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A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a cosmetic procedure that involves transferring fat from other areas of the body to the buttocks to increase the volume or change the shape. This method can augment the buttocks without the use of implants. At South Shore Plastic Surgery in New Jersey, we can help you understand what to expect from the procedure, from your initial consultation to recovery.

What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

A butt augmentation using the Brazilian butt lift technique involves the use of fat harvested from your own body to adjust the shape and size of your buttocks. During this procedure, we use liposuction to remove fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs. Then it is purified and injected into the buttocks.

Who Might Seek a BBL?

A Brazilian butt lift may be chosen by those who want to increase the size of the buttocks, create more contrast between their waistline and hips, or make the buttocks smoother. Patients who have stubborn fat deposits in other areas, such as the waist, belly, or thighs can also benefit from the treatment since fat is removed from these areas.  It’s also a good option for individuals looking for autologous treatments that do not use foreign materials. BBLs are only suitable for those who have enough excess fat to perform the procedure.

The Consultation Process for a BBL

When you come in for your Brazilian butt lift consultation, we’ll discuss your goals for the procedure. This is where we take time to understand the specific shape and size you want and discuss whether it is possible with this treatment. We’ll also evaluate your body type to determine how much fat can be removed from your abdomen, flanks, or thighs. During this process, we’ll check your overall health and candidacy for the procedure. From there, we’ll create a personalized surgical plan based on your body proportions.

Pre-Operative Preparations for Your BBL

Creating Your Recovery Space

Before your butt contouring procedure, set up a comfortable recovery area. This space should include pillows for propping yourself up, a place to rest without putting pressure on your buttocks, and easy access to items like water, medications, and your phone charger. You’ll want to avoid sitting or lying directly on your buttocks for several weeks, so plan accordingly.

Adjustments to Medications and Supplements

In the weeks leading up to your BBL, we may advise you to stop taking certain medications or supplements, especially those that thin your blood or increase the risk of complications. Always discuss with us any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or herbal supplements you’re currently taking to ensure they won’t interfere with the procedure or recovery.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

A healthy lifestyle will be important for both preparation and recovery. If you smoke or drink alcohol, it’s important to stop in advance of your surgery. Smoking can hinder your healing process and alcohol can interfere with medications and recovery. Aim to get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and manage stress to promote the health of your body in advance of the procedure.

Taking Time Off of Work

After gluteal augmentation, you’ll need time to heal without the physical demands of work. Depending on your job, we typically recommend taking at least two to three weeks off. For more physically demanding jobs, you might need more time, and you should plan for a gradual return to regular activity.

Arranging Postoperative Care

Having someone to help you during the first few days after your BBL surgery is essential. They can assist with daily activities, prepare meals, and make sure you’re following post-op instructions. You’ll need help getting around and avoiding unnecessary movement, particularly bending or lifting.

What to Bring

On the day of your surgery, pack loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to put on and take off. Bring any prescribed medications, a pillow to avoid pressure on your buttocks, and compression garments if instructed. Also, don’t forget to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you won’t be able to drive after the procedure.

What to Expect From the Liposuction Portion of Your Operation

During a Brazilian butt lift, liposuction is used to harvest fat from areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or back. Suction-assisted liposuction is the method we use which involves inserting a thin tube (cannula) to remove fat through small incisions. We perform this step under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation, depending on the specifics of your case.

Fat Processing and Purification

Once the fat is harvested, it undergoes a purification process to separate healthy fat cells from other fluids and tissue. This step is important because only purified fat is viable for transfer, maximizing the chances that the fat will remain in place after the procedure. Typically, only about 25% of the fat harvested is usable for the transfer, as using the healthiest cells is essential. The techniques we use help reduce the chances of fat reabsorption, which means more of the injected fat will integrate into your body, potentially leading to longer-lasting results.

The Fat Grafting Procedure

In the Brazilian buttock lift, the purified fat is injected subcutaneously into your buttocks at various depths. This layering technique helps create a smoother appearance while avoiding areas like muscles and blood vessels. By injecting the fat in small, controlled amounts, we can sculpt the buttocks with precision, shaping them to match your desired look.

Post-Operative Care

After your Brazilian butt lift, the recovery timeline will vary, but most patients can expect around two to three weeks of initial downtime. Compression garments are used during this period to reduce swelling and help shape the areas where fat was removed. One of the most important aspects of recovery is avoiding sitting or placing direct pressure on your buttocks for at least two weeks. You can use a special pillow to sit, placing the pressure on your thighs, or lie on your stomach or side when sleeping.

Pain management is typically handled with prescribed medications, and any discomfort should gradually lessen within a few days. Be sure to monitor your incisions and fat grafting sites for any signs of infection or complications, and attend all follow-up visits to allow us to check your progress. Light activities can be resumed after a few weeks, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for six to eight weeks, depending on your healing.

How to Maintain Your New BBL Results

Maintaining your butt contouring results involves a combination of lifestyle choices and care for your body. Since the transferred fat can fluctuate with weight changes, keeping a stable weight is important. Eating a balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle with regular exercise will help preserve the shape. Avoid any rapid weight gain or loss, as this can affect the fat grafts. While the fat cells that survive the grafting process are permanent, they are still subject to aging, so taking care of your body will help extend the results.

Improve Your Silhouette With a Brazilian Butt Lift

At South Shore Plastic Surgery, we provide detailed guidance and personalized plans for each of our Brazilian butt lift surgeries. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call us at (856) 784-2639 or contact us through our online form today.