What is a Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL?

Having a large, perfectly sized buttocks is becoming more and more popular, in part thanks to high profile celebrities. However, women are increasingly finding the perfect hourglass figure cannot be obtained simply by going to the gym. As a result, women are deciding to undergo cosmetic procedures. One of the more popular procedures is known as a Brazilian Butt Lift.

So what exactly is a Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL and is it a safe procedure?

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

A Brazilian Butt Lift involves injecting your own body fat into the buttocks to increase the size and shape. Fat is generally taken from the hips or abdomen but can also be taken from the lower back or the thighs.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic, so you are not awake for the surgery. Liposuction is used to remove fat from the donor area of the body. This fat is then purified and prepared before being injected into the buttocks.

The amount of fat that can be transferred depends on how much fat you have available and the size of your buttocks. If you have a particularly small frame and your weight is light, you may not be able to have a large amount transferred.

Brazilian Butt Lifts are considered more popular than buttock implants. This involves inserting a foreign object into the body (implants) to increase the size of the buttocks. There is often a range of complications associated with buttock implants, such as the implants moving from the original position and therefore altering the appearance of the buttocks. However, the Brazilian Butt Lift is not without complications, and these complications have caused questions about the safety of the procedure.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure the comfort and safety of the patient. This surgery is not only about augmenting the buttocks but also involves reshaping the patient’s silhouette for a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

First Stage: Fat Harvesting via Liposuction

The procedure begins with the plastic surgeon performing liposuction to harvest fat from areas where it is in excess. Common areas for fat removal include the abdomen, back, and waistline. This stage is crucial as it not only provides the fat needed for the enhancement but also helps in contouring the areas around the buttocks, contributing to a more sculpted look.

Our surgeons utilise a technique known as Liposuction 360. This comprehensive approach allows for the removal of fat from the abdomen, back, and waistline, ensuring that the fat is evenly harvested and that the remaining areas are smoothly contoured. This method is particularly effective in enhancing the overall body shape, accentuating the natural curves and providing a foundation for the subsequent enhancement.

Second Stage: Fat Transfer to the Buttocks

Once the fat is harvested, it undergoes a purification process where only the best quality fat cells are selected for reinjection. The prepared fat is then carefully and strategically injected into the buttocks to create a fuller, rounder, and more elevated appearance. The placement of fat is meticulously planned to ensure that the augmentation looks natural and harmonious with the patient’s body proportions.

The strategic transfer of fat not only augments the buttocks but also significantly improves the waist-to-hip ratio. By removing excess fat from around the waist and adding it to the buttocks, our surgeons can sculpt a more pronounced hourglass figure, enhancing the natural curves and providing a more balanced and appealing body shape.

Is a Brazilian Butt Lift safe?

Brazilian Butt Lifts made headline news numerous times as a result of the deaths of two British women who travelled abroad to undergo the procedure. These two deaths resulted in the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons calling for British surgeons not to perform the procedure until more data was collected. The increase in demand for the Brazilian Butt Lift has resulted in more surgeons offering the procedure, often at very low prices in Turkey. However, not all of these surgeons have the correct qualifications. As a result, unqualified surgeons are injecting fat into large veins, which then travel to the heart, lungs or brain, resulting in illness and death. This occurs when the fat is injected too deeply into the buttocks or too much fat is transferred.

RELATED: Butt implants vs Brazilian Butt lift

How can you make sure you have a safe BBL procedure?

Despite the complications and risks, many people still choose to proceed with having a Brazilian Butt Lift. If you choose to go ahead, what can you do to ensure you have the safest possible procedure?

RELATED: Is the Brazilian Butt Lift Safe?

1. Pick a qualified surgeon

Do some research online regarding your surgeon. Where did they get their degree from? Are they registered with the General Medical Council? How long have they been working for? How many times have they performed this procedure? What are their reviews like? Surgeons will often have their own personal websites, otherwise, you may be able to find this information on social media websites such as LinkedIn. During your consultation, you should feel free to ask the surgeon these questions.

2. Research the clinic

Don’t just research the surgeon, research the clinic or hospital you are attending. You’ll want to make sure they are regulated and have a good health and safety record. Many people report attending clinics that are unhygienic. Unsanitary conditions can raise the risk of complications and infection occurring.

3. Look at before and after BBL photographs

This will not only help you to get an idea of the surgeon’s experience but can also help to give you realistic expectations. Before and after photographs can sometimes be published on surgeons’ websites or their social media accounts. It is also worth asking the surgeon for photographs during your consultation.

RELATED: What are the different types of Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL?

4. Be cautious of the price

It is often tempting to pick the cheapest price possible – after all, who doesn’t want to save some money where they can? It’s particularly tempting when there are package deals; often clinics abroad will include the surgery along with a hotel stay or flights. It is a good idea to be cautious about prices that are extremely low or packages that seem too good to be true. The price of surgery within the United Kingdom is often higher for a reason due to the better regulatory framework.

RELATED: How visible will BBL scars be?

Prices that are extremely low can often mean the surgeon is not trained or experienced. Other countries have different regulations which means the clinic and surgeon may not be up to the same standard as you would find in the United Kingdom. Remember that the high cost is paying for the surgeon, their experience, their time, as well as the anaesthetist, the anaesthetic, the medical supplies and the aftercare. Many budget procedures will not include anaesthetic or aftercare in the cost. If something goes wrong, you may have to pay a lot extra for a corrective procedure.

Who Should Consider Alternatives to Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic procedure designed not for weight loss but for enhancing body contours by redistributing fat. Therefore, it is unsuitable for individuals who are significantly overweight. Those in this category should focus on losing weight through dietary changes, physical activity, or even weight loss surgery before considering a BBL. This is crucial because the procedure involves liposuction to remove fat, but only a small quantity is taken, which is insufficient for noticeable weight reduction. The primary aim of a BBL is to improve body proportion rather than decrease overall body mass.

Moreover, if achieving a look similar to that often showcased by influencers on social media platforms is your primary motive, a BBL might disappoint. Many images circulating on platforms like Instagram and TikTok are extensively edited, portraying beauty standards that are unrealistic and typically unachievable through surgical means alone. Make sure to have realistic expectations and discuss with a qualified surgeon what is actually achievable with your body type.

Additionally, individuals who smoke are advised against undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift or any similar cosmetic surgery. Smoking can significantly hinder the healing process, and it is generally required to cease smoking at least six weeks prior to the surgery. This ensures better recovery and optimises the outcome of the procedure.

Exploring the Non-Surgical Brazilian Butt Lift

A non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift, often referred to as a “liquid BBL,” is an alternative cosmetic procedure to the traditional surgical Brazilian Butt Lift. This innovative approach involves the use of injectable dermal fillers to enhance the volume and improve the shape of the buttocks without the need for surgery.

Procedure Overview

The non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift is typically conducted as an outpatient procedure, which means it does not require an overnight stay at the clinic. Patients remain awake throughout the procedure, and it is usually completed within a few hours. After the treatment, patients can generally return home the same day, making it a convenient option for those seeking a quick enhancement with minimal downtime.

How It Works

The procedure involves the careful injection of HYACorp volumising fillers into specific areas of the buttocks to create a fuller, more rounded look. These fillers, which are typically made from substances compatible with the body, such as hyaluronic acid, are designed to add volume and contour the buttocks to the desired shape. The effects are immediate, though it may take a few days for the full results to become apparent as the swelling subsides.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Centre for Surgery in London currently offers fat transfer to the buttocks. Unlike other clinics, fat is injected above the muscle, making the procedure far safer and minimising the risk of any complications occurring.