10 Frequently Asked Questions About BBLs

Brazilian butt lift is the most popular cosmetic procedure worldwide, offering a way to enhance the shape, size, and overall appearance of the buttocks. With its rising popularity, it is no surprise that many potential patients have numerous questions about the procedure, its risks, and the results. 

1) What is a Brazilian butt lift or BBLs?

Brazilian butt lift or BBLs is a cosmetic surgery that involves 2 main steps: liposuction and fat transfer. During the procedure, excess fat is removed from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, flanks, or back using liposuction. This fat is then purified and carefully reinjected into the buttocks to create a fuller, lifted, and more shapely appearance. The result is a more sculpted figure, with enhanced curves and a youthful, contoured derrière.

Unlike buttock implants, which use silicone materials, a BBL uses the patient’s own fat, offering a natural look and feel. The procedure can be customised to meet the patient’s aesthetic goals by adjusting the amount of fat removed and injected.

2) How long does BBL last?

The results of a Brazilian butt lift can last for many years, but the longevity of the procedure largely depends on lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and weight fluctuations. After the procedure, some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, which is why surgeons often overfill the buttocks slightly to account for this natural process.

On average, around 60-70% of the fat that is transferred will survive long-term, providing lasting volume and shape. However, maintaining a stable weight and following a healthy lifestyle can help prolong the results. If a patient gains significant weight after the procedure, it can affect the appearance of the buttocks, and similarly, if they lose weight, the fat in the buttocks may shrink, reducing the volume.

3) Is BBL procedure safe?

The Brazilian Butt Lift is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. However, like all surgeries, BBLs come with inherent risks. The most notable risk associated with BBL surgery is fat embolism, which occurs when fat is accidentally injected into the bloodstream and travels to the heart, lungs, or brain. This can be life-threatening if not properly managed.

To minimize the risks, it is critical to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in BBL procedures and follows strict guidelines for fat injection techniques. The surgeon should ensure that fat is injected into the correct layers of tissue and avoid injecting large amounts of fat at once. Choosing a reputable, experienced surgeon is essential to achieving safe and optimal results.

4) What are the benefits of BBL?

The Brazilian butt lift offers several benefits, making it the most sought-after cosmetic procedure today:

• • Natural results: Since a BBL uses the patient’s own fat, the results look and feel natural, as opposed to implants that can sometimes feel artificial.
  • Dual benefit: The procedure combines liposuction and fat transfer, which means patients can achieve a more sculpted body while also enhancing the size and shape of their buttocks.
  • Improved body proportions: A successful BBL can create a more balanced and curvy figure, accentuating the waist and enhancing the contours of the hips and buttocks.
  • Minimal scarring: The incision points used for liposuction are small and placed discreetly, so scarring is usually minimal and fades over time.

These benefits make the BBL an attractive option for individuals who want to improve their body shape without the need for implants.

5) Who is an ideal candidate for a BBL?

The ideal candidate for a Brazilian butt lift is someone who is in good overall health, has enough excess fat in areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, and desires a fuller, lifted appearance in the buttocks. Since the BBL relies on fat transfer, it is essential for patients to have sufficient fat stores to harvest for the procedure.

Additionally, candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcome and be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery. Candidates who are smokers or who have underlying health conditions may not be suitable candidates, as these factors can increase the risk of complications.

A thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine if a BBL is the right procedure for you.

6) How painful is BBL?

Most patients experience some discomfort after a Brazilian butt lift, but the pain is generally manageable. During the procedure, general anesthesia is used, so there is no pain during the surgery itself. However, after the procedure, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and soreness in both the liposuctioned areas and the buttocks.

Pain levels vary from person to person, but pain medications are prescribed to help manage any discomfort during the recovery period. It is essential to follow the post-surgery care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing. Most patients find that the pain subsides within a week or two, though the full recovery process can take several months.

7) What is the recovery process like after a BBL?

Recovery from a Brazilian butt lift takes about 6 to 8 weeks, though full healing may take several months. During the first few weeks after surgery, patients are advised to avoid sitting directly on their buttocks to prevent pressure on the newly transferred fat. Patients will need to sleep on their stomachs or sides to ensure that the fat remains undisturbed.

Swelling and bruising are common after the procedure, and compression garments are often recommended to reduce swelling and support the areas that underwent liposuction. Most patients can return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, but should avoid strenuous physical activity for 4 to 6 weeks to allow the body time to heal.

While most of the initial swelling will subside within a few weeks, the final results may not be visible until 3 to 6 months after surgery, once the fat has fully settled into place and the body has healed.

8) Can you sit after a Brazilian butt lift?

The most common concern for patients undergoing a BBL is the ability to sit after surgery. Since pressure on the buttocks can cause the transferred fat to be displaced or reabsorbed, patients are advised to avoid sitting directly on their buttocks for at least 6 to 8 weeks following the procedure.

During the early stages of recovery, it is recommended to use a special cushion or pillow designed for BBL patients, which allows them to sit without putting pressure on the buttocks. Additionally, patients should try to sleep on their stomachs or sides to avoid placing weight on their newly enhanced derrière.

9) What are the risks of BBL?

While the Brazilian butt lift is generally safe when performed by a skilled surgeon, it does carry certain risks, as with any surgery. Some of the potential risks and complications include:

• • Fat embolism: This is the most serious risk associated with BBLs. It occurs when fat enters the bloodstream and travels to the heart, lungs, or brain, which can be fatal. However, this risk can be minimized by selecting an experienced surgeon who follows proper fat injection techniques.
  • Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. It is crucial to follow aftercare instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
  • Scarring: While BBLs generally result in minimal scarring, there is still a possibility of visible scarring, particularly in the liposuctioned areas. Scarring fades over time, but it may be permanent in some cases.
  • Fat reabsorption: Not all of the transferred fat will survive long-term, and some may be reabsorbed by the body, leading to a slight reduction in volume over time.

To minimise these risks, patients should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing BBLs.

10) How much does BBL cost?

The cost of a Brazilian butt lift varies significantly based on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, and the extent of the procedure. On average, a BBL can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000. This price includes liposuction, fat transfer, anaesthesia, medical facility fees, and follow-up visits.

Additional costs such as post-surgical garments, recovery aids, and medications can also contribute to the overall price. It’s important to keep in mind that while the cost is a significant consideration, patients should prioritize safety and quality when choosing a surgeon. Opting for a lower-cost surgeon may result in compromised results or increased risks.

In conclusion

Brazilian butt lift is a popular and effective procedure for individuals seeking to enhance the shape, size, and overall appearance of their buttocks. With proper research, careful planning, and choosing an experienced surgeon, the procedure can provide long-lasting, natural-looking results. By understanding the answers to these 10 frequently asked questions about BBLs, you can make a more informed decision and set realistic expectations for your surgery and recovery.

Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure the procedure is right for you, and to achieve the best possible outcome.