Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery
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Content written by Andrew Proulx, MD | Reviewed by EnhanceMyself Medical Team | Last updated 6/27/2023
- Overview
Overview
What is the “Brazilian Butt Lift”?
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), referred to as “gluteal fat grafting,” is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to augment the size and form of the buttocks. This method involves the removal of excess fat from various body areas, such as the love handles or abdominal region, and subsequently injecting it into the buttocks to achieve the desired fullness and contour.
The name “Brazilian Butt Lift” can be somewhat misleading. First and foremost, the BBL is not a true “lift” procedure, as it does not involve the removal of loose skin. Additionally, the procedure was not developed in Brazil or by a Brazilian plastic surgeon. Instead, the name is associated with the reputation of Brazilian women for having naturally full and well-proportioned buttocks.
Topics covered on this page
- Cost of Brazilian Butt Lift
- Are you a candidate?
- Procedure overview
- Safety information
- Recovery time
- When to expect results
- How long will results last?
- Choosing a surgeon
Cost of Brazilian Butt Lift surgery
On average, the cost of a Brazilian Butt Lift is $4,807, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS); however, this figure only includes the surgeon’s fee. Several factors can influence the overall cost, including:
- Surgeon’s Fee: The experience and reputation of the cosmetic surgeon performing your procedure can impact the cost. Highly skilled and well-known surgeons often charging premium fees.
- Anesthesia Fees: The type of anesthesia used, the duration of the procedure, and the qualifications of the anesthesia provider can affect anesthesia fees.
- Surgical Facility: The surgical facility where the BBL is performed may also influence the cost, covering the use of the operating room and related services. To ensure a safe experience, check to see if your surgical facility is certified by the Accreditation Associations for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
- Location: The cost of living and average medical pricing in a specific area can affect the procedure’s cost, with urban areas generally having higher fees.
- Extent of Procedure: Specific details of the BBL, such as the amount of fat to be transferred, the number of donor areas for liposuction, can influence the price.
- Pre and Postoperative Care: Costs associated with preoperative consultations, medical tests, surgical garments, prescription medications, and follow-up appointments can affect the overall cost.
- Additional Procedures: If you are considering other procedures in conjunction with your BBL, additional costs may apply.
Taking into account these additional factors, the total cost for Brazilian butt lift surgery ranges from $8,000 to $14,000.
If you are considering a Brazilian Butt Lift, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon near you. This will allow you to discuss your aesthetic goals and obtain a better understanding of the specific cost associated with your individual case.
Are you a candidate?
The BBL differs from some other popular aesthetic procedures in terms of its ideal candidates, as they are drawn from a narrower group. Typically, candidates for a BBL are women aged 18 to 30, although it is not uncommon for men to undergo the procedure.
Patients seeking a BBL typically have flat, shapeless buttocks and/or loose skin (though if the skin is excessively loose, a surgical lift may be necessary), and their buttocks do not harmonize with the surrounding body.
BBL candidates desire a fuller, more natural appearance. To determine your suitability for a BBL, it is recommended that you schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation.
During this consultation, which is typically offered free of charge, your surgeon can assess your candidacy and discuss any alternative treatment options.
Procedure overview
A BBL does not involve artificial implants or the removal of excess skin. Instead, it employs a technique called “fat grafting,” where fat is extracted from one area of the body and then injected into the buttocks.
Here’s an overview of the typical steps during the procedure:
- The surgeon marks the areas of the body where fat will be removed and injected.
- Anesthesia is administered.
- Liposuction is used to extract fat from an area with excess fat tissue. This entails inserting a small tube (cannula) through a tiny incision and vacuuming out fat.
- The removed fat is carefully processed to purify it and prepare it for injection.
- The fat is then injected into the buttocks using a cannula through several small incisions. The surgeon strategically places the transplanted fat to achieve the desired cosmetic result.
- Finally, the incisions are closed, and bandages are applied to the treated areas.
In some cases, the surgeon may recommend additional liposuction in surrounding areas to enhance the desired outcome, although this isn’t always necessary.
Safety information
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with a BBL. Some of these include infection, poor wound healing, asymmetries, unfavorable scarring, fluid accumulation (seroma), and numbness or loss of skin sensation.
Previously, the BBL was believed to have a higher mortality rate compared to other cosmetic surgery procedures. However, a recent study has revealed that its mortality rate is comparable to that of other procedures.
To reduce the risk associated with BBL, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises that fat should be deposited solely under the skin rather than into the muscle. Surgeons who possess the expertise and experience to adhere to these guidelines are less likely to encounter severe complications, as there have been no reported deaths when fat is placed exclusively beneath the skin.
Recovery time
Recovery from a BBL can be more demanding compared to some other liposuction procedures, as sitting directly on the buttocks or sleeping on the back should be avoided for about two weeks after the treatment. This precaution is crucial as it can affect blood circulation to the area and potentially harm the transferred fat cells.
Tenderness in the buttocks and the areas where liposuction was performed is normal but typically resolves within a short period. A compression garment may be provided to alleviate discomfort. Within six to eight weeks, a full return to normal activities can be expected.
When to expect results
By 3 to 6 months, the majority of patients will see the final results of their BBL. The fat that has successfully survived the grafting process becomes a permanent part of your buttocks, providing long-lasting enhancement.
How long will results last?
The results of a BBL are semi-permanent because even with careful post-operative care, up to 40% of the transferred fat may not survive. Despite this expected reduction, most of the effects of the BBL can be expected to last for years.
For some individuals, multiple BBL procedures may be required to achieve or maintain the desired results, depending on factors such as body type and the desired aesthetic outcome.
Tips for choosing a plastic surgeon
To attain the desired results, it is important to carefully select your plastic surgeon. The surgeon you choose, along with their recommended surgical approach, significantly influences patient satisfaction. Seek out a surgeon with substantial experience in Brazilian butt lifts. Ensure that your surgeon is board-certified and holds membership in one or more of the following organizations:
- The American Board of Plastic Surgery
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- The Aesthetic Society
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*Medical Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. Read more.
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