What is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?
The Brazilian butt lift procedure, also known as a BBL, has significantly increased in popularity over the last decade. Only until very recently, plastic surgeons were unable to offer a treatment option for women and men who are interested in achieving a curvier hourglass-like body shape.
RELATED: Brazilian Butt Lift FAQs – Q&As about BBL Surgery
Brazilian Butt Lift, also known as ‘fat transfer to buttocks’ or ‘buttock fat transfer’ is one of our most popular procedures at Centre for Surgery. We are one of the UK’s largest volume providers of BBL surgery in London. Perhaps you are you unhappy with the shape or size of your buttocks or you want a fuller, curvier figure, without the need for implants? Centre for Surgery offers the ultimate solution with 360 liposuction with gluteal sculpting and superficial fat transfer using the latest and safest techniques.
View our fat transfer educational video
Gluteal sculpting with superficial fat transfer, or fat transfer to the buttocks, involves injecting your own body fat into the buttocks to create additional volume. This procedure will be able to create perkier, more youthful buttocks.
This is the better option for those who do not want a foreign object implanted but want to achieve the results from their own body fat. Surgeons at Centre for Surgery do not currently offer buttock implants as a surgical option for buttock augmentation as the results are generally inferior and with more risk of complications compared with the Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL.
Our specialist centre at 106 Crawford Street was recently inspected and rated by the Care Quality Commission as good across all five domains of care.
Our BBL surgeons are on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery. If you’d like to learn more about cosmetic surgery in general, The Royal College of Surgeons of England has an excellent information resource on cosmetic surgery.
10 REASONS TO CHOOSE US – CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
| Buttock fat transfer | Fast facts |
|---|---|
| Procedure time ⏳ | 3-4 hours |
| Anaesthetic type 💉 | General anaesthetic |
| Length of stay 🛏 | Day case |
| Up and mobile 🚶🏻♂️ | 1 day |
| Washing 🛁 | 3 days |
| Travel ✈️ | 4 weeks |
| Sexual activity ❤️ | 4 weeks |
| Driving 🚗 | 4 weeks |
| Postoperative garment 👕 | 6 weeks |
| Sleeping 😴 | On front 2 weeks |
| Exercise 🏃🏽♀️ | 6 weeks |
| Full recovery 🕺🏻 | 6 weeks |
| Final results 😃 | 6 months |
Before and after BBL
The before and after photos below will give you an idea of the results that can be achieved with BBL surgery and if the Brazilian butt lift procedure is right for you. When you come for a consultation with one of our expert BBL surgeons, you’ll be able to view a much wider range of photos. The photos below are just a tiny sample of patient photos that we have. These photos should be used as a guide as everyone’s results will differ.
Case 1:
Case 2:
Case 3:
Case 4:
Case 5:
On-table after results
Buttock Lift Surgeons
Centre for Surgery is home to the best BBL surgeons in London. Our surgeons are fully qualified and experienced plastic surgeons with a special interest in BBL surgery. Our surgeons perform the most number of Brazilian Butt Lift surgeries anywhere in the UK and have refined their techniques to make BBL surgery at Centre for Surgery a very safe procedure. If you are keen to achieve a curvier and more feminine silhouette then a Brazilian butt lift could be an excellent option for you. Our BBL surgeons are experts in ultrasound-guided BBL.
Our surgeons are full members of:
RealSelf Top Doctors for Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
RealSelf top doctor status is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf doctor community. This status is earned by achieving consistently high patient satisfaction (from RealSelf reviews), getting excellent feedback on expert answers to patient questions, and investing significant time in Q&A and other doctor activities.
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! Centre for Surgery made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish
Why choose Centre for Surgery for your Brazilian Butt Lift surgery?
- Dedicated specialisation in Brazilian Butt Lift surgery – Our surgeons have refined their techniques with many years of experience. We are widely acknowledged to be the most expert BBL surgery clinic in the UK.
How to choose your plastic surgeon
- We own and manage our own surgical facilities. Properly performed BBL takes time and should not be rushed. Our surgeons perform a maximum of ONE BBL surgery in a day. We do not cram 5+ procedures into one day like other providers, especially in Turkey. You want your surgeon to be well-rested and mentally and physically sharp to perform Brazilian Butt Lift which is a very physically demanding procedure to get the very best results.
The benefits of outpatient cosmetic surgery
- 100% safety record – we have an impeccable safety record with BBL surgery and this is due to our rigorous policies and procedures which fully conform to British NHS standards. All BBL consultations, procedures and aftercare take place in our UK based locations.
Risks of going abroad for cosmetic surgery
- Our surgeons live and work in the UK. This is very important because whilst your surgeon takes all precautions to minimise complications, complications can and do occur and our surgeons are readily available to manage any issues if and when they arise. Those who choose Eastern Europe or Turkey for their procedure will NOT have this option available to them.
BBL before and after
Our patients have 360 liposuction of the abdomen and flanks with average volumes ranging from 700cc to 1200cc fat transfer to the buttocks for maximum projection. Expansion vibration lipofilling (EVL) was used in all cases. EVL enables large volume fat transfer in the safest manner and Centre for Surgery are the only provider in the UK using this advanced method. BBL surgery at Centre for Surgery combines precision body contouring using PAL lipo and EVL fat transfer to achieve results unattainable by other providers.
Browse our BBL photo gallery to see results achieved by our surgeons at Centre for Surgery. The before and afters below offer a sampling of the patient photos we have on file. When you come in to see us for an in-depth consultation, a wide variety will be made available to you. At Centre for Surgery, we only show photos of our patients that have given written consent allowing the use of their images on our website.
Brazilian Butt Lift before and after:
BBL before and after:
Absolutely amazing service from start to finish. I have been looked after the whole way through the process, from initial conversations, consultation, to having my surgery and being looked after by the brilliant aftercare team. I could not recommend my surgeon enough, a truly lovely surgeon who was honest with me throughout and made me feel so comfortable.
Brazilian Butt Lift experts
What makes Centre for Surgery different?
Patients who choose Centre for Surgery for their Brazilian butt lift procedure are getting a completely different level of service compared to other providers. First of all, both of our BBL surgeons are true specialists in body contouring surgery. This means that they perform surgery exclusively on the breast and body. Although they trained as general plastic surgeons and are trained to perform all types of cosmetic surgery, they no longer perform hand surgery, trauma surgery or facial surgery.
Patients who choose Centre for Surgery for their BBL procedure do not do so based on price – they choose based on our reputation. We are not inexpensive but are reasonable and fair. You will always get a cheaper price for a Brazilian butt lift abroad. Our surgeons take their time to perform fat transfer surgery utilising advanced surgical techniques which are continually refined with knowledge gained from attending international conferences. Very importantly, our surgeons are ethical, 20-30% of patients are turned away – they do not need a BBL procedure!. Of course, no surgeon can guarantee results but the very high number of satisfied patients is a testament to the skill of the surgeons. Do not choose Centre for Surgery if you looking for a bargain. Choose us if you want a surgeon with the super-specialisation by operating only on the breast and body and an exceptionally high degree of ethics and professionalism to take care of you from start to finish.
Questions to ask at your BBL consultation
At the BBL consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask key questions to help you form a better idea of how the buttock fat transfer procedure can benefit you and whether it is the right procedure for you. The consultation with the plastic surgeon is the most important part of the decision-making process.
The following are possible questions you could ask your surgeon:
- Is the Brazilian butt lift procedure right for me?
- Do I have realistic expectations based on my body shape
- Is one procedure enough to give me the shape I want?
- Do you have before and after pictures I can view of similar patients?
- What is the recovery period like after Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery?
- Do you offer continuous nursing support after the procedure?
- What side effects can I expect to have in terms of bruising, swelling and numbness?
- What happens if I am unhappy with the outcome of my Brazilian butt lift procedure?
BBL vs Butt implants
Here at Centre for Surgery, our surgeons do not carry out buttock augmentation with implants as we believe the risks of this procedure far outweigh the risks and the results have been shown to be inferior to what can be achieved with the Brazilian butt lift.
Buttock augmentation with silicone implants involves the insertion of specialised implants into the buttocks which is similar in principle to a breast augmentation surgery. There have been found to be many disadvantages associated with buttock augmentation using implants. Buttock implants have a tendency to droop or sag over time and this is most often related to the intense usage of the gluteus muscle in everyday life. All of us will spend a significant period of time lying down or sitting and this places direct pressure on the implants and can lead to a risk of implant malposition over time.
This type of risk does not happen with the insertion of breast implants as the chest wall musculature is much smaller in bulk compared with the gluteus muscle and the chest muscles are not used as frequently as the buttock muscles. Buttock implant surgery also carries a higher scar burden and the scars are often much more visible when compared with a Brazilian butt lift procedure. Put simply, the Brazilian butt lift or BBL is a far superior treatment for buttock augmentation compared with buttock implants
What are the differences between buttock implants and a Brazilian butt lift fat transfer?
- The BBL fat transfer will appear more natural than implants.
- Surgeons will be able to create larger, rounder buttocks than they can with implants.
- A Brazilian butt lift is using your own fatty deposits, so you are not inserting a foreign implant into your body.
- You will have a quicker and less painful recovery period with a Brazilian butt lift than with implants.
- You will have less scarring with a BBL – there will be no obvious signs of the procedure when you are wearing shorter clothes.
- Implants may result in post-op complications, which you are able to avoid with a fat transfer.
Please note that Centre for Surgery does not currently offer buttock implants. We do, however, offer a buttock lift, which removes excess skin from the buttocks and is a common occurrence after major weight loss.
On table BBL results
Case 1:
360 liposuction, buttock contouring and augmentation with superficial fat transfer. 950cc on each side.
Case 2:
360 liposuction, buttock contouring and augmentation with superficial fat transfer. 1150cc on each side.
Case 3:
Intraoperative photo before and after 360 liposuction and 650ml fat transfer to each buttock.
Case 4:
360 liposuction and superficial fat transfer to the buttocks. 860cc on each side.
Case 5:
On-table before and after with 1200cc fat transfer to buttocks using EVL technique.
Case 6:
On-table before and after with 750cc fat transfer to buttocks using EVL technique.
The key to performing safe BBL surgery
The diagram below illustrates the location of the blood vessels as they pass through the buttock area. The key is to inject above the layer containing the blood vessels at all times.
The solution is a technique called expansion vibration lipofilling or EVL. EVL involves the use of a special blunt-tipped vibrating cannula measuring 5mm in diameter. The cannula is a lantern-shaped tip that also helps to expand the gluteal space permitting large volume fat transfer with maximal safety. Centre for Surgery is the first centre in the UK to use this technique.
Brazilian butt lift ideal candidates
All patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with a fat transfer to the buttocks. The Brazilian butt lift procedure is performed purely for cosmetic purposes, to help improve one’s image and self-esteem.
How to prepare for cosmetic surgery
The key to being a good candidate for the Brazilian butt lift or fat transfer to the buttocks is to have an adequate amount of fat in other areas of your body. Liposuction will remove excess fat from areas that may include the abdomen, love handles, thighs, hips, back or arms. This fat will be purified and reinjected into the buttocks. Without available fat, the procedure cannot be performed. We do not treat patients below the age of 18 years of age.
You should ideally have a body mass index of 20-28. A BMI over 30 (obesity) means you will not be an ideal candidate for BBL and you may not get the results you desire.
RELATED: What is the right body weight for BBL?
Your surgeon may recommend that you stop taking certain medications and herbal supplements for a specified period before the procedure. Healing is better if patients refrain from or quit smoking. Patients who smoke will have lower fat transfer survival rates and an increased risk of infection. It is important to make sure to follow all of the preoperative instructions for BBL which you will be sent in advance of your procedure.
Preparation for Brazilian Butt Lift
At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons strongly believe that the success of any cosmetic surgery procedure, including the Brazilian butt lift is optimised when patients fully adhere to all of the surgeon’s pre-procedure and post-procedure instructions. We always strive to go above and beyond to ensure all our patients are optimally prepared for BBL surgery – physically, mentally and emotionally.
Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure
Your Brazilian butt lift procedure will be performed at our state-of-the-art facility at 95-97 Baker Street in London. This facility has been approved for providing regulated activities by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Gluteal sculpting with superficial fat transfer is performed under general anaesthetic. At Centre for Surgery, this is known as TIVA general anaesthesia and uses exclusively medicines given via the intravenous route. Unlike traditional general anaesthetic methods, recovery is much smoother and quicker. There is a lower incidence of dizziness and drowsiness. You will be able to leave the clinic on the same day as the procedure once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. A consultant anaesthetist will administer your general anaesthetic and will remain with you throughout the entire procedure and will be there with you during the recovery period.
The procedure takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete on average, depending on the amount of liposuction performed.
The gluteal sculpting with superficial fat transfer involves three stages:
1. Liposuction
Using liposuction, fat will be removed from the donor area of your body. Centre for Surgery uses SAFElipo for all liposuction procedures. Unlike other liposuction methods, SAFElipo™ does not involve heat or thermal energy, lowering the risk of injury to the delicate overlying skin.
The surgeon will make several small incisions where the liposuction cannulas will be inserted. The fat is then removed, processed and purified.
Not only will the appearance of your buttocks be enhanced, but you will also have a reduction in fatty deposits from your thighs, hips or abdomen.
2. Fat processing
The fat is processed with the addition of saline to wash the fat before reinjection. The SAFElipo method increases the number of viable cells to be transferred compared with traditional methods. The amount to be transferred will depend on what your surgeon has planned in agreement with you preoperatively.
3. Fat injection
The fatty deposits are then injected into your buttocks. This will involve multiple injections using the expansion vibration lipofilling (EVL) technique. The fat will be injected above the muscle using specially designed blunt-tipped cannulas. The surgeon will sculpt the buttocks, creating a rounder and larger appearance.
During stage three, there are several steps surgeons can take to prevent any complications from occurring. This includes:
- Using a specially designed cannula specific for the Brazilian Butt Lift
- Injecting only when the cannula is in motion
- Using the correct angulation – avoiding any downward or deeper positions towards the muscle layer
- Staying away from gluteal veins and the sciatic nerve
- Always injecting the fat above the muscle rather than into the muscle
- Avoiding bendable cannulas, as these can compromise the control of the cannula
- Maintaining awareness of the cannula tip at all times thanks to real-time ultrasound visualisation
A specialised BBL compression garment will be applied at the end of the procedure. Make sure you know about the risks you may face if you choose to travel abroad for this procedure. Having a BBL in Turkey poses significant risks to your health and safety.
What is Ultrasound Guided BBL?
SEE ALSO: What is ultrasound-guided BBL?
Centre for Surgery is the first in the UK to use real-time ultrasound-guided fat injection for enhanced safety. An ultrasound probe is placed on the buttocks to identify the different layers and, most importantly, the muscle layer. The processed fat is injected using expansion vibration lipofilling techniques while the images are projected wirelessly onto a screen. The surgeon can visualise with accuracy where to place the cannula for injection.
The evaluation of the depth and location of the cannula is performed in real-time with the ultrasound, accurately and reliably identifying the planes of fat injection. All injections are subcutaneous.
Real-time ultrasound-assisted gluteal fat grafting is an excellent safety measure combined with expansion vibration lipofilling with blunt cannulas. It significantly avoids the risk of injury to deeper vessels which reduces complications.
The cost of a Brazilian butt lift
At Centre for Surgery, we love to help all our patients achieve their goals. Understandably for many patients, the financial considerations involved can be considerable. This is why we always offer free face-to-face consultations with a surgeon in order to determine your treatment goals, expectations for treatment as well as the cost of BBL. If you consult with a surgeon directly, you can expect to pay, at the very minimum, at least £150 and, in many cases, up to £250-£350 for a consultation. Although a BBL is not covered by private medical insurance, we are pleased to be able to offer award-winning finance through our partner, Chrysalis Finance, to make the process much easier for all patients. We often hear from our past patients that the BBL procedure is something that is viewed as a long-term investment in one’s happiness and self-confidence as opposed to a one-off financial expense.
There are several factors that will determine the overall cost of your BBL procedure, and the final quotation will be given after your face-to-face consultation with your plastic surgeon. A BBL at Centre for Surgery in London starts from £7495.
- How many areas of liposuction combined with fat transfer
- BBL combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures
- Primary or revision BBL
Why not call 0207 993 4849 and speak to one of our expert patient coordinators who may be able to give you a rough costing prior to your BBL consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon.
Always remember that price should never be the determining factor when it comes to choosing your provider. We feel that safety and quality of service should be your number one priority and instil in you the confidence that our team will look after you before, during and after your procedure to the best of their ability.
What is included in my Brazilian Butt Lift treatment package?
- As many preoperative consultations with your surgeon as you like to make sure the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is right for you
- Treatment at a specialist day surgery facility recently rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission
- Enhanced same-day discharge with the added benefits of recovering in your own home thanks to TIVA anaesthesia
- 24/7 clinical support from your surgeon for the first 48 hours and our expert postoperative support team
- Your very own dedicated patient coordinator as your point of contact throughout all stages of the patient journey
- In-depth preoperative medical assessment to make sure you are fully fit for your procedure
- Exceptionally high standards of postoperative care described as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC with regular telephone and face-to-face checks
What does BBL recovery involve?
After the Brazilian butt lift or fat transfer, it is normal to experience swelling and bruising. This will begin to subside after a few weeks. While you will be able to notice the results of the procedure immediately, the final results will only be visible once the swelling has completely gone down. This can take up to three months.
How to speed up recovery after cosmetic surgery
After the procedure, you may feel some pain and discomfort, which can be managed by taking suitable medication. However, you should be able to walk around the day after the procedure.
During your recovery period, you will have to avoid sitting and lying on your buttocks. For the first few weeks, you will have to sleep on your stomach and sides. When you have to sit down, it is important to put the weight on your thighs, rather than your buttocks.
You will be encouraged to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks following the Brazilian butt lift. This will help to minimise swelling and keep the buttocks in the best shape possible.
The surgeons and medical team will keep in contact with you during your recovery period in order to monitor your progress and ensure you have the best results. Aftercare is included in the initial cost, so you will be able to return and see your surgeon any time you have questions or concerns.
The Centre for Surgery approach to aftercare
Our aftercare programme was recently described as ‘outstanding’ by our regulator, the Care Quality Commission.
For us, aftercare is not an afterthought. Our postoperative nursing support team phones all our patients the day after their Brazilian butt lift procedure and then every other day thereafter for the first two weeks. The proactive nature of our postoperative support gives every patient the best opportunity for a smooth postoperative recovery free of complications. In many cases, if complications were to occur, their impact is markedly lessened by early detection, prompt clinical assessment and correct treatment. When a patient expresses concern to our team over the phone, then we often call patients on the same day for assessment with one of our expert nursing team. Even if there is no significant issue, the careful explanation and calm reassurance provided by our team may help to alleviate any worries you may have experienced.
What are the potential risks of a Brazilian Butt Lift?
Centre for Surgery is home to some of the best BBL surgeons in London and across the UK. Our level of experience in all aspects of the BBL procedure is unparalleled and this means our clinic is one of the safest and most comfortable clinics to have this procedure carried out. Our surgeons carry out approximately 150 Brazilian butt lift procedures each year. The level of positive feedback and very low incidence of complications are reflective of our robust policies and procedures for making the BBL procedure as safe as possible.
Brazilian butt lift surgery has received a lot of adverse publicity in the media due to complications occurring. It is important to be aware of the risks of Brazilian Butt Lift. Centre for Surgery uses the safest techniques for BBL surgery utilising a combination of SAFE liposuction or SAFElipo and Expansion Vibration Lipofilling or EVL using large-calibre flared cannulas. Our surgeons have built up significant experience in the BBL procedure over a number of years.
You should make sure you have a healthy body mass index (BMI <30) for the procedure. If you are obese, you may not be considered an ideal candidate for the procedure.
Potential risks and complications of Brazilian Butt Lift include:
- Anaesthetic risks
- Postoperative haemorrhage
- Surgical site infection
- Fat necrosis
- Venous thromboembolism
- Seroma or haematoma
- Poor wound healing
- Asymmetry
- Poor graft take
- Requirement for a revision procedure
At our state of the art cosmetic surgery clinic in London, all patients are given specialised anti-embolism stockings that they are asked to wear for two weeks following the procedure. All patients have a sequential compression device applied to the legs during surgery and when combined with the stockings, helps to significantly decrease the risk of blood clots in the leg is also known as DVT.
Brazilian butt lift before and after
360 liposuction + 900cc fat transfer to buttocks using EVL technique.
Brazilian Butt Lift specialists
If you are interested in BBL surgery, we would recommend booking a consultation with an expert BBL surgeon at Centre for Surgery. At your consultation, your surgeon will take a thorough medical history including your current medications and will perform a physical examination. A discussion of your aesthetic goals will be taken into account when formulating your customised treatment plan. The surgeon will assess you to make sure you have enough fat for fat transfer to the buttocks to achieve a noticeable result. If you lack adequate fat deposits, your surgeon may recommend gaining weight or having Sculptra filler injections. Sculptra injections for non-surgical BBL need to be repeated twice a year for optimum results.
The Brazilian Butt lift surgical technique will be explained in detail including information on SAFElipo, EVL and ultrasound-guided fat injection. It may be recommended to avoid having a BBL if your BMI is above 30. 3D computer imaging may also be performed to give you an accurate idea of how you could look after your procedure. The recovery process will be explained including the need to avoid any pressure on the buttocks for 14 days after your procedure.
Once you have made your decision to proceed with BBL surgery, your designated patient coordinator will work closely with you to make sure you are fully prepared for your breast lift procedure.
Further reading on Brazilian Butt Lift
FAQs
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How much does BBL cost?BBL surgery starts from £5995 at Centre for Surgery in London.
The cost of BBL surgery is influenced by a number of factors which includes the total number of body areas where a Liposuction will be performed as well as any combination procedures with a BBL such as BodyTite skin tightening.
BBL at Centre for Surgery starts from £5995. -
What is included in the cost of my BBL procedure?- All Brazilian butt lift procedures are carried out at our state-of-the-art Baker Street central London facility.
- a face-to-face detailed preoperative clinical assessment to make sure that you are physically and mentally ready for BBL surgery
- Patients have access to our expert post-operative nursing team available 24 hours seven days a week.
- You will have access to your very own expert patient coordinator who will be available to answer any questions you may have as well as to guide you through all parts of your patient journey from your initial consultation with us through to your final post-operative review -
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL?The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is a body contouring procedure that is designed to enlarge and shape the buttocks leading to a more lifted and rounded appearance. The procedure involves the removal of fat using liposuction from a number of donor sites which is then transferred to the buttocks and/or hips.
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What is autologous fat transfer?Autologous fat transfer is the medical term for fat transfer or fat grafting surgery. The term autologous fat transfer refers to the fact that the harvested fat comes from the same individual and is re-injected into the same person. It is, therefore, the case that all fat transfer procedures including a BBL performed at Centre for Surgery is indeed autologous fat transfer surgical procedures.
Autologous fat is a highly effective solution for volume augmentation as it is easy to remove with liposuction and the fat will not cause any immune reaction as it comes from the same person and this means that it is also non-toxic. The main prerequisite for successful fat transfer is for patients to have sufficient fat stalls for the adequate harvest of the correct volume of fat.
In recent years it has become evident that fat has beneficial uses beyond volume enhancement and is now used for improvement in the appearance of scars and also for facial rejuvenation and enhancement of skin quality. Patients who have previously had radiotherapy for breast cancer can benefit from the regenerative effects of fat grafting to the irradiated breast. These beneficial effects of transferred fat I thought to come from the mesenchymal cells present in high concentrations in fat.
Autologous fat can now be processed into micro fat and nano fat for rejuvenating applications beyond volume restoration. -
How should I prepare for a BBL?You should stop smoking four weeks prior to the Brazilian butt lift procedure. Smoking is associated with a reduced fat survival rate.
Stop any medications that may cause bleeding such as aspirin-containing medicines.
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your surgery to stay hydrated.
Use an antiseptic wash prior to surgery to reduce the risk of wound infection. -
What anaesthetic is used for BBL?A fat transfer to the buttocks or Brazilian Butt Lift is performed under TIVA general anaesthesia as a day case. You will be asleep for the duration of the procedure.
Patients will be able to go home later the same day once they are medically fit for discharge. -
What can I expect to feel after a Brazilian Butt Lift?Once you have recovered from the effects of sedation or anaesthesia in our state of the art recovery facilities you will be assessed by one of our expert recovery nurses who will prepare you for a safe discharge. It is common to feel somewhat tired and drowsy but this is short-lived and you will feel much better after 3 to 4 hours. Once you have spent a sufficient period of time in the recovery suite you will be given something to eat and drink to build up your energy levels. Once your escort has arrived you will be allowed to leave the clinic and go home with your escort in a car or taxi.
It is not uncommon to experience mild discomfort immediately following the buttock fat transfer procedure; however, this will rapidly settle down with the taking of the prescribed oral painkillers by your surgeon. Our expert clinical support team is available to answer any question you may have and you will be called by one of our post-operative nurses at approximately 24 hours following your procedure. -
How long does it take to recover from BBL surgery?The recovery period after BBL is about six weeks in duration. We would always advise patients to take at least one week off work to recover after having a Brazilian butt lift. Most patients will find that they can return to light work activities after one week. Your Surgeon usually recommends a minimum of four weeks until you can start driving again. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for at least four weeks after surgery.
Strenuous activities including intensive gym workouts should be avoided until six weeks after surgery.
As with all fat transfer procedures, the fact that has been transferred to the buttocks is very delicate in nature and the fat cells do not respond well to compression forces. It takes a period of time for new blood vessels to establish themselves to the newly transferred fat. As an all fat transfer procedures, a proportion of fat will be re-absorbed by the body and this figure is generally thought to be in the region of 20 to 30%. For patients who smoke, this figure can be much higher and as much as 60 to 70%. This is why your surgeon will strongly recommend that you quit smoking at least six weeks before having BBL surgery. Given this, patients will need to avoid sitting on their buttocks for at least the first two weeks.
The shape of the buttocks continues to evolve up to the six-month mark as this is the time it takes for new blood vessels to develop to supply the fat.
Because of the strict requirements for avoiding any form of compression on the buttocks, it is very important for you to comply with all of the surgeon's post-operative instructions to get the very best possible results after BBL surgery.
The buttocks will appear largest at about 2-3 months following the procedure.
After a BBL, you will experience swelling and bruising which may last for two weeks. You may also experience some pain and discomfort. -
When can I return to work after a BBL?After a Brazilian Butt Lift, most patients can return to work and normal activities of daily living within 5-7 days after the procedure.
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Do smoking and alcohol have an effect on the results after a BBL?The success of fat transfer surgery is very dependent on following a healthy lifestyle to maximise fat graft survival. There are a number of lifestyle habits that could have an impact on the fat grafting procedure. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are known to reduce fat graft survival along with being obese and taking recreational drugs.
Smoking is known to have a deleterious effect on fat survival as the risk of infection is much increased and the impact of smoking is to impair the body’s ability for wound healing. Wound healing is often delayed in patients who smoke. All patients should stop smoking at least 6 weeks before the procedure and this includes nicotine replacement products. Excessive alcohol intake should also be reduced as alcohol also interferes with wound healing processes. The survival of fat grafts is significantly impaired in those who continue to smoke and drink up to the day of their procedure.
At your consultation, your height and weight will be measured and used to calculate your BMI. It is recommended to have a BMI below 28 to get the best results after BBL surgery. -
What happens during BBL recovery?After the BBL fat transfer procedure is complete you will be booked in for a follow-up appointment to see one of our expert post-operative nurses at the clinic usually between 7 to 14 days after your procedure. At this appointment, your nurse will remove your dressings and assess your incisions to make sure they are healing well and will give further Post-operative instructions at this stage. Any sutures which need to be removed will be removed at this appointment and you will be given advice on when you can start showering.
At the six week mark, you will be seen by your surgeon to assess the healing and results and to make sure you are having an optimised recovery. Post-operative photographs are usually taken at this appointment to compare with your preoperative photographs.
At all stages, after your procedure in the recovery period, you can get in contact with our clinical support team If you have any questions or concerns. Monitoring your care proactively in the post-operative period means your potential for a smooth recovery is maximised. -
Will I have BBL scars?One of the major benefits of Brazilian Butt lift or gluteal sculpting with superficial fat transfer is that there are no major incisions. This means minimal scarring. The surgeon will aim to hide the small incisions in natural body creases or folds.
Patients can be assured that they will be able to wear bikinis and other revealing clothing with confidence and without being concerned that the incisions could be seen by others.
The fat transfer to the buttocks procedure utilises incisions that are no more than 3 to 4 mm in length.
We would always advise all patients to completely stop smoking and two ideally stop alcohol consumption at least four weeks before the BBL surgery. Both smoking and alcohol intake are recognised risk factors that can impair wound healing. Suboptimal wound healing can result in wounds that take much longer to heal and in some cases can result in open wounds which subsequently increase the risk of secondary infection and visible scarring.
Your surgeon, therefore, advises that you wear your compression garment as instructed which helps to protect the wounds and facilitate fast healing and ultimately result in fine barely visible scars.
Our post-operative nursing team will assess you one week after your BBL procedure to make sure that you're healing well and there are no clinical features of infection. You also have continuous access to our post-operative nursing team using the emergency contact number provided on your discharge summary.
A comprehensive after-care package is a complimentary feature of having your BBL procedure at Centre for Surgery. -
Does the Brazilian Butt Lift carry the same risks as Macrolane injections?The gluteal sculpting with superficial fat transfer procedure uses the body’s own natural fat, with no foreign substance or objects being injected into the body.
Furthermore, the fat is transferred above the muscle, rather than into the muscle, lowering the risk of potential complications. -
What are BBL risks and complications?The risks include bleeding, infection, and collection of fluid under the skin, swelling and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The surgeon takes special precautions to minimise the risk of complications developing after the fat transfer. -
Will I have to wear a compression garment after my BBL?You will have to wear a compression garment for six weeks after the Brazilian butt lift. This will help to reduce swelling and keep your buttocks in the best shape possible. The risk of developing flattening to the buttocks is significantly minimised as long as you wear your compression garment as recommended by your surgeon. The BBL compression garment also functions to optimise wound healing and reduce the risk of surgical site infection.
At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons use only the highest quality compression garments specifically designed for Brazilian butt lift surgery. The garments make use of fabrics that do not compress the buttocks but still continue to apply compression to the areas where Leiper suction was performed. Lymphatic drainage is markedly improved by wearing a BBL garment. In most cases wearing a BBL compression garment is well tolerated and can be easily disguised underneath normal items of clothing. BBL compression garments come in a wide variety of different sizes and shapes and colours and our pre-operative nurses will be able to assist you in selecting the right garment.
Patients who fail to wear the compression garment as prescribed may find that the buttock area may begin to lose volume and therefore the results may appear suboptimal with time. In these cases, patients may require a revision procedure to reinject fat. -
Are BBL results permanent?A Brazilian Butt Lift procedure will produce results that can last for many years thanks to specialist techniques used at Centre for Surgery that include power-assisted liposuction and ultrasound-guided expansion vibration lipofilling.
With the ageing process, the skin elasticity may reduce over time as a result of the loss of collagen and elastin. Both collagen and elastin are natural constituents of the skin and are responsible for conferring firmness and elasticity. As these components diminish over time the skin will begin to sag and begin to develop wrinkling. These changes may become visible in the buttock area. It is at this point where patients may begin to explore their options for treatment.
Having a BBL procedure will not halt the natural process of ageing but it can help to reverse many pre-existing changes such as loss of buttock volume and wrinkled skin over the buttocks.
There are a number of factors which can affect the results of BBL and these include significant fluctuations in weight which includes rapid weight gain. We would therefore advise all patients to maintain a healthy stable weight in order to enjoy the results of the BBL for many years to come. -
When will I see BBL results?The vast majority of patients can expect to see immediate results from BBL surgery.
In common with other types of body contouring procedures, a Brazilian butt lift is a relatively invasive type of procedure as it often involves 360 liposuction. There is therefore a higher chance of bruising and swelling to develop which then takes up to 3 to 4 weeks to settle down.
The healing time following gluteal fat transfer surgery is approximately 4 to 6 weeks and it takes time for final results to become apparent. It is important to be aware that newly transferred fat is very delicate and requires a period of time to establish blood supply to the fat cells. A proportion of fat will become non-viable and will be absorbed by the body. Swelling takes time to resolve but once it has done so you should be able to see the final results from the fat transfer and in some cases, this can take up to 3 months to appear after fat transfer surgery.
You should begin to see incremental improvement as the days and weeks pass following the procedure and as your healing takes place. Once the fat has successfully developed a fresh blood supply, it can take a further 3 to 6 months for the fat to remodel. This process is highly variable between patients and depends on the areas where fat grafting was carried out.
Fat transfer unlike non-surgical alternatives is a permanent procedure which means the volume enhancement will not reduce with time. However, with ageing or changes in weight, the proportion of fat may change in the body more generally and this will also affect the area where fat grafting was performed.
It is generally accepted that fat grafting results in fat survival rates of between 60 to 70%. The remaining fat is reabsorbed by the body. Fat survival rates vary depending on the body area treated. Patients who would like further increases in volume may wish to undertake a second stage BBL procedure at between 3 to 6 months following the first procedure to achieve the expected result. Your surgeon will be able to advise you on the fat grafting survival rates after taking a full medical history and performing a thorough physical examination.
Patients who actively smoke can expect fat surgical rates of between 30% to 50%. -
How to choose the best BBL surgeonBefore considering having a Brazilian Butt Lift that includes 360 liposuction and fat transfer to the buttocks for butt enhancement, it is vital that all patients choose a plastic surgeon who is highly qualified and has years of experience in carrying out Brazilian Butt Lift surgery in London. A skilled BBL surgeon will be able to explain the benefits of gluteal fat grafting after having taken a full medical history and examined you. He or she will be able to advise on how to look after yourself during the recovery period including not placing any pressure on the buttocks during the first 2 weeks and what are the potential risks of BBL surgery. The risks of BBL are minimised by avoiding high-volume liposuction and using ultrasound-guided techniques for fat transfer. Highly experienced surgeons such as those found at Centre for Surgery pride themselves on being open and honest about what can be expected with BBL and the potential result that you can expect to achieve following surgery.
It is very important to verify that your surgeon is a specialist in BBL who has undertaken more than 50 cases as a minimum, and at your face-to-face consultation, you should take the opportunity to ask to see the surgeon's collection of BBL before and after photos so that you can form a good idea of how you could look after Brazilian Butt Lift. You should also view patient reviews about their experience of the BBL procedure which can be found on reputable review platforms such as Trustpilot.
Highly ethical surgeons with a sub-specialist interest in Brazilian Butt Lift will always take a holistic view of each patient including their physical and mental health. Patients who have a chronic uncontrolled medical condition such as diabetes or a bleeding abnormality may not be the ideal candidate for a Brazilian butt lift at Centre for Surgery.
In the UK only registered specialist plastic surgeons can carry out cosmetic surgery and you should always check if your BBL surgeon is listed on the specialist register which can be found on the GMC website.
Many surgeons may be members of professional bodies such as the British Association of Plastic Surgeons or the European or international equivalent. In many cases, there are surgeons who are recognised as leading practitioners in the field of BBL but often choose not to be a member of a particular organisation. -
How to choose the best clinic for Brazilian Butt LiftWe believe that the best outcomes after Brazilian Butt Lift happen when patients make the right choice of clinic and surgeon.
1. In deciding on the right clinic for you, always carry out extensive research and choose a well established and reputable clinic. Centre for Surgery are specialists in cosmetic surgery and have been established for many years. Our patient coordinators and surgeons are here to answer any questions you may have to empower you with the right information.
2. Your choice of surgeon for Brazilian butt lift should be based on their qualifications, experience and having a record of good patient feedback. You should know who you will be seeing before your BBL consultation. At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons are specially selected after a rigorous appointments process to ensure they have the right skill set to perform cosmetic surgery.
3. When choosing to have a Brazilian butt lift procedure, you should not base your decision on price alone. It is important to make sure you are having treatment in a safe and regulated environment by staff who are both fully trained and caring to look after your needs – before, during and after your procedure. Many people choose to have a BBL procedure overseas and the risk of complications is thought to be higher when people choose to have their procedure carried out abroad.
4. Avoid clinics that offer a ‘hard-sell’. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ask the surgeon about all the techniques they used to enhance safety. Centre for Surgery does not perform fat injection into the muscle as our surgeons believe it carries serious risks. Our experts use SAFElipo combined with ultrasound-guided BBL and expansion vibration lipo-filling. The only BBL clinic in the UK to use all 3 techniques.
We believe patient safety and happy satisfied patients are the bedrock of our reputation as an ethical provider of cosmetic surgery. Our doctors are known for giving straightforward honest advice and you can be assured that your journey with Centre for Surgery will be a positive experience on the path to renewed self-confidence. -
What is a non-surgical BBL?If you prefer only a very subtle change in your buttock appearance, you may be a candidate for a non-surgical BBL. Often those patients who have insufficient fat will be good candidates for the non-surgical option. Another option is to gain weight to gain sufficient fat reserves to then qualify for the surgical BBL. A non-surgical BBL involves using an injectable filler known as Sculptra to increase the size and shape of the buttocks. The Sculptra non-surgical BBL will need to be repeated once or twice a year to maintain the results. The non-surgical BBL is not a permanent procedure.
What To Expect
The BBL consultation
When you have decided to proceed with Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery, you will need to have a consultation with your surgeon. At the consultation, a number of measurements are taken of the donor body areas where fat is to be removed and an assessment will be made of the soft tissue quality. Those who have good skin elasticity are ideal candidates for liposuction and BBL. Patients with poor skin elasticity may benefit from a tummy tuck as liposuction would be likely to make the skin laxity worse. Your surgeon is skilled in all types of liposuction for BBL surgery including power-assisted liposuction and the most appropriate choice will be made based on your physical examination. The surgeon will also give information on the location of the small incisions for the liposuction and fat transfer and also whether the liposuction is to be combined with another procedure such as BodyTite for skin tightening.
With buttock fat transfer, it is important to assess how much fat is required to be harvested. The usual rule is to extract twice as much fat as that needed for the fat transfer to take account of the small amount of fat that will not survive the fat transfer process.
High-resolution photos will be taken and your surgeon may also use computer digital imaging. Your surgeon will take time to discuss the important risks and potential complications of liposuction surgery and what you can expect in the postoperative period.
The surgeon will also take a full medical history which includes previous operations, the current list of medicines taken and any potential allergies. This information will be used to decide on your fitness for the liposuction procedure. If you are deemed to be a suitable candidate for BBL surgery then we would recommend spending a period of time to reflect on all the information given. We always recommend a minimum of a '2 weeks cool off period' to weigh up your options.
All our prospective patients are more than welcome to have as many follow-up consultations after their initial consultation to make sure you are fully empowered with all the information to make an informed decision before proceeding with Brazilian Butt Lift surgery at Centre for Surgery in London.
Before the procedure
Once you have decided that a Brazilian Butt Lift is right for you, our preoperative assessment team will be in contact to prepare you for surgery.
The following are recommended actions to take:
- For 6 weeks beforehand, it is highly recommended to stop smoking as active smoking is associated with a number of risks including delayed wound healing which could result in wound infection. Smoking also interferes with blood supply to the skin and fat. This means that there is a higher chance of greater fat loss in those patients to actively smoke.
- Alcohol intake should be reduced and preferably stopped two weeks before BBL surgery
- You should also avoid aspirin and all medicines containing aspirin for at least one week prior to the liposuction procedure. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding after BBL surgery.
- For 6 hours before the BBL procedure, you should refrain from eating any food or any type of drink apart from sips of clear fluid (water and tea/coffee without added milk) which is allowed for up to 2 hours before the procedure.
You should also arrange for a responsible adult escort to collect you after the procedure for someone to look after you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
On the day of the your Brazilian Butt Lift procedure
Please aim to arrive for your BBL procedure at the confirmed time. One of our nursing team will admit you for the procedure and will carry out a number of tasks including checking your blood pressure and other vital signs including pulse and temperature and then getting you changed into single-use clinic wear. The anaesthetist will then come in to assess you to make sure you are fit for TIVA anaesthetic and will also prescribe a number of pre-medications which are given by your nurse to help your recovery after the liposuction procedure. You will then be seen by your surgeon who will confirm the procedure to be undertaken and you will sign the informed consent form. Skin marking and photos may be taken at this point.
Liposuction and fat transfer to buttocks is a very commonly performed procedure at Centre for Surgery and is carried out under TIVA general anaesthesia as a day case. The procedure takes approximately 1-3 hours to carry out. During liposuction surgery, your surgeon will make small incisions in the marked body areas The fat tissue is surgically removed using specialised cannulas to contour the marked body areas. The harvested fat is processed in a specialised fat harvesting system before being injected using fine cannulas. The volume fat transferred depends on whether you are looking for maximum projection of the buttocks or you are looking to fill in ‘hip dips’. The final part of the procedure is the closure of the skin with dissolvable sutures.
Once you have woken up from the TIVA anaesthetic, our nurses will closely monitor you for 1-3 hours afterwards to make sure you make a full recovery. You will be given a fruit juice drink or a hot drink as you prefer to build up your energy levels. Once you are assessed as fit for discharge, you will require a responsible adult escort to take you home in a car or taxi and to look after you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
After your procedure
After your BBL procedure, our dedicated postoperative support team are available round the clock to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Our team will call you regularly for the first 2 weeks after your procedure to make sure your pain levels are well controlled and your healing is progressing as normal. You must not sit on your buttocks for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
The recovery after Brazilian Butt Lift is usually very straightforward with minimal discomfort that can be effectively controlled with tablet painkillers and the majority of our patients are very comfortable by the end of week 1. Your doctor may recommend a period of approximately one week off work. You should minimise any excessive physical activity for the first 2 weeks after surgery to help with the healing of the incisions and reduce swelling.
You will be required to wear a supportive BBL compression garment for a full 6 weeks to make sure healing is optimal, and also so that scars heal with the best results.
You will attend a postoperative check-up with one of our nursing team at 7-10 days to review your surgical wound sites and ensure proper healing is taking place. Recommendations on treatments for scar healing may be given for optimal cosmesis. At 6 weeks you should begin to see your final results of the Brazilian Butt Lift and you will see your surgeon for a comprehensive review and make sure your results are in line with your expectations.
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