Medically reviewed by Jason D. Wright, D.O., board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Wright Surgical Arts
The Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, is one of the most requested body contouring procedures, and one of the most talked about when it comes to safety. If you've researched it, you've probably read frightening headlines. The good news is that the cause of the most serious complication is well understood, and safety guidelines have changed how responsible surgeons perform the procedure.
Here is what makes a BBL safe and how Dr. Wright approaches it.
What a BBL is
A BBL uses liposuction to remove fat from areas like the abdomen, flanks, and back, then transfers that fat to the buttocks to add shape and volume. Because it combines slimming the waist with enhancing the buttocks, it can create a dramatic change in contour using your own tissue, with no implants.
Why fat placement is everything
The most serious risk of a BBL is a fat embolism. It happens when fat is injected into or beneath the gluteal muscle, where large blood vessels run. Fat can enter those vessels and travel to the lungs, which can be life-threatening.
After this risk was identified, a multi-society task force of plastic and cosmetic surgery organizations issued guidance: fat should be placed only in the fat layer under the skin, above the muscle, and never into or beneath the muscle. Since surgeons adopted this approach, safety has improved significantly.
At Wright Surgical Arts, fat is placed only in the layer beneath the skin, above the muscle. Dr. Wright keeps the cannula angled and positioned so it stays above the muscle throughout the transfer.
Other ways we keep BBLs safe
- An AAAHC-accredited surgical facility, with continuous monitoring during surgery
- Deep IV sedation rather than general anesthesia, with same-day discharge
- Transferring a safe amount of fat at one time rather than pushing for the largest possible result
- A thorough health review before surgery, including smoking and nicotine use
- Clear recovery instructions and follow-up care
Who is a good candidate
- You're in good overall health and at a stable weight.
- You have enough fat in other areas to transfer.
- You want a more shapely, fuller buttock using your own tissue.
- You understand that some transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed in the first few months.
Very lean patients may not have enough fat to transfer for the result they want. Dr. Wright will tell you what's realistic for your body.
Recovery
Recovery focuses on protecting the transferred fat while it establishes a new blood supply.
- Avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for 6 weeks. We'll give you a BBL pillow that goes behind your thighs, so your buttocks stay off the chair when you need to sit.
- Most patients return to work in a couple of days, depending on how much liposuction was done.
- Sleep on your stomach or side.
- Wear your compression garment on the liposuction areas for about 8 weeks.
- Lymphatic massage is highly recommended to help with swelling in the liposuction areas.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is recommended and may support the new blood supply that transferred fat depends on.
Swelling makes the buttocks look larger at first. Your final shape becomes clear over several months as swelling resolves and some fat is reabsorbed.
Risks and limitations
Even with careful technique, a BBL carries risks, including fat embolism, uneven results, loss of more fat than expected, firm lumps from fat that doesn't survive, fluid collections, and the risks of liposuction at the donor areas. Some patients choose a second procedure for more volume. Dr. Wright will review these with you in detail at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a BBL safe?
When fat is placed only in the fat layer under the skin, above the muscle, in an accredited facility, the risks are significantly lower than when fat is placed in the muscle.
How long can't I sit?
Six weeks. When you need to sit, use the BBL pillow we provide. It goes behind your thighs so your buttocks stay off the chair.
When can I go back to work?
Most patients return in a couple of days, depending on how much liposuction was done.
How much of the fat survives?
Some fat is naturally reabsorbed in the first few months. What remains after that is permanent.
Can I have a BBL if I'm thin?
It depends on whether you have enough fat to transfer. Dr. Wright will tell you what's realistic.
Talk with Dr. Wright about a BBL
Wright Surgical Arts in Pasco sees patients from the Tri-Cities, across the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. Dr. Wright will walk you through exactly how he performs a BBL and what result is safe and realistic for your body.
Learn more about the Brazilian butt lift at Wright Surgical Arts, or contact us to schedule your consultation.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Recovery, risks, restrictions, and results vary by patient.
