The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a type of cosmetic surgery, also known as gluteoplasty, designed to enhance the appearance of the buttocks. The procedure involves transferring fat from one area of the body, such as the hips or midsection, to the buttocks, resulting in a fuller and rounder appearance. Contrary to its name, this procedure does not "lift" loose, sagging skin on the buttocks. The use of the individual's own fat lowers the risk of infection and makes the results look more natural than other augmentation options, such as butt implants or injections1.
This elective plastic surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon on an outpatient basis in a surgical center, under general or local anesthesia. Liposuction is used to remove excess fat from areas like the abdomen, sides of the midsection, thigh, or lower back. This collected fat is then processed and injected into specific parts of the buttocks to enhance its size and shape. The procedure does not involve any implants. The average total cost of a BBL ranges from $4,000 to $15,000, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, facility fees, lab fees, and medications. It's important to note that this procedure is generally not covered by insurance as it's considered cosmetic surgery.
The surgical techniques for BBL can vary, particularly in terms of fat processing, the location of buttock incision sites, and how and where the fat is injected. To minimize the risk of serious complications such as a pulmonary fat embolism (a condition where injected fat enters the buttock veins and travels to the lungs), professional societies have issued recommendations like avoiding fat injection into the deep muscle, using a single-hole injection cannula of more than 4 millimeters in diameter, and avoiding a downward direction of fat injection into the buttocks.
There are also certain contraindications to BBL surgery. These include lack of excess fat that can be harvested, chronic health conditions that increase the risk of infection or poor healing, smoking, and unrealistic expectations.
Potential risks associated with a BBL, beyond the general risks of anesthesia and surgery (such as bleeding and infection), include seroma (fluid collection beneath the skin), undercorrection (where too little fat is harvested or injected into the buttocks), fat necrosis (death of fat resulting in small, firm lumps beneath the skin), scarring, and sciatic nerve injury.
Pulmonary embolism is the most deadly complication of Brazilian Butt Lift surgery. Reports suggest the mortality rate due to this complication may be as high as 1 in 3,000.
Proper preparation is crucial when planning for a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). While your surgeon will provide specific instructions, there are several common steps to follow.
For smokers, it's particularly important to stop smoking several weeks prior to the surgery. This is because smoking can greatly complicate the healing process post-surgery.
Adhering to a healthy diet is generally advised in the lead-up to surgery.
You will typically be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight on the day before your surgery.
You may be asked to discontinue certain medications and supplements that could potentially thin your blood two weeks before the surgery. This might include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, vitamin E, and fish oil.
Having some items at hand at home can aid your recovery process. These could include:
A donut cushion for sittingHealthy snacksEasy-to-prepare mealsComfortable, loose clothesOn the day of the surgery, make sure to bring any required documentation to the surgical center. They will usually provide you with a list of what to bring, but it often includes:
Your driver's licenseYour insurance cardA list of the medications you're currently takingA list of any allergies you may haveWearing comfortable, loose clothes to the surgical center is advisable, as this will make dressing after surgery easier.
Since you'll be under anesthesia for the surgery, you'll need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterwards.
As for any surgery, avoid bringing any valuables with you on the day of surgery, and leave any jewelry at home.
Upon your arrival and registration at the surgical center, you'll be led to the pre-operation area. Here, you'll switch into a hospital gown.
The nursing team will insert an IV into your arm and gather vital signs (like oxygen saturation, temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate). You'll likely be weighed as well.
Certain lab tests like blood count, kidney function, or a pregnancy test may be required. These can be done right before surgery or may have been scheduled for the days leading up to it.
You'll meet with the anesthesia provider to discuss any inquiries before the surgery. The surgeon will also come by to indicate on your skin the areas where fat will be harvested and injected into the buttocks.
Once everyone is prepared, you'll be escorted to the operating room where anesthesia will be given. Following the administration of anesthesia, the surgery typically unfolds as follows:
Incisions: After sterilizing the skin, the surgeon will make cuts at the liposuction site (like the abdomen) and the graft site (the buttocks).Harvesting/Liposuction: A tube-like instrument will be inserted, and fat will be suctioned from the incision sites and gathered in a specific container.Transfer: The harvested fat will be moved into individual syringes and then strategically injected into different areas within the buttocks.Closure: Once the fat transfer is completed, the incision sites will be stitched up and covered with a waterproof dressing. A compression garment will be fitted over the buttocks.Anesthesia will then be stopped, and you'll be taken to the recovery area.
In the recovery room, a nurse will check your vital signs and administer medication to manage pain and potential post-operative nausea. Once you're sufficiently alert and the surgeon gives the go-ahead, a friend or family member can take you home.
At home, you should anticipate pain, bruising, and swelling at your buttocks and liposuction sites. While pain should subside within a few days, swelling may last for weeks or even months. Your surgeon will provide advice on how to alleviate these symptoms.
Recovery from a Brazilian butt lift usually lasts six to eight weeks. It takes up to six months to witness the final result. Strict adherence to your surgeon's post-operative guidelines is crucial to ensure a safe and effective outcome.
Post-surgery, one of the most vital precautions is to avoid sitting on your buttocks for approximately two weeks. This means you'll need to sleep on your stomach or side. If sitting is unavoidable, your surgeon will likely suggest using a doughnut cushion or a rolled-up blanket under your hips.
You'll also be required to wear a compression garment (typically provided by the surgeon) constantly for two weeks post-surgery, removing it briefly for showers or washing.
Recovery from a Brazilian butt lift takes about eight weeks. It takes up six to nine months to see the final result. You must carefully follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions to ensure a safe and optimal outcome.
Other likely advice from your surgeon includes:
Avoid driving until you have been off prescribed pain medication for at least 24 hours.
Start walking around on the second day post-surgery.
Refrain from heavy lifting and intense activity for two weeks post-surgery.
Gently massage the areas where liposuction was carried out.
While showering is permissible post-surgery, avoid baths and swimming for two weeks (until your incision sites have fully healed).
Your surgeon will instruct you when to call their office or seek emergency care.
General symptoms requiring immediate attention include:
Your surgeon will tell you when to call their office or seek emergency care. General symptoms that warrant immediate attention include:
While the results of a BBL are essentially permanent—provided you do not lose or gain a significant amount of weight—revision surgery may be necessary if the original procedure results in buttock asymmetry or an under-correction.
However, transferring fat to a part of the buttock that has already been injected with fat tends to be less successful and more challenging. In addition, revision surgery may not be possible if you don't have any more areas of excess fat to harvest from.
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About 38% of adult patients suffer an adverse event during or following their surgery, researchers reported Wednesday in the BMJ.
Nearly half of these complications result in serious, life-threatening or fatal harm, results showed.
60% of the complications were potentially preventable and 21% were definitely or probably preventable, researchers report.
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