BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)

During your consultation, we will discuss the procedure approach. A buttock augmentation procedure usually requires general anaesthesia, and you may need to stay overnight, but we’ll typically perform the operation as a day case.

Your surgeon will draw temporary lines to indicate the incision site. For a BBL, the markings will indicate where the surgeon will extract fat from which commonly includes the stomach, hips, thighs, knees and back via a cannula which leaves little to no scarring.

The harvested fat will be spun in a centrifuge to separate the fat and blood and purify it, which will be re-injected into the buttocks to enhance the desired shape, size, and volume. The procedure may also involve excess skin removal.

The incision will be closed with sutures which are removed several days after the operation during your follow-up appointment.

If you decide on buttock implants, the method of insertion and placement will depend on your preferences, existing shape of your buttocks, and the surgeon’s recommendation. Depending on the type of implants, they will either be enveloped in fibre casing that surrounds the buttock muscles) or within the buttock muscle.

A single two to three-inch incision is usually made overlying the tailbone, though can also be made under the buttock cheeks or in between the buttock cheeks in some cases. Through this incision, a pocket is made just large enough for the implant, where each implant will sit. Dr Yannis prefers to position the implants under the gluteal muscle to look and feel as natural and symmetrical as possible.

With a buttock lift, the incision is usually hidden within the bikini line. The operation technique varies, but it will often involve removal of excess skin which is cut in a half-moon shape (to adhere to the shape of buttocks). The skin will be lifted to a perkier position to appear smoother and tighter.

Buttock augmentation is suitable for those wish to improve the shape or size of their buttocks or to enlarge their size. A buttock lift is ideal for those with excess skin and fat on their buttocks.

The results of a BBL will be instant. However, in the initial recovery phase, you may expect to see some reabsorption of the fat. The results will continue to improve, with the final outcome visible from around three months to a year.

If you have buttock implants, you may see some instant changes, but the final results from buttock implants will develop as you recover and heal from the procedure which is usually at around the three-month mark once the swelling and bruising subside.

A buttock lift will provide instant visible results, and you’ll see the final results develop with recovery over several months.

If you gain weight after a BBL, the fat should re-distribute evenly so the shape won’t experience dramatic changes in its shape with weight fluctuations.

The surgeon will inject small amounts of fat into different areas of the buttocks and at various depths so that the patient will benefit from the optimal absorption rate.

Other buttock augmentation results are permanent, though you may start to see changes within the buttocks with age and weight gain.

The speed of recovery varies from patient to patient. Your surgeon will advise and explain steps to ensure a smooth recovery and to encourage the healing process.

Patients can usually return home the same day after a buttock augmentation procedure. We may advise that you initially avoid sitting or lying on the buttocks for the first 48 hours to three weeks, depending on the surgeon’s recommendations.

We might recommend that you use a pressure-relieving cushion for several weeks after surgery and to wear a compression garment to help with swelling reduction and support of the skin. You may also need a surgical drain.

Swelling should resolve within approximately six weeks. The size of the buttocks may decrease slightly as the swelling subsides.

Patients should avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks following the surgery. You can usually return to work within two weeks and may be able to drive at this point.

During your follow-up (after around 7-10 days), we will remove any sutures, drains and any dressings. You will require several follow-up visits in the months after surgery to check on your progress.

The procedure takes approximately two to five hours, depending on the technique and approach.

As with all surgeries, a buttock augmentation procedure does carry some risks and side effects. Implants have a higher risk rate than buttock fat transfer procedures. 

Swelling, bruising, discomfort, mild bleeding and fluid drainage from the incisions are common side effects. You may see significantly more swelling and bruising with the buttock lift procedure or buttock implants than a buttock fat transfer.

Other side effects you may experience include (but are not limited to)

• Fat embolism
• Reabsorption of more fat than anticipated
• Uneven or lumpy appearance
• Loss or changes of sensation in buttocks
• Anaesthesia risks
• Pain or changes in sensation
• Seromas and hematomas
• Cyst formation
• Infection
• Seromas and hematomas
• Suture irritation
• Scarring
• Implant rejection
• Nerve damage
• Wound healing problems

A BBL will leave minimal scarring and will become virtually undetectable over time.

The scars of buttock implant insertion may be firm and pink for at least six weeks and may remain the same size for several months. They can take up to two years to fade.

Since a buttock lift involves removing excess skin and fat, this type of buttock augmentation will leave the most amount of scarring, though the surgeon will conceal scarring strategically.