Mastering the brazilian butt lift (BBL): An in-depth analysis
Written in association with:
Plastic surgeon
Published: 19/09/2023
Edited by: Kate Forristal
In his latest online article, Mr Omar Tillo gives us his insights into what a Brazilian butt lift entails. He talks about the procedure, if the results are permanent, if you can lose the results from weight loss, if it’s a safe procedure, and recovery.
What does the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure entail?
A Brazilian butt lift, in essence, is a surgical procedure that entails the extraction of excess fat tissue from regions of the body where it is unwanted, such as the abdomen, sides, or waist. This extracted fat is then skilfully transplanted into the hips and buttocks to achieve a fuller and rounder appearance, resulting in a more natural-looking hourglass figure.
Are the results of a BBL permanent?
Yes, the reason behind this is that we are relocating the patient's fat tissue, ensuring that the results are permanent. Initially, there may be swelling, and as a standard practice, we typically transfer more fat than necessary because a significant portion of the transferred fat will naturally break down and be absorbed within three to six months. The final result is a lasting enhancement that remains a permanent asset for life.
If I lose weight after my BBL will I lose the results?
When you lose weight, all the fat cells in your body diminish in size. With the Brazilian butt lift procedure, we take fat cells that store fat from one area, like the stomach, and transfer them to the hips and buttocks. These relocated fat cells behave in accordance with your body weight fluctuations, shrinking as you lose weight and expanding as you gain weight. They essentially respond to changes in your body weight.
Is the BBL a safe procedure?
The Brazilian butt lift procedure used to have a concerning reputation for being risky, which was true in the past. The reason behind this was that, historically, surgeons would inject fat into the gluteal muscle of the buttocks and even beneath the muscle to achieve more volume and enhance fat survival. However, this approach posed risks, as some of the injected fat could either leak from the muscle or enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to a condition called fat embolism, where fat particles could block blood vessels in the lungs. The risk of fat embolism associated with injecting fat into the buttocks used to be as high as one in two thousand, which is alarmingly high.
Now, thanks to advancements and extensive research, we've learned that fat should not be injected into the muscle to mitigate the risk of fat embolism. Instead, it should only be transferred into the subcutaneous layer, which is the space between the muscle and the skin. In the UK, the standard practice for individuals seeking this procedure is to transfer fat only superficially under the skin. Consequently, we no longer refer to it as the Brazilian butt lift; it's now called superficial fat transfer or superficial gluteal lipofilling. To ensure the safe placement of fat beneath the skin and over the muscle, surgeons utilise ultrasound scans to enhance the procedure's safety.
How long does it take to recover after a BBL?
Recovery following a Brazilian butt lift occurs in stages. During the initial one to two weeks, patients are advised to rest and engage in minimal activity. Light walking is encouraged during this time. It typically takes about one to two weeks for patients to gradually return to light activities, and approximately three weeks to resume full physical activities.
An important aspect of the recovery process is that patients should avoid sitting on their buttocks, lying flat on their back or hips, and applying any pressure to the transferred fat. These precautions are essential to support the survival of the fat tissue in the treated area. Generally, after three weeks, patients can safely resume their full range of physical activities.
Mr Omar Tillo is an esteemed plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Mr Tillo on his Top Doctors profile.