What To Know When Considering a Brazilian Butt Lift

By Dr. Vinod Chopra

Brazilian butt lifts have become heavily glamorized by Hollywood celebrities and over social media. Once thought of as an invasive procedure can now be done fairly easily and in several different ways. Brazilian butt lifts have a reputation for being intense and invasive, however, newer techniques have minimized the danger involved with this procedure. 

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

A Brazilian butt lift, or a BBL, is a procedure that seeks to re-contour and add volume to a person’s backside. Before this procedure became popularized through social media and reality television, inserting implants was the only way to create more fullness in one’s backside. However, over the years, many new procedures have emerged to create the same fullness without the use of implants. 

Often, when people refer to a Brazilian butt lift, they believe that they are referencing a singular procedure. There are a variety of different BBL procedures that one can undertake. The two more common types of BBL procedures are:

• Liquid BBL- For those who want a less-invasive procedure with more subtle results, a liquid BBL may be perfect. A liquid BBL uses injectables such as Sculptra or Radiesse.
• Surgical BBL- While this procedure may involve surgery, it doesn’t involve the use of an implant. A surgical BBL utilizes liposuction to remove fat from other areas of the body such as the stomach, flanks, thighs, or arms. The fat is then injected into your backside after it has been properly stored and purified for your procedure. (this is called fat grafting/transfer)

While in the past, a BBL was a straightforward procedure, patients now have the option to choose which procedure best fits them and their lifestyle so that they can have unique and beautiful results. 

What You Should Know Before Getting a Brazilian Butt Lift

Though BBL procedures are often glamorized in the media, many people don’t talk about the intensity of the procedure and what changes it makes to your life. Some things to consider before undergoing a BBL are: 

• The results won’t appear immediately- Your backside may look a bit off during the recovery stage of your procedure, however, after a few weeks your backside should begin to take shape and reveal your desired result. 
• You can’t smoke or drink alcohol before your procedure- For a few weeks before and after surgery, you won’t be able to smoke or drink at all as it could greatly affect the treated area by cutting off or greatly restricting blood flow.  
• You may need to change some parts of your lifestyle post-surgery- Depending on your current lifestyle, a surgeon may recommend making certain changes in order to achieve long-lasting results. 
• Healing– no pressure on your buttocks for 2-3 weeks minimum, regular follow ups with your surgeon, no exercise/intense physical activity until cleared from your doctor. 

If you have been considering getting a BBL procedure, it is best to speak with your plastic surgeon first and discuss your everyday lifestyle. They will be able to answer any questions that you may have and explain your options to you so that you are able to make the best decision possible for your body and health.