A Brazilian Butt Lift is a fat transfer procedure that enlarges and contours the size and shape of the buttocks without implants – resulting in an hourglass silhouette.

A Brazilian Butt Lift is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective way to enhance the shape and volume of the buttocks. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with a BBL, which can include infection, numbness due to nerve damage, scarring, bleeding, or complications with anaesthesia. Your surgeon will provide a comprehensive overview of the risks associated with BBL to help you determine whether this procedure is right for you. 

• You are at a healthy weight prior to the procedure, and have enough body fat for your surgeon to obtain and transfer.

• If you have little to no fat on your body – this procedure will not work for you unless you gain weight prior to the procedure.

Deciding whether a BBL is better than implants will depend largely on your personal goals, your body type, and the results you want to see. A BBL creates a more natural look and feel, but if you are looking for a more dramatic revision, implants may be the better choice for you. Other differences to consider when choosing between a BBL and implants include: 

• Recovery time: Because BBL is less invasive, the recovery time is much shorter. Patients often find they can resume light activity after as short as two weeks following their BBL. 

• Longevity: Butt implants are considered permanent, but the results of a BBL will be temporary, as fat will eventually be reabsorbed into the body. Most patients find that around 80 percent of the fat transferred during their BBL is reabsorbed within 12 months.

• Fat availability: BBL uses fat from other areas of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) to increase the size and shape of the buttocks. If you don’t have enough fat deposits to transfer from donor areas, implants may be the better choice for you.

Each procedure is wholly unique, and deciding between a BBL and butt implants can also depend on key factors such as your medical history and overall health. Your surgeon will help guide you on whether a BBL is the right choice for you.

A BBL can be a highly effective and rewarding procedure to boost your confidence and meet your aesthetic goals. Your surgeon will help determine whether you are a good candidate for Brazilian Butt Lift, and will consider the following key factors: 

• Donor fat. For a BBL to be effective, you will need to have enough excess fat in donor sites such as the hips, thighs, or abdomen.

• Weight. While there is no specific weight restriction or requirement for a BBL, you should be at or near your goal weight before the procedure. Maintaining a stable weight afterward will also be key to long-lasting results. 

• Overall health. You should be in good overall health. Your surgeon will collect a full medical history and help determine whether any pre-existing conditions could create complications. 

• Aftercare instructions. Following aftercare instructions during the recovery period will be key to maintaining long-lasting results. Be prepared to follow all aftercare instructions and restrictions. 

• Desired results. The best candidates for BBL are looking for subtle, natural-looking enhancements. Your surgeon will help you visualize the type of results that you can realistically expect from your BBL. 

This procedure can be offered to people with a BMI below 21. The less fat you have on your body the less fat you can transfer to your buttocks, although you can still achieve a significant change in buttocks size and shape – this ultimately depends on your desired outcome, and sometimes dramatic results cannot be achieved unless the patient gains weight beforehand.

Your BBL consult will start with a detailed overview of your medical history. This may include an assessment of your overall health, pre-existing conditions, allergies, or any current medications and supplements. 

Your surgeon will explain the steps involved in the procedure, as well as what you can expect during recovery. They will ask about your aesthetic goals and conduct a physical examination to analyze potential fat donor sites. Measurements and photographs will help establish a starting point to check progress over time.

You can also expect your BBL consult to include a conversation about potential risks or complications, such as scarring or changes in sensation. Make sure to write down a list of any questions you have about the process and bring that list to your BBL consult. 

BBL’S involve to major steps: liposuction and fat transfer.

You will be placed under anesthesia and undergo liposuction to remove excess fat from either your thighs, hips, abdomen, etc. – after this fat is purified, it is prepped and ready to use for fat transfer.

During the fat transfer, your surgeon will inject the fat into the tissue just below the skin’s surface – these injections are usually placed in the buttocks to give a fuller, rounder shape and/or into the hips to fill in hip dips and create fuller curves resulting in an hourglass shape.

A BBL removes fat from donor areas via liposuction. Once the fat is extracted, it will be placed into a centrifuge machine. This machine spins at very high speeds, separating healthy, viable fat cells from surrounding fluid and blood. Once the fat cells are fully separated, the concentrated and purified fat is injected into the buttocks.

A Brazilian Butt Lift procedure can take between two and four hours.

Brazilian Butt Lifts require your surgeon to make small incisions to transfer fat into the buttocks. These incisions can leave scars but are typically small and will naturally diminish as your body heals. Over time, and with the right aftercare, any scarring should fade and become less noticeable. As you recover from a BBL, you can help minimize the appearance of scars by: 

• Applying silicone sheets to put gentle pressure on scar tissue to support better healing. 

• Changing your bandages regularly and getting plenty of rest in the days immediately following your BBL. 

• Wearing loose, comfortable clothing to avoid unnecessary friction on your incisions. 

• Drinking plenty of water and moisturizing to ensure your skin is fully hydrated. 

• Avoiding sun exposure for at least 6 months after your surgery to avoid potential scar discoloration.

After a BBL you can expect your recovery to take between two to six weeks. Pain is usually minimal and easily controlled through pain medication. You will not be allowed to sit or lie directly on your buttocks for at least 2 weeks after your procedure – only sit as needed for very shot periods of time such as using the toilet. Pressure from sitting can compromise your results by causing the injected fat cells to die. After two weeks your surgeon may allow you to sit in a modified position using a “donut” seat or placing a pillow under your thighs.

You should expect the entire recovery process to take about three months.

Your incisions should be fully healed before you resume swimming to avoid contamination or possible infection. Most surgeons recommend waiting anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks before swimming, though this timeline may change depending on your body’s unique healing rate. You’ll know that you’re ready to start swimming again when your scabs are fully healed and you can move around without pain or stiffness. 

Once you’re cleared by your surgeon to swim, the following guidelines will help support proper healing and recovery for long-lasting results: 

• Rinse off right away to remove chlorine or other chemicals. 

• Use moisturizing lotion to ensure your skin stays well-hydrated. 

• Avoid water slides or inner tubes. 

• Get up and walk around every hour or so to promote good circulation.

Although you’ll likely see much more volume immediately, it make take up to 3-4 months to see your final results.

Brazilian Butt Lift results are considered permanent if the fat cells remain after about four months of recovery (about 60-75% of fat cells survive the fat transfer). The fat that survives the transfer is there forever, so results are long-lasting—provided you don’t gain or lose too much weight. For the best and long-lasting results, follow your surgeons’ recommendations post-procedure and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle without extreme weight fluctuations.

The cost of a Brazilian Butt Lift depends on things like geographic location, surgeon/surgeon experience, and the complexity of your procedure. Typically, the surgery ranges from $5000 to $10,000.

Brazilian Butt Lifts are generally considered safe as long as your surgeon uses the proper technique (never inject fat below the fascia and into the gluteal muscle – this is where BBL’s gained a dangerous reputation and is no longer a technique that should be used by any surgeon).

You may have an increased risk of complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes, heart, lung, or liver disease, or if you smoke.

Complications can include:

• Infection

• Hematoma (blood pockets under the skin)

• Asymmetry

• Overcorrection (too much fat removed or re-injected)

• Under-correction (too little fat removed or re-injected)

• Fat re-absorption Asymmetry (unevenness or lopsidedness)

• Prolonged swelling

• Skin necrosis (death of skin)

• Fat necrosis (death of fat)

• Contour irregularities (lumpiness)

• Blood clots

• Nerve damage

2,054/2,423 people who have undergone a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure have rated the procedure “Worth It” (85%)

– Source: realself.com