Brazilian Butt Lift

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

The Brazilian butt lift involves removing unwanted, excess fat from targeted areas of the body through liposuction. Then, the fat cells are processed and re-injected into the buttocks, creating a more attractive figure. 

Although the procedure’s name emphasizes its effects on the butt, you are also able to achieve overall body reshaping from a BBL. During the liposuction portion of the procedure, Dr. Sozer or Dr. Phillips will remove fat from targeted areas, often the waist, love handles, abdomen, and/or lower back, creating a slimmer and more defined midsection. 

The fat is then added into the buttocks (and possibly hips) to make the shape more full. This procedure is designed to increase the contrast between the waist and buttocks, making the waist look even smaller and more sculpted than before. Dr. Sozer or Dr. Phillips will also smooth the body’s curves to create a gentle transition from waist to hip.

What is a BBL Procedure Like?

First, fat is removed from different areas of the body with liposuction, usually from the flanks (waistline or love handles) and abdomen. If insufficient fat is removed from these areas, other liposuction areas may be required. Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions placed in natural skin folds. Once the fat is removed, it is processed and administered to your buttocks through a special cannula.

The amount of fat necessary to transfer varies depending on the individual patient, their expectations, and how much fat can be harvested. On average, patients will retain 60-80% of the transferred fat. Patients can sit on their buttocks immediately following the procedure at our practice, as there is no published research indicating that constant pressure or prolonged sitting causes fat death. However, we encourage patients to shift their body weight every two hours for the first 3-4 weeks. Multiple sessions may be required depending on the patient’s expectations.

What is Recovery Like After a Brazilian Butt Lift?

During the first 24-72 hours, patients may experience drainage (fluid leaking) from the incision sites where the liposuction was performed.  Drainage is normal, and the amount varies from person to person.  Due to the swelling and bruising after surgery, you may not fit into the clothes that you would typically wear. Plan some comfortable clothing outfits prior to your recovery.

You will also need to wear a special garment over the treated areas for four to six weeks to promote proper healing. The compression garments help decrease swelling and are essential to the contouring process. Swelling and bruising will usually subside within a few weeks, at which point you will be able to wear your regular clothes again. Most patients can return to work with some limitations after 3-5 days, depending on their occupation.  The results from a Brazilian butt lift are immediately visible. However, you will not see your final results until approximately six months after the surgery, as swelling continues to subside gradually over time. The BBL offers long-lasting results that look and feel natural, but due to the aging process, the projection of the buttocks may decrease naturally over time. Weight fluctuations may also change the appearance of your results over time.

Am I a Good BBL Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for a BBL if you desire a more curvaceous, hourglass figure. You must have some excess subcutaneous fat so that Dr. Sozer or Dr. Phillips can harvest your fat cells and use them to augment your buttocks. The best candidates for a Brazilian butt lift will have good skin elasticity, as skin with poor elasticity may sag after liposuction. 

Good candidates for a Brazilian butt lift are men and women who:

• Have flat buttocks and desire a fuller, more rounded backside
• Desire a slimmer waist shape that accentuates their curves
• Are in good health and have excess subcutaneous fat that can be harvested 
• Have good skin quality
• Have realistic expectations of their desired buttocks, as well as what surgery can realistically achieve