Ask the Experts
Brazilian Butt Lift surgery (BBL)
The BBL operation changes the shape of your buttocks permanently in a positive way. You should keep in mind that since it is not an implant but a self-fat injection, some of the injected fat will be absorbed by your body. Depending on the patient, only about 60 – 70% of the injected fat will survive, and the rest will be absorbed. Your surgeon will inject slightly more fat to get the desired look. Patients will see the final look after 3-6 months.
The benefits of BBL Surgery
The benefits are both cosmetic and psychological, and include:
- Firmer, leaner buttocks and upper thigh area
- More shapely buttocks and upper thigh area
- Redefined, lower body figure and outline
- Tightened buttock skin elasticity
- Reduce appearance of a ‘saggy’ bottom
- Ability to wear tighter cut clothes/swimwear
- Improved sense of emotional wellbeing
Who is an ideal candidate for BBL surgery?
Like any other cosmetic procedure, it’s essential to be in good health, you might be asked by your surgeon to suspend medication which can increase risk of bleeding or clotting. You will need to have some areas of excess fat, that can be harvested and injected into the buttocks. Prior to surgery and after surgery, in order to preserve your own fat deposit, it’s advisable not to be on any diet, and also intensive exercise meant to burn your fat, must be avoided during this time.
Different types of BBL surgery
- Upper buttock lift:
The most invasive method of surgery where an incision is made at the top of the buttocks, the excess underlying tissue removed and the buttock repositioned to improve its appearance and contour. This procedure can leave a long scar at the top of the buttocks but is a very effective means to lift the position of the buttocks.
- Lower buttock lift:
A suitable option if you have moderate sagging only. An incision is made in the lower buttocks where there is a natural crease in the buttock fold. Excess tissue is removed from the lower side of the buttock resulting in a less visible scar, hidden in the natural crease line.
- Butterfly buttock lift:
This procedure gets its name from the shape of the incision which starts from the central crease and carries on upwards and outwards like the wings of a butterfly. This method is effective in tightening the skin, but it is less effective for repositioning or lifting of the buttocks.
- Lateral buttock lift:
Also suitable for moderate buttock sagging is a lateral approach to the buttock lift. An incision is made into the outer side of each buttock and is a good choice for people who do not have dramatic sagging or large amounts of excess fat and skin, and want to minimise scarring.
The procedure can be planned as a day case, or you might require a 1-night stay. Return to work is generally after 2 weeks, you will need to wear a compressive garment for 4 weeks and, very importantly, you will need, as much as possible to avoid sitting on your buttocks for about 3 weeks.
You will be directed to use an inflatable pillow when sitting for at least eight weeks in order to ease discomfort and help you achieve a smooth recovery. Sitting directly on your buttocks too soon will cause a disruption in the fat transfer.
Although you will see immediate results, as the swelling and bruising subsides over the next few weeks, you will begin to notice greater results. Over the course of the next few months, the fat will continue to stabilise. Most patients are able to enjoy final results in about four to six months.