Brazilian Butt Lift

The Brazilian Butt Lift is a procedure that is increasing in popularity. The term Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, is a trade name that represents multiple types of buttock volume enhancement using autologous fat.  As fat grafting or transfer, in general, becomes better understood and predictable, patients are getting better and better results.

The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is a lot more than just adding fat to the buttock region. The procedure almost always extracts excess fat in peripheral areas such as the hips, abdomen, lower back, or thighs. This unwanted fat then becomes a source of material for the areas in the buttocks to be augmented.

BBL surgery can help drastically change a woman’s shape by modifying the buttocks and surrounding areas. Many women consider Brazilian Butt Lift procedures because they wish to enhance the natural curves of their lower body, minimize fat within the thighs or belly, enhance the fullness and volume of the buttock region, add a more youthful appearance, and improve the overall balance between the upper and lower body.

View of Woman's Back and Butt While She Stands in Water Brazilian Butt Lift Atlanta GA | Dr Vincent Zubowicz MD

Brazilian Butt Lift FAQs

A Brazilian butt lift is a buttock augmentation that uses fat grafting to harvest fat by liposuction and prepares it for injection. Since a sizeable amount of fat is needed to make a noticeable difference, some patients may not be candidates because they lack enough harvestable fat. The waist is almost always suctioned as it allows better framing of the buttocks even when no fat grafting is performed.

The harvested and prepared fat is then dispersed by injection into the areas desired by the patient.  This can be done by syringe or by a pump. In either case, the fat is slowly and symmetrically distributed between the two buttock cheeks.

The operation takes about 2 hours.  The time may vary if more than one or two areas are treated by liposuction to obtain the necessary fat.

Most patients are treated under general anesthesia. The buttock can not be numbed by tumescent anesthesia as the donor areas are because of the distortion that would cause. In special cases, less than general anesthesia can be used, however, most patients do prefer to be completely asleep.

First of all, a patient has to have enough fat available for liposuction to make a difference. Other than that, the only variable is overall good health. The procedure is, more or less, irreversible so it important that the patient wants buttock enhancement for life.

Most thin people do not have enough fat for buttock enhancement.  Fillers would be prohibitively expensive.  No one should consent to silicone injections or other adulterated substances for BBL.  The results can be catastrophic.

Patients are expected to be up and about immediately.  In my practice, I generally recommend resuming athletic activity after the first week visit provided it is not painful.  Soreness diminishing with time can be expected for a few months.

Results are seen immediately.  Obviously, there will be swelling that will add to the volume. Furthermore, not all of the fat injected will “take” so most surgeons will overcorrect taking this into consideration.  The final established volume will take about 6 months.

Results last a lifetime so it’s important that the patient really wants a bigger buttock area for life. If patients gain or lose weight, the volume of the fat grafting might be influenced.

Fat grafting is almost never placed in the area of the ischium (the lower portion of the buttock) that bears weight when sitting normally. Once healing is complete, there are no special restrictions to preserve the results of the operation.


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This article was written by Dr. Vincent Zubowicz, who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He practices medicine at his offices in Milton and Atlanta. Learn more about Dr. Zubowicz, his medical training, and credentials.

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Dr. Vincent Zubowicz is one of the Atlanta areas top plastic and reconstructive surgeons. He is an expert in cosmetic surgery, with years of experience performing many plastic surgery procedures. He offers a personal, customized approach and is dedicated to helping patients achieve the most natural looking results.

Call our office at 470-462-2917 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Vincent Zubowicz.

  • Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

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