In modern society, a round, shapely, or pronounced buttocks is often a sign of youth and fitness. For patients who have flat or undefined buttock contours, dermal fillers only offer temporary improvement and implants may look or feel unnatural. In order to achieve a more natural and enduring augmentation, Dr. Wesley Schooler — our double board-certified plastic surgeon — offers a Brazilian Butt Lift. A Brazilian Butt LIft, often referred to as a “BBL” or “gluteal fat injections,” is a procedure that uses your own fat to add volume and sculpt the shape of the buttocks. This can make your lower body look curvier and more voluptuous without the need for an implant.
What Can Gluteal Fat Injections Improve?
A Brazilian Butt Lift uniquely harvests fat cells from another region of the body and transfers them to the buttocks for natural, even, and long-lasting volume enhancement. In this way, these fat injections can sculpt the buttocks with results that last longer than the outcomes provided by dermal fillers. Plus, unlike an implant, there is generally no risk of an allergic reaction since your own fat is transferred. While the results vary for each patient, a BBL can:
- Plump and firm the shape of the buttocks, creating a more sensual figure
- Add natural volume to the buttocks
- Better define the butt contours
- Improve the proportions of the lower body
- Give you a more shapely, “hourglass”-like silhouette
To give you an idea of what types of outcomes a Brazilian Butt Lift can typically achieve, Dr. Schooler would be happy to show you before-and-after photos of previous patients who received a BBL at the time of your consultation.
Is a BBL Right for Me?
There are several treatment options that can enhance the proportions of the buttocks, but not all procedures offer long-term or natural-looking results. Unlike a gluteal implant, BBL surgery can be a powerful way to re-sculpt your buttocks using fat from either your thighs, hips, or abdomen. You may be a good candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift if you are:
- Looking for a more natural way to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks without utilizing implants
- A non-smoker, or you’re willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure
- Healthy, with no medical conditions that may interfere with the healing process
- Able to keep a positive outlook on surgery and maintain realistic expectations for the results
A BBL can also be an excellent addition to a Mommy Makeover for patients who are looking for a more comprehensive or dramatic transformation. For many individuals, the results of a Brazilian Butt Lift can complement the outcome of a tummy tuck, liposuction, or other body contouring procedures.
How is a Brazilian Butt Lift Performed?
Buttock augmentation using fat transfer is performed in two parts: first, a narrow cannula is utilized to suction fat cells from a fat-rich region of the body via liposuction. During this stage, the procedure offers the adjunctive benefit of slimming and contouring either the thighs, abdomen, or waist simultaneous to your buttock enhancement. Dr. Schooler will discuss the best site from which to borrow fat after he evaluates your needs in a consultation.
The second stage of the procedure involves purifying, processing, and injecting the harvested fat into the buttocks until the desired contours are achieved. Dr. Schooler will use a fine needle to meticulously inject fat in a grid-like fashion, ensuring even, uniform augmentation. At first, the region may appear overcorrected due to the fat that may resorb in the weeks following the procedure. This should naturally resolve as your final results become more apparent.
What Can I Expect From the Recovery Period After a BBL?
After buttock augmentation using fat transfer, swelling and potential bruising are normal reactions. A compression garment will be worn immediately after surgery to help shape your new contours and improve blood flow. Dr. Schooler will show you how to sit and lie down after your procedure to optimize the blood supply in the region. Most patients feel well enough to return to work and light daily activities after five to seven days, although strenuous activity should be avoided for four to six weeks. Swelling may last as long as six months after surgery. Once your final results are revealed, the augmentation achieved should last forever provided you maintain a stable weight.
How Much Does a BBL Cost?
The price of a Brazilian Butt Lift is personalized according to your individual needs and cannot be assessed until your consultation. Your cost estimate will be calculated based on the details of your treatment plan, including:
- The surgical technique utilized
- The extent of augmentation desired
- The complexity of your procedure
Although insurance doesn’t usually cover body contouring procedures like a BBL, our practice accepts various plastic surgery financing options. CareCredit® and ALPHAEON™ Credit are two highly reputable lending companies that offer qualified patients a more manageable way to pay for treatment while accommodating any budgetary concerns. Please don’t hesitate to call our office if you have any questions about the cost of a BBL.
If you’re dissatisfied with your silhouette or would like a more voluptuous figure, Dr. Schooler can speak with you about effective treatment options to improve your lower body contours. Contact our Santa Barbara office to schedule a consultation or to learn more about a Brazilian Butt Lift.