Despite eating sensibly and exercising regularly, it can be challenging for many people to improve the distribution of their body fat. Despite being at your target weight, you may still be unhappy with the shape of your body. Many women desire an improved waist-to-hip ratio, in other words, larger and rounder hips with a smaller waist. Although many women may be unable to eat sensibly and exercise to achieve this desired body shape, a Brazilian butt lift or BBL can help.
RELATED: Brazilian Butt Lift FAQs – Q&As about BBL Surgery
What is a Brazilian Butt lift?
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks. The procedure involves the transfer of fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, to the buttocks through liposuction. The fat is then purified and re-injected into the buttocks to add volume and shape. The goal of the surgery is to create a rounder, more lifted, and aesthetically pleasing buttocks appearance. Previously, the main technique for enhancing the buttocks was with butt implants. When it comes to butt implants vs BBL, implants have a much higher risk of complications. BBL surgery with fat transfer has become a very popular procedure due to its more favourable safety profile.
The procedure can be done under general anaesthesia and typically takes between 2-4 hours. After the surgery, patients will need to wear a compression garment for several weeks to help with swelling and support the new contours of the buttocks. Recovery time can vary, but patients can usually return to work and other normal activities within 2-4 weeks.
It’s important to note that results are not permanent and can be affected by factors such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and ageing. Additionally, it’s important to choose a reputable and qualified surgeon who is experienced in performing BBL surgeries. BBL results are considered much more natural compared with buttock implants and can help to slim down the waist in the same procedure using liposuction. Liposuction can be used to remove fat from several areas of the body, including the abdomen, flanks, and upper and lower back.
Am I suitable for natural BBL Surgery?
The best candidates for a natural BBL surgery are generally those who have enough fat in other areas of their body, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, to be able to transfer to the buttocks. This will ensure that the results of the surgery will be natural-looking and proportional to the patient’s body.
Other factors that make a person a good candidate for a natural BBL include:
- Good overall health and no medical conditions that could compromise healing or increase the risk of complications
- Realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery
- Non-smokers, as smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications
- Mature adults, as their body shape tends to be stable
- People who are within 10% of their ideal body weight
It would be best if you also had good skin elasticity, as loose or sagging skin may affect the results of BBL surgery. You will also need to be a suitable candidate for liposuction with sufficient fat reserves. Having said that, our surgeons can also perform a skinny BBL, which is a type of mini BBL surgery designed for women and men with lean body frames and limited subcutaneous fat deposits.
It’s also important for the patient to have a consultation with the surgeon before the surgery to discuss their goals and to make sure that the surgery is the right choice for them. The surgeon will also be able to examine the patient’s body and determine if they have enough fat for the procedure.
It’s important to note that this surgery is not recommended for people who are looking to lose a significant amount of weight or for people who are planning to have children in the near future, as both of these things can affect the results of the surgery.
Can men get a BBL?
Yes, men can get a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. However, it is less common for men to seek out this type of surgery, as men typically have less fat in the areas typically used for fat transfer, such as the abdomen, hips, and thighs. Additionally, men’s buttocks anatomy is different from women’s, and men may have different aesthetic goals for their buttock’s appearance.
That being said, BBL can be performed on men using the same principles and techniques as with women. The procedure can use the fat from the love handles, abdomen, or thighs to enhance the buttock’s size and shape.
It’s important for men considering a BBL to have a consultation with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations and to make sure that the surgery is the right choice for them. The surgeon will also be able to examine the patient’s body and determine if they have enough fat for the procedure.
It’s also important to note that, as with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with a BBL. Men should carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks and make sure they are comfortable with the decision before proceeding.
RELATED: Male BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift For Men)
How to prepare for a BBL?
Preparing for a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery involves several steps to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly and that the recovery process is as quick and comfortable as possible.
Here are some things that you can do to prepare for a BBL surgery:
- Consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon: The first step in preparing for a BBL is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing this type of surgery. During the consultation, the surgeon will examine your body, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
- Get in good physical health: Before undergoing a BBL, it’s important to be in good physical health. This includes being at a stable weight and not smoking. If you are a smoker, your surgeon will likely ask you to quit smoking for at least a few weeks before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
- Follow any pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon: Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. These may include guidelines on eating and drinking, medications to avoid, and when to stop taking certain medications.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for a few days: A BBL is performed under general anaesthesia, so it’s important to have someone available to take you home and stay with you for the first 24-48 hours after the surgery.
- Get your home ready: Make sure your home is prepared for your recovery. You will need to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for several weeks after the surgery, so you may need to invest in a few comfortable pillows or a special seat cushion to help you sit comfortably.
- Be ready to take time off work: You will need to take at least a few weeks off work to recover. Your surgeon will give you an estimate of how long you will need to take off.
- Be realistic about the results: Remember that recovery can take some time and it may take several months for the final results of your surgery to be visible. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of your surgery.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your BBL surgery goes smoothly and that your recovery is as quick and comfortable as possible.
What happens during a BBL?
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Anaesthesia: Before the surgery begins, the patient will be given general anaesthesia to ensure they are comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Liposuction: The first step in a BBL procedure is liposuction, which is used to harvest fat from areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs. The surgeon will make small incisions in these areas and then use a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) to suction out the excess fat.
- Fat purification: After the fat is harvested, it will be purified using a process called centrifugation. During this process, the fat is spun at high speeds to separate the pure fat cells from any blood, oil, or other impurities.
- Fat injection: Once the fat is purified, it is then injected into the buttocks. The surgeon will use a series of small injections to sculpt the fat and create a more aesthetically pleasing shape and size.
- Closure: After the fat is injected, the incisions from the liposuction are closed with sutures. The surgeon may also apply a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the new contours of the buttocks.
The entire procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the amount of fat being transferred and the specific goals of the patient.
It’s important to note that the results of a BBL are not permanent and can be affected by factors such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and ageing. Additionally, it’s important to choose a reputable and qualified surgeon who is experienced in performing BBL surgeries.
What is recovery from a BBL like?
Recovery from a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. However, in general, patients can expect the following:
- Pain and discomfort: Patients may experience some pain and discomfort in the liposuction areas and the buttocks during the first few days following the surgery. This can usually be managed with medication prescribed by your surgeon.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after a BBL, and can last for several weeks. Your surgeon will likely recommend wearing a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the new contours of the buttocks.
- Limited mobility: Patients will need to avoid sitting directly on their buttocks for at least two to four weeks after the surgery, as this can affect the results of the surgery. Your surgeon may recommend using special cushions or pillows to help you sit comfortably.
- Limited physical activity: Patients will need to avoid any strenuous activity for several weeks after the surgery, including exercise and heavy lifting. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on when you can resume your normal activities.
- Follow-up appointments: You will need to follow up with your surgeon several times during the recovery process to ensure that you are healing properly and to address any concerns or complications.
- Long-term recovery: The final results of a BBL can take several months to be visible, as the swelling will take time to subside, and the fat will need to settle into its new position.
It’s important to note that recovery can vary from person to person, and individual results may vary. It’s important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon and to contact them if you have any concerns or complications during the recovery process.
BBL Results
The results of a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) can vary depending on the individual, the amount of fat transferred, and the specific goals of the patient. However, in general, patients can expect the following:
- Increased volume and shape of the buttocks: The main goal of a BBL is to increase the volume and shape of the buttocks, creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The results will typically be visible immediately after the surgery but will continue to improve as the swelling subsides and the fat settles into its new position.
- Improved proportion and balance: A BBL can also help to improve the proportion and balance of the body, creating a more harmonious overall appearance.
- Long-lasting results: The results of a BBL can be long-lasting, but it’s important to note that they are not permanent. The fat that is transferred to the buttocks can be affected by factors such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and ageing.
- It’s important to note that the results are not guaranteed, and individual results may vary. It’s important to choose a reputable and qualified surgeon who is experienced in performing BBL surgeries and to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight to prolong the results of the surgery.
It’s also important to remember that a BBL is a surgical procedure and there are risks and potential complications associated with the procedure. It’s important to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks before deciding to proceed with the surgery.
Possible BBL complications and risks
Like any surgical procedure, a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) carries certain risks and potential complications. Here are some of the most common risks and complications associated with BBL:
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, which can delay healing and may require additional treatment.
- Hematoma: Hematoma is a collection of blood outside blood vessels and can occur after the surgery. It can cause pain, and swelling, and can lead to the formation of scar tissue.
- Fat Necrosis: Fat necrosis is a condition where the fat cells die, which can cause lumps or hardening of the buttocks.
- Numbness: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the liposuction areas and the buttocks.
- Asymmetry: It’s possible that the final results may be asymmetrical, and revision surgery may be needed to correct this.
- Unsatisfied results: There is always a chance that the patient may not be satisfied with the results of the surgery.
- It’s important to note that these risks and complications are rare and can be reduced by choosing a reputable and qualified surgeon who is experienced in performing BBL surgeries and by following all post-operative instructions.
It’s important to have a detailed consultation with the surgeon before the surgery to discuss the risks and potential complications and to make sure that the surgery is the right choice for you. It’s also important to be in good health and to follow the pre and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon to minimise the risks.
Where can I get a BBL near me?
Surgeons at Centre for Surgery perform Brazilian butt lift procedures for patients in London and across the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Bristol. If you live anywhere in the UK and are keen to enhance the shape of your buttocks and hips, Centre for Surgery can help you to achieve your desired aesthetic results.
Will I need a BBL pillow?
After a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery, it’s important to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for at least 2-4 weeks, or as advised by your surgeon, to prevent the newly transferred fat from being compressed or displaced. This is where a BBL pillow comes in. It is specially designed to protect the buttocks and to provide the necessary support during the recovery period.
The BBL pillow is typically used to elevate the buttocks while sitting, preventing pressure on the newly transferred fat. The pillow allows patients to sit comfortably while protecting the newly transferred fat and promoting proper healing.
It’s important to remember that not all BBL patients will need a special pillow, as the need for it depends on the individual case, the amount of fat transferred and the surgeon’s instructions. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions for your recovery, including whether or not you need a BBL pillow and for how long you should use it.
It’s also worth noting that some other options to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks include using a blow-up ring cushion, a doughnut-shaped cushion, or even propping up a few pillows on a chair to elevate the buttocks.
In any case, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and the best possible results.
How much does a BBL cost in the UK?
The cost of a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in the UK can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon’s experience, the location of the clinic, and the specific goals of the patient.
According to the website of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the average cost of a BBL in the UK is between £6,000 to £10,000. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.
It’s worth noting that this surgery is considered as cosmetic surgery, and it’s not usually covered by the national health service (NHS) in the UK, so patients will need to pay for it privately. Some private health insurance policies may cover the cost of surgery if it is deemed medically necessary.
It’s also important to remember that the cheapest option is not always the best one, as the quality of the surgery, the surgeon’s experience and the clinic’s reputation are crucial factors to consider. It’s important to choose a reputable and qualified surgeon who is experienced in performing BBL surgeries and to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
Can a BBL be combined with other procedures?
Yes, a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) can be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures. In fact, many patients choose to have multiple procedures done at the same time to achieve a more comprehensive transformation.
Some of the most common procedures that are combined with a BBL include:
- Liposuction: Liposuction is often used in conjunction with a BBL to remove excess fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, and thighs, which can then be used to enhance the buttocks.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): A tummy tuck is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and can be combined with a BBL to create a more contoured and youthful appearance.
- Breast Surgery: Breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction can be combined with a BBL to balance out the proportions of the body.
- Facial Surgery: Facial procedures such as facelift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and rhinoplasty (nose job) can also be combined with a BBL to improve the overall appearance.
It’s important to note that the decision to combine procedures should be done in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing BBL surgeries. The surgeon will consider the patient’s overall health, the amount of fat available for transfer, and the patient’s specific goals and expectations.
It’s also important to keep in mind that combining multiple procedures can increase the risks and recovery time, so it’s important to be prepared for a longer recovery period.
How much fat will survive after BBL surgery?
The survival rate of fat after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery can vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of fat transferred, the technique used, and the patient’s individual healing process.
On average, about 50-80% of the transferred fat will survive long-term after a BBL surgery. However, this percentage can vary widely depending on the individual case. The amount of fat that survives can also vary depending on the patient’s overall health, the technique used by the surgeon, and the patient’s post-operative care.
The fat survival also depends on the skill and technique of the surgeon, as well as the patient’s healing capability.
It’s important to keep in mind that the final results of a BBL can take several months to be visible, as the swelling will take time to subside, and the fat will need to settle into its new position. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and to choose a reputable and qualified surgeon who is experienced in performing BBL surgery.
It’s also important to note that some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, so it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight to prolong the surgery results.
Schedule a BBL consultation at Centre for Surgery
Once you have decided to embark on your journey to achieving an hourglass figure with fuller and rounder hips and buttocks, call us today on 020 7993 4849. To schedule an in-person consultation at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic. We are home to some of the best BBL surgeons in the UK and regularly perform Brazilian butt lift surgery.
