BBL

What is a BBL?

A Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL is the term used when patients want to augment their buttocks using their own fat.  A regular liposuction is performed (read the section on liposuction), then the fat that is taken out is processed and some of it is transferred to the buttocks area to give it volume and shape.

Am I a candidate for this procedure?

Candidates for a BBL are those who want to augment the size of their buttocks. However, they need to have enough fat in their bodies for us to perform a liposuction and get enough fat out so that we can transfer it to the buttocks. If the patient is very skinny and has very little fat, there is no way to do a fat transfer. In theses cases, butt augmentation needs to be done with butt implants (go to the section on butt implants).

What do I need to know about this procedure?

It is a procedure that starts with a liposuction. Generally a 360 liposuction (front and back) is performed.  After the fat is taken out, it is processed and transferred into the buttocks giving it more volume and a nicer shape.  It is usually a 2-3 hour procedure and it is done under general anesthesia.  One of the wonderful things about this procedure is that you’re not only getting more volume and a better shape to your butt, we are also contouring the rest of your body giving you a flatter stomach, more waist and a nicer back. All of this makes your buttocks look even sexier.   Patients need to understand that the amount of fat that will survive in your butt after transfer is unpredictable. Most of the time, half of the fat injected will stay indefinitely. However, there are cases where all the fat injected will reabsorb and disappear.

Are there risks involved?

Every patient that goes into an operating room for surgery needs to be aware that risks do exist.  However, complications in this specific procedure are extremely rare.  To lower the chances of dangerous complications like fat embolism, Dr. Mejia always injects the fat in a superficial plane over the muscle. This is the safest way to do it.  We will go over all the possible risks of this procedure with you during the initial consultation.  It is very important that you are honest with Dr. Mejia about your medical history and habits for things to go as smooth as possible.

What is the aftercare like?

The patient should walk around after surgery to avoid the formation of blood clots. Special stockings to avoid blood clots should be worn for 7 days.  You should notify Dr. Mejia if you feel shortness of breath or pain in the lower extremities, with one extremity more swollen than the other.  Swelling of the feet, ankles and legs can be normal as long as they are symmetrical and painless.

The day after surgery, the first shower should be supervised. Its normal for the patient to feel light headed or faint during the first shower.  If the patient feels light headed, make sure she sits or lies down. If the patient faints, make sure she doesn’t get hurt and lay her down flat with the legs elevated until she recovers.

The post-op garment should be worn 24-7 for the first month.  Since the skin is numb the first 2 weeks after liposuction, Dr. Mejia prefers soft, loose garments these first 15 days until the skin recovers the feeling. After 15 days post-op, tighter garments can be worn.

10 post-op massages are needed after surgery for proper drainage of the fluid. These begin the second day post-op.  Fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma) is very common after liposuction. Drainage with a syringe might be needed. This is done by Dr. Mejia in the office.

Bruising is expected the first month after surgery.  These can disappear faster with special creams that will be prescribed to you. Avoid sun exposure if there is bruising to the skin.

Regular activities can be started 7 days after surgery.  Exercise can be started 2-3 weeks after surgery depending on how the patient feels.

Early fibrosis is a normal finding in all liposuctions.  Your abdominal skin will look nice and regular, but you might feel hard nodules or hard fat under your skin. You can massage them on your own and they WILL disappear in 3-6 months. No need to spend money on expensive treatments. Early fibrosis is NORMAL.

It is recommended not to put to much pressure on your buttock the first month post-op. You can sit down but you need to know how to do it. The idea is to sit in a way that will exert as little pressure on the buttocks as possible. Dr. Mejia will show you how. Booty pillows can also be used. It is ideal to avoid sleeping on your back during this period as well.  However, when patients get breast surgery at the same time, we will instruct you the best way to lie at night.

The final size of your buttock will be seen after 3-6 months when all the swelling is gone and when we know exactly how much fat was reabsorbed and how much survived.

The final result of a Liposuction can be seen after all the swelling disappears. In some patients this swelling can take 9-12 months. Swelling of the lower part of the abdomen usually takes the longest to come down. The results of a liposuction will be better if accompanied by healthy eating and exercising.

How much downtime is there?

Patients can usually go back to their regular activities in 7-10 days after surgery.