Buttock or gluteal augmentation through fat grafting, popularly known as Brazilian Butt lift or BBL continues to gain popularity and is becoming an increasingly sought-after cosmetic surgery procedure worldwide.

What is Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

This treatment involves two procedures namely Liposuction & Augmentation.

In the first part – excess fat is removed via liposuction from the abdomen, hips, lower back, or thighs.

Next, the extracted fat is prepared for transfer & injected into the areas of the buttocks to enhance its shape & size.

In some cases, a portion of the transferred fat may not take, so the surgeon may need to inject more than necessary to ensure expected results. 

If a majority of cells do not take up, regrafting may be necessary for the future.

Although described as a so-called “lift,” the procedure does not involve such a technique as in arm or thigh lifts.

The surgery does not address the areas excess sagging or loose skin.

What does a Brazilian Lift Procedure do?

Buttock Augmentation procedure is done if

• You want to increase the Volume & improve the shape of your buttocks
• You want to add Fullness & Perkiness to flat buttocks
• You want to improve the curves & proportions of your figure
• You want roundness & lifted projection of your buttocks
• You want to enhance your self-image & self-confidence

Who can go for Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

• Good candidates for BBL are patients who have lost their natural curves due to age or change in weight & want a more youthful shape.
• They should have enough pockets of fat for grafting
• Conditions for the surgery may include healthy weight, lifestyle with regular exercise & diet, a non-smoker patient & free from recent infections or other surgical procedures.

How long do the results last?

A Brazilian butt lift should last forever, but if the transferred fat doesn’t take hold, your surgeon may need to repeat the procedure after you’ve healed to achieve your desired results. Since fat does not have its inherent blood supply, placement location is very important to provide the best chance of survival. 

Change in overal weight can also change the overall result of the surgery. If you weight increases, your buttocks may become enlarged and vice versa. During the treatment the fat cells are added to your buttock which may grow and shrink, so it is best to maintain a stable weight to preserve results.

What can buttock augmentation not do?

Buttock Augmentation can’t

• Change the entire natural contour of your body
• Increase the size of your buttocks unnaturally
• Increase the height of your buttocks extraordinarily

What is the recovery like? /What to expect during the recovery?

During the first 24-48 hours of the recovery process you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. But it is completely temporary which vanishes as the recovery proceeds further.

It’s recovery process is fast, thus you can start working within a week and you can start your exercise within a month but for this you should get your doctors suggestion. 

There are few things that you need to avoid, such as sudden movements, lifting weights, etc., for approximately 2-4 weeks.

To achieve the shape immediately after the surgery you should use a compression garment for the buttocks for a minimum of 6 weeks.

One month after the treatment any bruising, discomfort, or swelling will disappear, and you will feel normal.

To get better and faster recovery you should follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon. 

Typically, you won’t be permitted to sit or lie on your buttocks for two weeks, meaning you’ll need to sleep on your stomach, side, or stand.

Now your surgeon will evaluate the recovery and check whether you’ve healed enough to sit on your buttocks using a donut seat or pillows under your thighs. You can resume your work in 10 to 14 days. 

Pain will be minimal, though your surgeon will discuss and prescribe pain medication. After one week, you can resume light daily activities, but you should not exercise or lift heavy objects. 

Nearly it will take up to six months to heal completely and see the final results. At the three-month mark, one can be reasonably certain regarding the extent of fat retention. 

Risks involved in Buttock Augmentation

Yes, like other surgery there are few risks and potential complications associated with the buttock augmentation.

Common risks involved in buttock augmentation include bleeding, hematoma, a chance of infection, scarring, numbness, fat necrosis, recurrent looseness of the skin, deep vein thrombosis, seroma, and persistent pain.

However, if a qualified plastic surgeon performs the surgery, the complications are avoidable.

Results of the Procedure

Under typical conditions, after a buttock augmentation with fat grafting, the fat injected will remain there for the rest of your life. Although the fat grafting technique improves the volume and shape of your buttocks, you should make healthy lifestyle changes to get long-lasting results.

A healthy eating regime and exercise routine will go a long way in maintaining and improving your results with time.

How you should prepare for buttock augmentation?

• Consult a board-certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon
• The surgeon will advise you of some preoperative blood tests
• You should stop smoking before the surgery
• Avoid any medication not prescribed by the surgeon like aspirin, herbal medications, or anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding during the surgery
• Stop taking any recreational drugs
• Stop alcohol intake
• Arrange for a driver or someone to stay with you during your surgery