What to Know Before a Brazilian Butt Lift

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a procedure in which fat taken from the person's own body by liposuction is processed and injected into the buttocks; the aim is to add volume to the buttocks and balance the waist-to-hip proportion. Below you can find general answers to questions frequently asked before deciding on this procedure; your individual assessment is made by the doctor at the examination.

Fat transfer or a buttock implant?

To add volume to the buttocks, either the person's own fat or a silicone buttock implant can be used. In a Brazilian Butt Lift the person's own fat is used, and the areas from which the fat is taken are also slimmed by liposuction. If there is not enough fat tissue that can be removed by liposuction, the doctor may consider other options such as an implant. The doctor decides which method is suitable after assessing body structure, the amount of fat tissue and expectations.

Is there a non-surgical method?

There is no safe non-surgical method for adding permanent volume to the buttocks. Injecting permanent synthetic substances (for example liquid silicone) into the buttocks can cause serious health problems, and such procedures should be avoided. Fillers, on the other hand, are not permanent and their use in large areas such as the buttocks is limited.

How is the shape of the buttocks planned?

The shape of the buttocks is largely determined by the skeletal structure and the distribution of body fat. The intended appearance is therefore planned with the doctor at the examination according to the person's body structure. The aim is not to make the buttocks as large as possible but to achieve a balanced proportion between the waist, buttocks and thighs. If there is significant sagging of the skin of the buttocks, fat transfer alone may not be enough.

When is the result seen?

Swelling of the buttocks is expected immediately after surgery. As the swelling goes down, the shape becomes clearer; this can take a few months. Part of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body during this period; how much remains varies from person to person. Results vary from person to person.

What is recovery like, and when can I return to social life?

A return to desk work and social life is usually possible within one to two weeks. However, in the first weeks direct pressure on the buttocks must be avoided, which means sitting directly is restricted; this affects daily life. A post-operative compression garment is worn on the liposuction areas for the period recommended by the doctor. For details you can read our articles How Can I Sit After a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)? and Frequently Asked Questions About BBL.

Who is it not suitable for, and what are the risks?

It is not performed, or is postponed, in people without enough fat tissue, in the case of uncontrolled chronic illness, bleeding disorders, pregnancy and breastfeeding. A Brazilian Butt Lift has serious risks; the most important is fat embolism, which can occur when the transferred fat enters a blood vessel and reaches the lungs, and which can be life-threatening. For this reason, careful patient selection is required. For details you can read our article Who Are Suitable Candidates for a Brazilian Butt Lift?

For other methods used in buttock aesthetic surgery you can read our article What Is Buttock Aesthetic Surgery?, and for detailed information our Brazilian Butt Lift page.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın