What is BBL Surgery?

Who is the Right Fit for a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

So, you’re considering a BBL and wondering if it’s the right choice for you? Our skilled surgeons will carry out a thorough examination to assess your suitability for this specific procedure. However, there are some general guidelines that can give you an idea if you’re a good candidate for a BBL.

1. Body Mass Index (BMI): Ideally, your BMI should fall within the 23-30 range. It’s also good to be just a bit above your target weight. This is important because we need some extra fat to harvest through liposuction and then transfer into your buttocks to achieve the look you desire.
2. Availability of Excess Fat: You should have a sufficient amount of extra fat in other areas of your body. This could be from your thighs, abdomen, or flanks, for example. This fat is what we’ll use to enhance and reshape your bum.
3. General Health: You need to be in good health for this surgery. If you smoke or drink, you should be prepared to quit at least four weeks before and after the procedure. This is crucial for ensuring a smooth recovery and minimising risks.

Now, what if you find that you don’t quite meet these criteria at the moment? Don’t worry, all is not lost. You can explore the possibility of having the BBL once you’ve reached an appropriate weight. In fact, consulting a dietician could be really helpful in this regard. It’s worth mentioning that patients who have a high BMI are more likely to face complications, especially related to anaesthesia, so getting to a healthier weight is both beneficial and safer.

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Procedure Explained

If you’re considering a Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, you might be curious about how the entire procedure works. A BBL typically takes about 3 to 4 hours to finish and is done under general anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be completely asleep and won’t feel any discomfort during the surgery.

Step 1: Fat Harvesting Through Liposuction

First off, your surgeon will do liposuction to collect the fat needed for the BBL. They’ll target specific areas of your body that have been decided upon in advance. Common areas include the abdomen, sides of your torso, or ‘flanks’, and sometimes thighs. The liposuction involves making tiny incisions and inserting a suction tube, known as a cannula, to suck out the fat.

Step 2: Fat Purification

After the fat is collected, it’s time to clean and prepare it for the next stage. The surgeon will purify the extracted fat cells to make sure only the best-quality cells are used for transfer. This step helps to make sure the transferred fat integrates well with your existing tissue.

Step 3: Fat Transfer to the Buttocks

Finally, the purified fat is ready to be moved to its new home: your buttocks. Your surgeon will inject this fat into particular spots over the gluteal muscle to give you the shape and look you desire. Here, we often use the ultrasound-guided BBL technique, which allows the surgeon to be extremely precise. This technique also significantly lowers the risk of any complications, like fat getting into the veins, making the procedure safer.

Understanding Different Types of BBL Shapes

When it comes to Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs), the goal isn’t just about adding volume; it’s also about shaping the buttocks in a way that complements your overall physique. Based on your natural shape and personal preferences, the surgeon can target specific areas for fat injection to give you the look you desire. Generally, there are four main types of buttock shapes that people often want to modify or highlight through a BBL.

V-Shaped or Inverted Butts

Characteristics: V-shaped butts are wider at the top and narrow down towards the bottom. People with this shape often have narrow hips and may carry extra fat in their abdomen.

BBL Goals: The BBL can transform this type into a rounder, fuller shape by adding more volume to the lower region of the buttocks and hips.

H-Shaped or Square-Shaped Butts

Characteristics: This shape gives a flat look because it doesn’t have the pronounced curves between the hips and thighs. If you have this shape, you might carry extra fat around your waist, commonly referred to as “love handles.”

BBL Goals: A BBL can enhance an H-shaped butt, turning it into a more coveted O-shaped or A-shaped bottom by adding curves and reducing the flat appearance.

A-Shaped or Inverted Heart-Shaped Butts

Characteristics: The A-shaped butt starts narrow at the top and gets fuller towards the bottom. Those who naturally have this shape often boast an hourglass or pear-shaped figure, complete with a slim waist and wider hips.

BBL Goals: A BBL can make this already attractive shape even more striking, emphasizing the lower buttocks to make them look even fuller.

O-Shaped or Bubble Butts

Characteristics: The O-shaped butt has a round and curvy appearance, with even volume throughout. Many people desire this shape, and if you already have it, you may find you carry some extra fat above the gluteal area.

BBL Goals: A BBL can refine an O-shaped butt by further accentuating its roundness, making it an even more standout feature of your body.

Your BBL Recovery and Aftercare Guide

Recovering from a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a crucial part of achieving the best possible results. Knowing what to expect and how to take care of yourself post-surgery can significantly affect your healing process and final outcome. Here’s a comprehensive look at what typical recovery and aftercare involve:

1. First Week of Recovery:
   • Generally, patients are able to go back to desk jobs and light daily activities about a week after the surgery. During this time, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness in both your buttocks and the areas where liposuction was performed.
2. Four Weeks Post-Surgery:
   • After about a month, most patients feel comfortable resuming more strenuous activities like exercise. Always consult your surgeon before jumping back into your full routine to make sure it’s safe for you.
3. Common Symptoms:
   • It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness during the initial stages of recovery. These symptoms should gradually diminish over time as your body heals.
4. Detailed Aftercare Plan:
   • You won’t be left guessing about what to do for a smooth recovery. You’ll receive comprehensive aftercare instructions, which may include:
     • Prescribed medications to manage pain.
     • Compression garments to reduce swelling and aid in shaping.
     • Recommendations for sleeping and sitting positions to avoid putting pressure on your newly enhanced buttocks.
5. Scheduled Follow-Up Visits:
   • Your recovery will be closely monitored through a series of follow-up appointments. Typically, we schedule three of these visits at our Baker Street clinic to assess your healing, discuss any concerns you may have, and adjust your aftercare plan as needed.