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Brazilian Butt Lift: BBL
Every woman dreams that instead of starving and exercising, fat deposits would simply relocate to places where they would come in handy. How ideal would it be if fat tissues could migrate from the belly and thighs to the buttocks? Modern medicine has already made this possible. It is called Brazilian Butt Lift ( BBL). A Brazilian butt lift is a specialized fat transfer procedure that augments the size and shape of the buttocks without implants. Excess fat is removed from the hips, abdomen, lower back, or thighs with liposuction, and a portion of this fat is then strategically injected into the buttocks.
At MirAge Clinic, our plastic surgeon sculpts the body like an artist using the patient’s own fat tissue with Vaser ultrasound liposuction system. With the Vaser system the extracted fat cells’ significant portion remains intact. With a special method, we clean and process the cells that have not been damaged and then we inject it back to the bottom. We keep the regenerative stem cells in the fat tissue alive so when injected back they become little veins allowing the fat cells to survive and integrate into the buttocks giving long lasting results. With this special method the fat doesn’t act like a filler, instead it is a transplanted tissue.
What is Involved in Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery?
A Brazilian butt lift involves three basic steps:
Fat is removed from the hips, lower back, thighs, abdomen, and other areas with Vaser ultrasonic liposuction
The extracted fat with the regenerative stem cells are purified and processed for transfer
The surgeon injects fat into specific points on the buttocks to increase volume and improve shape
Why Have a Brazilian Butt Lift?
The shape and proportion of a person’s buttocks are largely determined by genetics; both your skeletal structure and how your body stores fat influence the appearance of the lower body. A healthy diet and exercise can work to achieve a healthy body weight and tone the muscles, but many patients remain unhappy with a “flat” buttocks that lacks shape, despite a healthy lifestyle.
Brazilian butt lift surgery can help overcome the effects of genetics by reshaping the buttocks and surrounding areas, such as the hips, lower back, and thighs. These are the benefits of having a BBL:
- Enhanced Contour and Proportion
Many women desire a fuller, rounder, and more well-defined buttock contour to achieve a balanced and proportionate body shape.
- Natural-Looking Results
Unlike buttock implants, the Brazilian Butt Lift uses the patient’s own fat tissue, providing a more natural and harmonious appearance. This natural-looking enhancement is a significant appeal for many individuals.
- Body Confidence
A Brazilian Butt Lift can contribute to increased self-esteem and body confidence. Achieving the desired buttock shape may help women feel more comfortable and satisfied with their overall appearance.
- Clothing Fit
Some women may find that their clothing fits better and looks more flattering after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift. The procedure can improve the fit of clothing, especially items like jeans and dresses.
- Minimally Invasive Option
As a fat transfer procedure, the Brazilian Butt Lift involves liposuction to harvest fat from other areas of the body, which can also contour those areas. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure, compared to traditional buttock implants, can be appealing to some patients.
- Dual Benefits of Liposuction
Since the procedure involves liposuction to harvest fat, women may appreciate the dual benefit of reducing excess fat from areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs while enhancing the buttocks.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift?
A Brazilian butt lift can be a great option to improve the shape and size of the buttocks; however, certain patients are better suited to the procedure, and it is important to have realistic expectations about the surgery, recovery, and results. In general, you are likely a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift if you agree with the following:
- You want a buttock augmentation without implants
- You have good skin tone in the hips and buttocks
- You have adequate fat stores in other areas to harvest for injection into the buttocks
Despite its name, a Brazilian butt lift is not a traditional “lifting” procedure—it does not address loose skin on the buttocks. If you are bothered by excess, sagging skin on the buttocks or thighs, thigh and buttock lift surgery may be a more suitable option.
Brazilian Butt Lift vs. Buttock Implants
One significant advantage of Brazilian butt lift surgery is that it increases buttock size without implants. In the hands of a specially trained plastic surgeon, the procedure has less risk for complications then butt implants and can achieve remarkably natural looking and feeling results.
However, if you are very lean, you may not have enough fat to harvest, and buttock implants may be the only way to achieve your desired size increase. Buttock implants may be a good option for some patients; however, it is important to understand the added risks of having implants, including capsular contracture and a higher risk for infection. Buttock implants can also look and feel less natural compared to a skillfully performed Brazilian butt lift.
Safe Brazilian Butt Lift Technique
To perform a Brazilian butt lift surgery that minimizes patient risks, our plastic surgeons use the following techniques:
- Subcutaneous fat injection
Fat should be injected no deeper than the subcutaneous plane, or directly beneath the skin. Muscles are highly vascular, which means that injecting into or beneath the muscle increases the risk of fat entering the bloodstream and causing a dangerous fat embolism.
- Larger cannula size
Blunt-tip cannulas are the thin, hollow tubes used to remove and inject fat. Larger cannulas, with a diameter of at least 4 millimeters, help to prevent injection into a small blood vessel.
- Upward angle of injection
An upward angle of fat injection also helps to ensure the fat is placed in the subcutaneous plane. The cannula slightly angled upwards, or at least parallel with the spine, when performing buttock augmentation.
Recovering after your Brazilian Butt Lift
In the first 1-2 weeks patients may experience some pain and discomfort, which is usually managed with prescribed pain medications. Wearing a compression garment is recommended to minimize swelling, provide support, and help shape the buttocks. During this time, you will need to sleep on your stomach or side, and either lie this way or stand for all activity except using the toilet. Also it is advisable to avoid prolonged sitting. From the 2-6 weeks swelling and bruising are common after BBL surgery. After 6 weeks patients can gradually resume normal activities, including sitting, after about six weeks. However, it’s essential to follow the surgeon’s guidelines for a gradual return to avoid putting excessive pressure on the buttocks. While patients may see immediate improvements, the final results become more apparent after several months as swelling continues to subside and the body adjusts to the changes. Incision sites from liposuction will continue to heal, and scars will fade over time. Patients can usually return to regular exercise routines after several weeks, following the surgeon’s advice.
Result
Brazilian butt lift results are meant to last for many years. Fat cells removed with liposuction will not return to the area, and fat cells that survive transfer to the buttocks will remain for years to come. However, significant weight fluctuations can affect your results, so maintain a stable weight to keep your results looking their best. Following a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can contribute to maintaining the results of the Brazilian Butt Lift over the long term.
Risks
While the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a popular and generally safe procedure, like any surgery, it comes with potential risks and complications. It’s important for individuals considering BBL to be aware of these risks and discuss them thoroughly with their plastic surgeon. Some potential risks associated with Brazilian Butt Lift include:
- Fat Embolism
- Risk: During the fat transfer process, there is a risk that fat could enter the bloodstream and cause a fat embolism. This is a rare but serious complication that can block blood vessels.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest pain, and other signs of respiratory distress.
- Infection
- Risk: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection at the incision sites or in the areas where fat is harvested or injected.
- Symptoms: Redness, swelling, increased pain, and discharge from incisions.
- Asymmetry
- Risk: Achieving perfect symmetry can be challenging, and there is a possibility of uneven results.
- Symptoms: Noticeable differences in the size, shape, or contour of the buttocks.
- Unsatisfactory Results
- Risk: Despite the surgeon’s best efforts, there is a chance that the patient may be dissatisfied with the results.
- Symptoms: Patient dissatisfaction with the size, shape, or overall appearance of the buttocks.
- Changes in Sensation
- Risk: The liposuction process can sometimes result in changes in sensation in the areas where fat is harvested.
- Symptoms: Numbness or altered sensation in the donor areas.
- Seroma and Hematoma
- Risk: Collection of fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma) under the skin at the surgical sites.
- Symptoms: Swelling, discomfort, and potential need for drainage.
- Scarring
- Risk: Incisions are necessary for liposuction, and scarring can occur.
- Symptoms: Visible scars at the incision sites.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Risk: Prolonged immobility during recovery can increase the risk of DVT, a blood clot forming in deep veins.
- Symptoms: Leg swelling, pain, and redness.
