There are several reasons why people choose to have a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) – an optional surgical procedure that involves transferring fat from one part of the body to the buttocks to reshape and enhance its size. Some may undergo the procedure to better fit their clothes, for example. Others may want more balanced proportions.
Whatever your personal reasons for BBL surgery, the procedure offers two key benefits that are universal to everyone: The end result is more natural than with buttock implant surgery, and BBL is associated with a much lower risk of infection.
In this article, you will learn some reasons why people choose a BBL, who is considered a good candidate, how to have realistic expectations of the process, and what you should do to prepare.
What happens during a BBL?
During BBL surgery, a plastic surgeon uses liposuction to harvest fat from an area such as the hips, abdomen, or thighs. Once cleansed, the fat is injected into the cheeks of the buttocks to contour and enhance their size.
Some of the transferred fat cells will not survive, so your surgeon may choose to inject some extra fat to account for this loss. Once the swelling goes down and the new fat cells incorporate, you’ll get a taste of the full results.
Reasons to own a BBL
Polywell / Jessica Olach
Your body shape is largely determined by a combination of genetics and lifestyle. Everyone has a natural tendency to store fat a little differently, and your skeletal structure plays a big role in your overall figure.
Changes such as pregnancy or weight lifting can change the physical shape a person is born with (to some extent).
BBL is an elective cosmetic procedure, meaning it is not necessary for your health and is done for cosmetic reasons only. For those who exercise and eat well but remain unhappy with their body shape, a BBL can create a look that is otherwise impossible to achieve through lifestyle changes alone.
Men or women may choose to do BBL for a variety of reasons including:
- Balancing proportions between the upper and lower body
- Achieve an hourglass shape
- Desire for buttock augmentation without implants
- Improving the fit of clothes
- Minimizing areas of fat in other parts of the body
- Filling areas of cellulite or dips in the hips and/or buttocks
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure the safest and best results for any cosmetic procedure.
Are you a candidate for BBL surgery?
BBL surgery depends on sufficient fat reserves in other areas of the body to provide sufficient donor tissue for a successful BBL.
The best candidates for BBL are those who plan to maintain their current weight. Weight gain or loss after a body contouring procedure such as BBL can lead to unwanted changes in your overall physique.
If you are planning to become pregnant or have weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass, it is best to wait until you are at a stable weight before taking BBL.
As with any procedure, it is ideal to be as healthy as possible before BBL surgery. Regular exercise, good nutrition and a positive mental outlook can improve your chances of a healthy recovery.
Other options
People who have loose skin or who are very thin may not be good candidates for BBL. Although a BBL can plump the area, it does not lift excess skin.
An experienced plastic surgeon will be able to recommend alternative procedures to achieve the desired results (such as a body lift surgery). If you have very low body fat, it may be difficult for your surgeon to find sufficient fat stores to harvest for transfer during BBL surgery. In this case, your healthcare provider may recommend implants instead.
You will be able to review all of your options in a consultation with your surgeon before scheduling a BBL.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
A BBL can reshape areas of the body, which can help boost your self-esteem. However, no cosmetic procedure can cure deep underlying insecurities, including those related to eating disorders or depression.
If you suspect that mental or emotional issues are fueling your desire for BBL or other cosmetic procedures, it is best to consult a psychotherapist before making any plastic surgery decisions.
A mental condition called body dysmorphic disorder causes people to believe their bodies need to be “fixed” when, in fact, they cannot see themselves as the rest of the world sees them. People with body dysmorphic disorder often believe they have physical defects that are not noticeable to others.
Studies show that the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder is higher in cosmetic surgery patients (10%) than in the general population (2.4%).
In general, plastic surgeons are not trained to diagnose body dysmorphic disorder or other psychological or psychiatric conditions. Additionally, psychiatric evaluation is not a prerequisite for surgery.
In 90% of cases, patients may invest time, money and risk their safety with cosmetic procedures only to find that their emotional symptoms worsen or remain unchanged.
Managing Expectations
It is important to have realistic expectations of what a BBL can and cannot achieve. Your surgeon should work with you to ensure that the results you’re looking for (eg, a more rounded look, a more athletic profile) are actually possible given your body type.
Be vocal about your reasons for having the surgery and desired outcome and ask any questions you have. It helps to have these conversations with images that both you and the surgeon can talk about.
Instead of looking to celebrities for inspiration, it’s best to refer to real patients who have a similar starting point as you. Ask your surgeon to see real before and after photos of their surgery. Although each person’s results are different, this can at least give you an idea of the possibilities.
Note: It is impossible to know for sure how a BBL will change your body until you are fully healed from surgery.
Before the Surgery
You will need to schedule medical clearance and lab tests. Your surgeon will advise you on the specifics of required pre-operative labs and tests. These will include tests to make sure your heart and lungs are strong enough to handle the anaesthesia.
Before you go under the knife, your surgeon will want to make sure you’re in good shape to recover quickly after the procedure. You will begin preparations for surgery approximately three to four weeks before your scheduled BBL. If you are a smoker, it is best to quit at least four weeks before BBL surgery for optimal wound healing.
BBLs are usually done as outpatient procedures under either general anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or local anesthesia.
If you have a genetic bleeding disorder or an autoimmune disease that could affect your recovery, your surgeon will want to take special precautions or suggest a less invasive procedure to ensure your safety.
A word from Verywell
A BBL can provide satisfactory results for the right candidate. If you are physically fit, financially able to afford your BBL procedure and mentally prepared to undertake the procedure, having a BBL can contribute to positive changes in your self-image and self-confidence.
Only you can decide what is best for your body. After researching the BBL procedure and speaking with a qualified surgeon, it is up to you to decide if a BBL is right for you.
