In the field of cosmetic surgery, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has shown an exponential increase in demand in recent years. These procedures aim to increase gluteal contour and fullness, as well as improve the balance of body proportions. BBL is performed through a combination of liposuction and fat grafting. Excess fat is extracted from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, and lower back through liposuction, processed, and then transferred into the buttocks to enhance volume and shape. As opposed to buttock augmentation with the use of silicone implants, BBL allows for a more natural result by utilizing the patient’s own body fat. It is therefore considered a dual benefit procedure that achieves body contouring from liposuction and volume enhancement with fat grafting. Older patients typically lose gluteal volume and projection with age, but they may be less suitable candidates for BBL due to sagging buttocks, which require more extensive surgeries for lifting in order to suffice. The best candidates for BBL are patients who have a sufficient amount of fat deposits in their flanks and abdomen to achieve their desired results. Furthermore, it is crucial for all potential patients to maintain realistic expectations. Serious complications and deaths have been associated with the procedure. In view of these risks, it is important for an individual patient to consider the potential outcomes necessitated by the procedure at length and how it aligns with one’s personal circumstances. Since 2020, documents characterizing BBL bodies as a desirable body type have circulated on social media. Although the impact of social media exposure on the rise of BBL has not been quantified, it is clear that the effect is enough to prompt the need for societal dialogue concerning the attainability, durability, and biological specificity of a BBL body type.
In general, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) includes two main procedures: fat harvesting from the abdomen, flanks, and back followed by fat transfer into the gluteal region. Fat harvesting includes the infiltration of a diluted solution of local anesthetic with epinephrine into the same area to be removed in a large volume. Principal fat enrichment transfer is through gluteal fat resection and small stay suture fat injecting around the musculature. This technique of fat transfer via gluteal fat resection facilitates a large volume of fat transfer to be performed in a safer manner. The resected buttock fatty tissue also acts as a massive delivery system for classic micro-fat enriched transfer cells, acting like a meshwork of fat macro-channels through which micro-fat transfer freely flows.
Fat harvesting: Large volume fat from abdomen, flanks, and back down to Swiss cheese appearance and/or down to reaching the muscle in flanks only. The most significant and frequent carrying concerns for any potential harvest areas should be mentioned in a patient consent form. Inframammary fat harvesting and cellulite submuscular layer harvesting of the fat have not been practiced and still require further studies and verification and are generally not recommended because such procedures can lead to injury of important structures. The less traditional techniques and those with the most potential for complications such as inframammary lipoaspiration have generally been observed to stand as a facilitator of fat transplantation, reducing viable fat in order to produce a less aesthetic effect. The traditional thin classical liposuction cannulas are recommended for fat harvesting.
These currently include both power-assisted and MicroAire techniques or other liposuction methods for fat harvesting. They should be handled carefully not to radiate pre-lipoaspirate. The use of laser-assisted liposuction has been discouraged to prevent radiation to the underlying fat quantity. For patients with significant loose anterior abdomen skin and fat, a 5–10% scale down can be considered at patient discretion. Early surgery options for patients can be advisable in this population, but with an increasing risk for complications. Focused harmonic liposculpturing on areas with dense skin reduction in classical liposuction could involve the employing of 1.0-mm harmonic energy into thin fibroconnective walls. This treatment has been found to provide favorable outcomes and fibroconnective structures and blood loss control. Complex patients who need high-definition BBL solutions include high-volume three-dimensional liposuction surgery and more complicated patient solutions. Additionally, while this method is already successful and will eventually allow me to use advanced techniques, the initial outcomes and the positive feedback from participants have motivated me to continue without significant BBL Glovase.
Immediately after surgery, the patient will be taken to a recovery area, and the effects of the anesthesia will be closely and continuously monitored. Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting can result from the anesthesia and pain medications, and will be closely monitored and managed. A special garment or dressing will be worn after surgery. The body garments promote and allow maximal skin contraction; it is for this reason that adequate measures of skin care are necessary. The neck, face, elbows, groins, and areas where these body garments make contact must be constantly cared for. Safety is the first and most important consideration in the surgical process. Recovery time varies by the size of the fat grafting intervention. Small to moderate procedures may be performed as an outpatient. In addition, you will be given detailed instructions about your procedure, including: incision care, drains, anticoagulation, and return to daily activity.
Recovery progresses. You will be discharged with a friend, family member, or responsible adult. You will need someone to take you home and preferably stay with you for at least twenty-four hours after surgery. Patients are typically up and walking immediately after surgery. After a Brazilian Butt Lift, it’s normal to experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the areas where excess fat was removed and injected. Most of the discomfort is a burning sensation. This usually decreases dramatically over the first week. Some areas of the body may be numb, with sensitivity returning steadily over the next two months. If you had fat removed with a lipoabdominoplasty or another type of body lift, the tummy may be numb, and it usually takes a few months to regain sensation, sometimes even longer. In addition, the injections may cause a burning sensation for a few days. Pain is more of a burning sensation, and it is more intense in the first 20 minutes after standing up. You might also experience swelling and bruising. You may start to resume some non-strenuous activities shortly after your procedure. Swelling usually peaks within two days and begins to subside. Swelling and bruising around the area that was liposuctioned may last three weeks. Swelling from the fat injections can last up to 6-8 weeks. It can take up to 6-8 weeks for most of the swelling to settle. Healing may continue for up to two years. Within several days to a week, the bruising should be completely gone. You will be instructed to return for follow-up care at specific times to monitor your progress.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon for the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is essential for safety and to yield proper results from the procedure. Those eager to improve their aesthetics often look for a cosmetic procedure or surgeon on the internet without verifying credentials; this may pose a risk to patient safety. To prevent the risks of an injury, such as nerve injury, disfigurement, and possibly death, it is essential to use some important principles to guide the choice of the place and the professional who will perform the surgical procedure. It is recommended that the patient look for a plastic surgeon specialist who, in addition to having a professional relationship with the doctor, has a good reputation, as well as being able to offer all the technical conditions and procedures. The doctor is also able to offer all the assistance needed to conduct the consultation, surgery, and post-operative care, as well as taking care and precautions to assess the risks of surgery.
Although patients should talk about their concerns during the consultation, some questions can guide the choice of professional. Ask your plastic surgeon about their training, expertise, and credentials.
How many BBLs do you perform a week or per year? Are you board-certified in plastic surgery? Do you have hospital privileges?
It is important to choose a surgeon who is board-certified and has plenty of experience. Other resources include online reviews and patient testimonials. It is also important to talk to friends and family members who have had the procedure. They can share firsthand experiences to help you understand the procedure and what to expect. If your surgeon dismisses your questions or does not seem transparent about the risks associated with the procedure, you may want to reconsider. Overall, clear communication and a comfort level with your doctor are important when choosing a plastic surgeon. Beware of surgeons who promise you the moon, use urgency to convince you to have the procedure immediately, or disparage other plastic surgeons. These are all red flags. Finally, the most important function of the plastic surgeon is to evaluate if the patient is fit for surgery. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation allows your surgeon to determine if you are in good health and a good candidate for the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure.
It’s normal to have a lot of questions before planning a surgical operation, and we encourage candidates to ask whatever comes to mind so your questions receive personalized answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Brazilian Butt Lifts. Remember, this FAQ is comprehensive, but feel free to ask any questions that arise.