.
For a minimum of two weeks, you will be unable to sit or lie on your buttocks. Consequently, you will need to adopt a standing position when possible and sleep on your stomach or side.
After several weeks, you may begin to sit for brief intervals using a specially designed pillow that evenly distributes pressure. However, you will be unable to sit without this pillow for approximately eight weeks. At this stage, light exercises may be feasible; however, it is crucial to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for at least one month.
Depending on your job, you should be able to go back to work between 10 and 14 days after your Brazilian butt lift procedure. If you usually sit at a desk for long periods, it’s advisable to use a standing desk until you’ve completely 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.
