Brazilian Butt Lift (Buttock Fat Injection)
What is Brazilian butt lift?
A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the shape and contour of the buttocks by using fat transfer techniques.
During the procedure, fat is harvested from areas of the body with excess fat, such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, through liposuction. The harvested fat is then processed and purified before being injected into specific areas of the buttocks to add volume, improve symmetry, and create a more lifted and shapely appearance.
The Brazilian butt lift offers several advantages over traditional butt augmentation procedures, such as buttock implants. Since it uses the patient’s own fat, there is a lower risk of rejection or complications compared to synthetic implants. Additionally, liposuction performed as part of the BBL can contour and sculpt other areas of the body, providing enhanced overall body contouring results.
However, it’s important to note that not all patients may be suitable candidates for a Brazilian butt lift.
Ideal candidates should have sufficient donor fat available for harvesting, good skin elasticity, and realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with a Brazilian butt lift, including infection, fat necrosis, asymmetry, and dissatisfaction with the final outcome.
Patients considering a Brazilian butt lift should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in performing the procedure to discuss their goals, candidacy, and potential risks and benefits. A personalized treatment plan can be developed to achieve the desired aesthetic results while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of the patient.
Buttock Aesthetic Operations #1
Buttock Fat Injection (Brazilian Butt Lift/BBL) One of the most popular procedures among women in recent years is the Brazilian butt lift. The operation provides a full, lifted, and voluminous appearance to the buttocks in two stages.
In the first stage, liposuction is performed on the abdomen, back, and thigh areas. Liposuction is carried out through small, barely noticeable incisions. Initially, diluted local anaesthesia is administered to the area to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then, a thin, hollow tube is inserted through the incisions, and excess fat is loosened with controlled back-and-forth movements. The displaced fat is then removed from the body using a surgical vacuum or a syringe attached to the tube.
In the next stage, the harvested fat is purified and injected into the buttocks to lift, shape, and enhance them. The fat, tissue, and blood obtained through liposuction are processed. Then, syringes are attached to a special cannula. Your surgeon injects the processed fat into your buttocks through the cannula in small injections. Typically, about one-third of the harvested fat is injected into the buttocks.
The recovery period varies depending on the patient, and it is important for your specialist to understand your individual needs. However, to give an average time frame, full recovery can be observed within three weeks. During this period, discomfort and pain in the hip area may make it difficult for you to move or continue your normal activities.
Your surgeon may recommend a suitable amount of pain relief medication and other options to help ensure a smooth recovery process. However, you should avoid active sports and exercise for up to one month.
A second surgery may be needed over time because most of the natural fat is absorbed by your body. This may affect the curvy appearance. However, after a second operation, the results will last longer, and you will not need to worry about fat absorption.
To turn your aesthetic goals into reality, make sure the surgeon you choose is experienced and qualified.
Bruising and swelling in the areas where fat cells are taken right after the surgery is normal. Pain during this period can be managed with medication. The recovery process varies from person to person. Most patients can get up one to two days after the operation. It is recommended to move around post-surgery to avoid constipation. It is normal for there to be some discharge from the incision site. In some cases, blood may also be seen in the fluid, but this will disappear a few days after the operation.
Use of Compression Garments
After the surgery, patients need to wear a special compression garment to treat the areas where liposuction was performed. This special garment should be worn for eight weeks to ensure proper healing of the area where the fat was removed. This method is also used to minimise swelling, reduce discomfort, and help the skin retract.
Sitting Position
One of the most important aspects of recovery after a Brazilian buttlift is the sitting position. It is recommended not to sit directly on your buttocks for at least eight weeks after the operation. Patients are generally advised to sleep on their stomachs or sides. If you must sit, it is recommended to use a donut-shaped or inflatable pillow. Placing the pillow between your legs helps lift the buttocks and prevent pressure on the fat graft. Following these recommendations is crucial for long-term results, as sitting directly on the buttocks can affect fat circulation in the area.
It is important to know that about 40% of the transferred fat may not be permanent, whether the patient sits or not. After the first eight weeks of the treatment, it is still important to use a pillow while sitting and avoid prolonged sitting. It is also recommended to sleep on your back during the first eight weeks post-surgery.
Resuming Activities
Intense activities, especially those involving jumping, should be avoided immediately after surgery. Light activities like brisk walking can be started after one month. Depending on how the patient responds to the operation, most patients can return to their normal activities six to eight weeks after surgery.
Once the fat cells have stabilised, more strenuous activities can be resumed. It is very important to follow all post-operative recommendations given by your plastic surgeon to achieve the desired appearance.
- Excessive blood loss
- Clots
- Bruising
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Heart and lung complications
Conditions which require corrective surgery:
- Numbness and pain
- Fat embolism
- Infection
- Fluid shift and lidocaine toxicity
- Complications from liposuction
- Anesthesia complications
- Swelling and bruising
- Asymmetry
- Loss of deep subcutaneous fat tissue (fat necrosis)
- Anaesthesia risks
- Fat cyst
- Hematoma
- Skin cracks
- Cellulite
#2 Buttock Aesthetics with Silicone Implants
Before the Brazilian butt lift gained international popularity, buttock implants were the gold standard for buttock augmentation. Today, they remain an excellent option for those considering buttock enhancement. As you might expect, buttock implants are solid silicone implants placed inside the buttocks through incisions made between the buttocks to prevent any visible scars. This technique offers a permanent solution since there is no risk of fat absorption, making it ideal for women who do not have enough fat for liposuction.
Incisions can be made near the top of the buttock cheeks, at the bottom where the cheeks meet, or between the cheeks, with one incision in each buttock cheek. Additionally, a single incision can be made below the tailbone or between the cheeks.
In this method, the implant is placed between or behind the gluteus maximus and medius muscles in the buttock. This makes the implant less noticeable from the outside and gives it a more natural feel. The implant is inserted into pockets created in the buttock muscle through a surgical incision made where the two halves of the buttocks meet. The incisions are closed with layered stitches within the buttock tissue and with stitches, skin adhesive, or surgical tape on the skin.
Buttock implant surgery is a scarless operation, meaning the scar is hidden. The scar is well camouflaged and even a G-string cannot reveal it, so there is no post-surgery scar concern.
These implants are very firm, so there is no risk of bursting or leaking. Additionally, they cannot be felt by hand after the surgery. You can achieve the desired look without losing the softness and consistency of the buttocks.
Buttock implant surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 2 hours. The duration depends somewhat on how and where the implants are placed. The silicone implants inserted into the incision are very reliable and specially manufactured, similar to those used for breast augmentation. These implants are placed in specific areas within the muscle.
You can start walking within 24 hours. You can return to your daily routine in about a week.
The results of the buttock augmentation surgery are noticeable immediately after the operation. Over time, post-surgical swelling will subside, and the incision scars will begin to fade.
Due to the location of the operation area, there is a high risk of infection in the incisions after buttock implant surgery. Therefore, hygiene is very important during the recovery process.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- The incision opening and the implant becoming exposed (requiring removal of the implant)
- Scars
- Nerve damage
- Hardness
- Implant rupture
- Implant displacement
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Anaesthesia risks
The scars after a buttock implant are permanent, but they are usually not noticeable. Incisions are kept to a minimum length and are hidden within the natural lines and contours of the skin. Over time, the scars fade and become very difficult to detect.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- The incision opening and the implant becoming exposed (requiring removal of the implant)
- Scars
- Nerve damage
- Hardness
- Implant rupture
- Implant displacement
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Anesthesia risks
This varies depending on the procedure performed and the patient. In some cases, bruising occurs easily, while in others it may not occur at all. Generally, swelling and some bruising are seen after the operation. Both usually disappear within 1-2 weeks. The final result of the operation is usually apparent after a few months.
#3 Buttock Lift Surgery
Sometimes sagging in the buttocks can occur due to weight gain, extreme weight loss, or structural features. In such cases, buttock lift techniques are used.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two techniques to lift and augment the buttocks. These techniques are surgically placed silicone buttock implants and fat transfer (Brazilian butt lift). Implants give your buttocks a rounded shape, while fat transfer lifts and gives a natural shape to the buttocks. Depending on your body type, you and your surgeon will decide on the technique that suits you best to achieve your desired aesthetic goals. For example, buttock implants might be more beneficial for those with a low fat percentage. Beautiful results can be achieved with fat grafting for saggy buttocks.
The main determining factor between Brazilian butt lift and buttock implants is how much fat you have before surgery. In BBL surgeries, the appearance achieved by transferring fat from areas like the hips, abdomen, and waist to the buttocks is generally more advantageous than using implants.
After your preferred surgeon provides detailed information about all methods and the necessary conditions are met, the decision comes down to personal preference. Both procedures will give your buttocks a noticeably better appearance. However, the Brazilian butt lift provides less noticeable, naturally looking curves, while buttock implants create a more dramatic transformation.
The choice of which buttock augmentation surgery to apply is made through a mutual decision between the patient and doctor during the consultation.
This procedure takes a maximum of 8 hours to complete. In some cases, it can be observed to take 4-5 hours. The reason this operation takes longer than other aesthetic procedures is due to the liposuction and the reinjection of the harvested fat. Therefore, both the liposuction and the processing of the fat will take several hours. The fat must be extracted from the body with low power and should not be distributed all at once. Ignoring this can result in an improperly shaped buttock. For lasting results, it is important to inject the fat slowly and carefully.
It can take months for your buttocks to take their final shape after a Brazilian butt lift. During this period, especially in the first few weeks post-surgery, some of the transferred fat cells may be reabsorbed by your body if pressure is applied to the buttocks. Once healing is complete, and if you maintain a stable weight and take care of your health, the results can last for years, even decades.
The results of buttock augmentation are noticeable immediately after the surgery, but the final shape is achieved about one year later as the fat settles. These results look and feel natural. However, the volume of the buttocks may decrease over time as some of the fat is reabsorbed by the body (on average, 60-80% of the injected fat is retained, although this can vary).
As you heal and notice that your desire for a more voluminous buttocks has been achieved, your satisfaction with your new appearance will increase. If you gain or lose weight, the results of the surgery can change since the transferred fat can shrink or expand like the fat in other parts of your body.
A Brazilian butt lift can be an ideal option for individuals with sagging skin due to aging, weight fluctuations, excess skin, or other reasons. In this procedure, excess skin is removed via liposuction and surgery, and fat is injected into the desired area. Similar to fat grafting, the results are long-lasting, although the volume of the area may decrease over time – yet the firmer appearance remains.
With this surgery, you can create fuller, rounder buttocks, but achieving the desired look may take up to six months, depending on the experience of the surgeon. However, the results are long-lasting and can help your clothes fit more elegantly.
Buttocks that are structurally larger than desired can be reduced with liposuction. In cases of severe sagging due to significant weight loss, a surgical lift is performed. Excess skin and fat tissue are surgically removed, the fat mass is reshaped internally, and lifted. The incision line is then closed with stitches. The scars that remain are usually well-hidden under the natural crease of the buttocks.
If you gain weight after a BBL, you will also gain weight in the fat cells, and how this weight will distribute is unpredictable. Maintaining weight post-BBL is one of the most crucial criteria.
Every woman experiences pregnancy differently and gains weight in different areas. Therefore, if you become pregnant after a BBL, your weight will naturally change. It’s impossible to guarantee how your body will look post-pregnancy due to these changes. Your buttocks might grow larger or require a touch-up.
An experienced surgeon will help you decide on the best size, shape, and surgical procedure for your body shape. While it’s good to have an idea of your “ideal” buttocks before the consultation, your procedure will be tailored to fit your body. The goal of a buttock augmentation surgery is more than just creating larger buttocks; it’s expected to enhance your appearance while maintaining a natural look.
A successful butt augmentation surgery can keep you satisfied for many years. Normally, the results of butt augmentation surgery are long-lasting. Silicone butt implants are safe and can maintain your appearance for over ten years. Fat grafting fuses with your own tissues and provides permanent results. Therefore, it is very important to choose the size that is most suitable for your body type and lifestyle.
When you understand the benefits and limitations of butt augmentation surgery and choose a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon, you can be confident that you will achieve the best results. A successful butt augmentation surgery will ensure you remain satisfied for years.
Butt augmentation should be a personal choice. You should opt for this surgery only for yourself and not to meet someone else’s desires or to achieve any ideal image. You are a suitable candidate if you are physically healthy, have realistic expectations, feel that your buttocks are asymmetrical, think your buttocks are small, or if the level of roundness or overall shape makes you unhappy.
Not necessarily. Most cosmetic surgeons recommend that candidates for a Brazilian butt lift be about 10-15 kg above their ideal weight to ensure there is enough fat to be harvested via liposuction (as the harvested fat will be purified and reduced). However, if your surgeon determines that you have enough fat for the procedure, your weight and body measurements are not important. If there is not enough fat, your surgeon may suggest using butt implants or gaining weight before undergoing the Brazilian butt lift.
The fat cells used for a Brazilian butt lift can be harvested from various areas of the body, as liposuction can be performed on many regions. Many patients prefer to have fat taken from the abdomen, waist, or thighs, as slimming these areas can result in more noticeable and effective outcomes.
No. The results of a Brazilian butt lift are realistic because your body recognizes and integrates the transferred fat cells with the tissues in the target area. If fat from someone else’s body were transferred to yours, your body would perceive these fats as foreign substances and would not absorb them.
Every patient undergoing general anaesthesia needs to have basic blood and urine tests, and female patients also need to have a pregnancy test. Your surgeon will inform you about these tests during your consultation.
Your surgeon will discuss all details with you during your consultation. Since anaesthesia will be applied during the procedure, you will not feel any pain. Any pain and discomfort you may experience after the surgery will be managed with medication. These pains and discomforts usually diminish within a few days.
The time required varies depending on the procedure and the patient. Some patients recover from surgical operations more easily than others. However, most patients can return to work within 7-10 days. Your surgeon will inform you about the necessary recovery time. If complications occur, you may need to stay away from work for a longer period.
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