ALL YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT SURGERY
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a surgical procedure where fat is liposuctioned from unwanted areas of the body and redistributed to create fullness and projection in the buttock while contouring other areas of the body.
Contrary to popular belief, BBL’s do not have to be overly exaggerated, many women gravitate to BBL surgery for the procedure’s ability to fill hip dips and contour the waistline to correct irregularities providing proportionate ratios from the waist, to the buttock and lower extremities.
How do I know if I have enough fat to have a fat transfer?
Fat can be collected from many areas of the body, oftentimes plastic surgeons will begin with liposuction of the abdomen, bilateral flanks, lower and mid back. Should additional fat be needed, liposuction can be performed on the mid-thighs and arms.
There may be accounts where your surgeon will find that there is not enough fat to provide you with your desired outcome. In this case, your surgeon may recommend weight gain prior to surgery for additional fat collection. However, you never want to trade one concern for another, extensive weight gain has the potential to expand the skin, which could compromise the skin’s collagen and its ability to retract prior to surgery.
What are alternative ways to achieve a buttock augmentation if I do not have enough fat to have a traditional fat graft BBL?
Sculptra by Galderma
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable that helps gradually replace lost collagen—the most common protein in the body that is used to form a framework to support cells and tissue—with results that can last up to two years.
Sculptra is FDA approved to treat wrinkles in the face, however it is not recommended to inject Sculptra into the buttock. The treatment was not designed to be injected in large volumes and could lead to additional complications, such as scar tissue, nodules and lumps.
In addition, the buttocks is a highly vascular area of the body, injections into this area may put you at risk for injection(s) into a blood vessel, leading to potential severe complications. If you are interested in proceeding with sculptra injections to the buttock consult with a borad certified physician to learn more about the risks and benefits.
Silicone Implants
Using silicone implants to shape the buttock is a highly complicated procedure based on the patient’s anatomy and placement of the implant. Unlike silicone implants to the breast, silicone implants to the buttock run a larger risk for the implant to become displaced due to the daily pressure applied to the area.
It is imperative that you consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to understand the risks and benefits of silicone implants to the buttock prior to proceeding with surgical intervention.
Where are the incisions placed?
Based on the areas that you wish to have liposuction performed your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will walk you through your incision sites. We recommend asking your physician to mark the incision sites on your body at the time of your consultation, this provides you with a visualization of where the incisions will be placed. The cannula attached to the power assisted liposuction device is 4 millimeters in size and should leave minimal markings. Many physicians will hide the incision sites in your bra and panty lines for minimal post-surgical visibility.
Is a Brazilian Butt Lift Permanent?
Immediately following surgery anywhere from 30-50% or more of fat cells will die and metabolize into the body. Think of this as survival of the fittest. Many surgeons will exaggerate the buttock during surgery with this in consideration. Do not be alarmed if the size is larger than you had hoped for, the fat cells will die and the swelling will subside, leaving you with your desired results.
Keep in mind that with a standard BBL, your fat cells will be redistributed into the buttock, therefore if you gain weight or lose weight the size of your buttock will increase/decrease in size, but the shape will remain.
What does the recovery process look like?
Recovery is different for each and every patient, however there are standard guidelines that many physicians will recommend. Remember that your plastic surgeon will do their part - it is imperative that you follow the recommended steps for at home recovery to obtain the best results.
As mentioned above, many of the fat cells will metabolize into the body, with that being said - pressure is the enemy of fat settling into place. It is recommended that you sleep on your stomach and avoid sitting directly on your buttock to avoid direct pressure. How do you sit without putting pressure on your butt? We’re glad you asked - generally your plastic surgeon will provide you with a special cushion that is placed beneath your thighs to transfer the pressure to your legs vs. your buttock. Avoiding pressure to the area will allow the fat to settle into place, typically after four to six weeks you will be cleared by your physician to sleep in your preferred sleeping position and resume sitting as normal.
In addition, following liposuction, compression garments must be worn for four to six to reduce fluid accumulation and swelling. The compression garments also assist in ensuring a smooth aesthetic, supporting the skin as it adheres to the muscle. Your post surgical garments are typically provided by your provider.
We have also linked one of our favorite brands below for your reference. You will notice cut outs in the buttock area, supporting your efforts in avoiding direct pressure to the buttock:
Many patients notice an intense itching sensation of the skin where the fat was transferred. Keep in mind that your skin is stretching to support the new shape, be sure to moisturize the area to soothe the skin as it adjusts.
How is the aesthetic trend for BBLs changing?
Over the last year many celebrities are reversing their exaggerated figure to achieve a more natural aesthetic. Celebrities, have spoken out about body dysmorphia and has been transparent about her BBL reduction. You will also find that many plastic surgeons are leaning into the shape > size concept, with the idea that less is more.
Body positivity is something that we hold dear at All Things Aesthetics, if you have had thoughts of body dysmorphia or would like to learn more about loving yourself from the inside out, we are listing a few resources here to support you in your journey -
Is a BBL reversible?
Absolutely, it can be done. There are many factors that come into play, such as scar tissue, skin laxity, and the type of buttock enhancement that was originally performed. Determining if you are a candidate for a BBL reduction/removal will need to be assessed on a case by case basis. Get started with one of our patient care liaisons to get paired with a qualified Plastic Surgeon near you.
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QUESTIONS ANSWERED
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Is it safe to have Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery?
Performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, absolutely! Unfortunately many physicians who have not had proper training of the anatomy have begun to dabble in cosmetic procedures. These procedures should be done in accredited surgical facilities as well. Be wary of any questionable locations such as hotel rooms or offices where these services are offered. While some injectables like Sculptra can be used, the best option is your own fat. Injection of non medical materials such as silicone are highly discouraged.