What is BBL surgery?

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgery that uses liposuction to remove fat from different parts of the body (usually those surrounding the buttocks — hips, thighs and abdomen), to then be transferred through injections into the buttocks. This dual process works to both contour and tone the areas from which fat had been removed and enhance the appearance of the buttocks where the fat is then injected.

What does BBL surgery involve?

A BBL surgery is performed under sedation or general anaesthetic, in two distinct stages. The first is a liposuction procedure in which excess fat is harvested with a suction cannula from areas such as the abdomen, thighs and hips. The cannula insertion involves tiny incisions in the nominated areas. After being extracted and purified, the fat is then injected into the buttocks above the gluteal muscles, guided by an ultrasound device. These incisions are then closed with medical-grade sutures.

Is BBL surgery dangerous?

A BBL can be safe when performed by a highly experienced surgeon, under rigorous safety protocols and using the BEST-F method. This is a well-respected alternative to the traditional BBL and has been cleared by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) as a safe procedure according to new national guidelines.

Using the BEST-F technique, the risks typically associated with BBL surgery are significantly reduced. Importantly, while a traditional BBL surgery involves injecting large amounts of fat into and under the gluteal muscle, the BEST-F technique involves injecting excess fat over the gluteal muscle only. In addition, an ultrasound device is used to guide the accurate placement of fat grafts and to minimise the risk of fat leaking into the muscle.

What are the risks of BBL surgery?

When carried out by an experienced surgeon, under rigorous safety protocols and using the BEST-F technique, BBL surgery is vastly safer. However, as in any surgical procedure, there are some of the potential risks to consider:

• Reaction to anaesthetic
• Unsatisfactory wound healing
• Wound infection
• Fat necrosis
• Asymmetry
• Seroma or haematoma
• Poor fat graft take

How long is the recovery time following BBL surgery?

Recovery time changes from patient to patient and depends on various factors relating to the individual patient such as overall health and post-surgery lifestyle choices. However, patients should generally expect to be able to resume their daily activities, including returning to work 10 days after surgery. More intensive activity such as vigorous exercise and heavy lifting will need to be avoided for at least 6 weeks post-surgery.

How long do the results of BBL surgery last?

The final results of a BBL are permanent, though the final results are not visible until 3-6 months after surgery. During this time, the body naturally absorbs 30-50% of the injected fat grafts. As such, your surgeon will inject an excess to accommodate for this expected loss.

While BBL surgery results are permanent, they do depend on maintaining a stable weight and generally avoiding significant fluctuations in weight, which can be avoided with a healthy diet and exercise routine. As with all cosmetic surgeries, eventual ageing of the body and skin could alter the shape of the treated area and cause lax skin to develop. 

Is BBL surgery painful?

A BBL surgery is performed under either general anaesthetic or sedation, and is therefore completely painless while the surgery is performed. Any pain experienced after the surgery will be managed by prescribed pain relief and aftercare instructions designed to manage any future discomfort.