Butt augmentation, or butt enhancement, also known as a Brazilian butt lift, is a procedure to add volume and shape to the buttocks, resulting in a more shapely appearance. This procedure is an option for individuals whose buttocks may be small or lacking a proper amount of fullness, which can affect the fit of clothing and impact a person’s overall self-image. Buttock augmentation is also an effective treatment for injuries that have altered the shape of the butt.
Some plastic surgeons offer shaped silicone implants as an option for buttock augmentation. Implants are common in Europe and South America, but have not been proven by the FDA to be safe for patients. In contrast to using shaped silicone implants, the Brazilian butt lift procedure uses the patient’s own fat cells to augment and shape the buttocks. Dr. Chaudhari prefers to use patient’s own fat cells to augment the buttocks since this procedure has been well-studied and carries a much lower complication rate. The fat transfer procedure is safer, less invasive and consistently provides positive results, and using a patient’s own cells provides a look that is more natural in feel and appearance.
The best candidates for buttock augmentation are individuals who are unhappy with the size, shape, or projection of their buttocks, but prefer to avoid implants or large incisions. Patients should be in generally good health and have enough fat deposits in other areas like stomach, thighs, flanks where fat cells can be collected for transfer to the buttocks.
Buttock augmentation is performed using liposuction to collect fat cells from areas of the body that hold excess, unnecessary fat, such as the stomach, thighs, or gluteus area above the buttocks. After the fat is removed, it is cleansed and purified before being inserted into the buttocks. The purified fat cells are then inserted into the buttocks in a strategic fan pattern and at a specific depth, which allows for optimal contouring and results in a well-sculpted profile. Once the proper amount of fat cells have been transferred, the small liposuction incisions will be closed.
The Brazilian Butt Lift is a minimally invasive procedure, performed through very small incisions. Since the transplanted fat cells are very fragile, patients must avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for several days following surgery. After that, patients are instructed to sit indirectly on the buttocks, keeping most of their weight on the upper legs, for about a week. Full recovery should occur within two weeks, and patients are usually able to return to work in 14 days. Normal activities, including exercise, can be resumed in three weeks with no restrictions.
WARNING: The following videos may contain nudity and/or graphic images and may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer is advised.
Sonia (5’3” 142 lbs) had a tummy tuck with lipo and breast lift many years ago and then lost a lot of weight. She came to us address the extra skin of her thighs, her sagging buttocks and breast deflation, so she underwent crescent thigh lift, buttock lift, and breast augmentation.
A Brazilian Butt Lift, often called a BBL, is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the shape and volume of the buttocks using a patient’s own fat. Fat is removed from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs through liposuction and then carefully transferred to the buttocks. This approach improves body contour while avoiding the use of implants, since they are not approved for use in the United States.
The amount of fat transferred during a Brazilian Butt Lift varies based on body type, available donor fat, and desired results. Some patients need only a modest transfer to improve shape, while others require more volume for noticeable enhancement. During the consultation, fat availability and realistic outcome goals are reviewed so expectations are clear and results remain balanced and proportional.
Good candidates generally have enough excess fat in other areas of the body to allow for safe fat transfer and are in good overall health. Patients should also have realistic expectations and be able to follow post-operative instructions carefully. A consultation helps determine whether a Brazilian Butt Lift is appropriate based on body type and goals.
BBL results can be long lasting. Not all transferred fat survives, which is expected during the healing process, but the fat that remains becomes a permanent part of the body. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve results over time.
Recovery includes swelling, bruising, and soreness in both the liposuction areas and the buttocks. Patients are typically instructed to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for a period of time and to follow specific positioning guidelines. Most people return to light daily activities within a couple of weeks, with gradual improvement over several months.
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon using modern safety protocols, a Brazilian Butt Lift can be performed safely. Patient selection, surgical technique, and adherence to post-operative instructions all play an important role in minimizing risk. Safety considerations are reviewed in detail during the consultation so patients can make informed decisions.
Because a Brazilian Butt Lift involves liposuction and small fat injection sites, scarring is minimal. Liposuction incisions are small and placed discreetly. Over time, these typically fade and become difficult to notice.
Yes, a Brazilian Butt Lift is often combined with liposuction of the abdomen, waist, or thighs as part of the fat transfer process. In some cases, it may also be coordinated with other body contouring procedures when appropriate. Whether procedures can be safely combined is determined during the consultation with Dr. Chaudhari.