The Brazilian butt lift is a cosmetic procedure that has increased in popularity over the years. This surgery involves the transfer of fat from other parts of the body to the buttocks to create a fuller and more rounded shape. The silhouette of a woman’s body has been associated with glamour for centuries, and a shapely, well-defined derriere is a symbol of beauty and sex appeal.
Plastic surgeons can take one of two approaches to butt lift surgery. In cases where the derriere is too small, has lost volume, or sags in an unappealing way, the butt can be lifted and enhanced with fat injections. Dr. Delvecchio and Dr. Szczerba perform Safe Subcutaneous Buttock Augmentations (SSBA) using the SAFEBBL™ protocol. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation for Safe Subcutaneous Buttock Augmentation, please contact Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute in Rosemont, IL.
What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
The Brazilian butt lift (often referred to as BBL) is a sought-after cosmetic procedure designed to enhance and reshape the buttocks, giving them a more voluminous and lifted appearance. The process involves harvesting fat from certain areas of the patient’s body, like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, and then purifying and re-injecting it into the buttocks. Unlike other forms of butt augmentation, the Brazilian butt lift utilizes the patient’s own fat, ensuring a genuine look.
Benefits of a Brazilian Butt Lift
Natural Look and Feel
One of the standout features of a BBL is its ability to provide results that look and feel natural. Since the procedure utilizes the patient’s own fat, the augmented buttocks merge seamlessly with the body’s natural contours.
Enhanced Body Proportions
A Brazilian butt lift not only elevates the buttocks but also harmonizes the entire silhouette. By sculpting the donor areas and augmenting the buttocks, the procedure creates a balanced and symmetrical physique.
Dual Cosmetic Enhancement
While enhancing the gluteal region, the BBL surgery simultaneously offers the benefits of liposuction. Patients relish the added advantage of contouring areas with excess fat, resulting in a comprehensive body transformation.
Long-Lasting Results
Compared to other butt augmentation methods, the Brazilian butt lift yields long-lasting outcomes. Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply in their new location, the results are durable and can last for years.
Minimal Scarring
As the Brazilian butt lift employs tiny incisions for fat transfer, it ensures minimal scarring. This is a significant benefit for those concerned about post-operative marks.
Reduced Cellulite Appearance
Fat transfer procedures in BBLs can effectively diminish the dimpled appearance commonly associated with cellulite. By injecting one’s own fat into targeted areas, the skin’s surface on the buttocks becomes more even and smooth, leading to a noticeably reduced appearance of cellulite.
Safer Than Silicone Implants
Choosing a BBL instead of silicone implants offers a safer alternative for buttock augmentation. The natural approach of using a patient’s own fat eliminates concerns like implant displacement or the potential complications arising from implant ruptures, ensuring a more stable and less risky procedure.
Customizable Results
The Brazilian butt lift allows surgeons to tailor the procedure according to individual desires. Whether one aims for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation, the results are customizable.
Rapid Recovery
Most patients find the recovery period after a BBL to be relatively swift, especially when compared to more invasive surgeries. This means less downtime and a quicker return to daily activities.
Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Advisory
ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, ISPRES, and IFATS (Plastic Surgery Societies) are extremely concerned about the mortalities associated with gluteal fat grafting (BBL) procedures that continue to be reported in the United States and other countries.
The Societies are aware that some plastic surgeons are currently performing the BBL procedure with acceptable results. We further recognize that non-plastic surgeons and/or non-regulated centers also perform BBL, potentially resulting in additional or further complications.
On June 6, the Florida Board of Medicine issued an emergency gluteal fat grafting (BBL) rule that will take effect June 17, 2019, which mandates that when performing gluteal fat grafting procedures, fat may only be injected into the subcutaneous space and must never cross the gluteal fascia. Intramuscular or submuscular fat injections are prohibited.
Studies supported by our research foundations and Societies are focused on understanding key factors including anatomy and technique that might impact the safety and outcomes of gluteal fat grafting. Additionally, our Societies convened a task force that is diligently studying various techniques for BBL. To date, research findings suggest that mortality risk associated with gluteal fat grafting can be minimized if the entire procedure is confined to the subcutaneous space, with NO violation of the fascia of the gluteus maximus muscles.
The mortality rate for gluteal fat grafting is estimated to be the highest known for any cosmetic procedure. The Societies urge both members and the public to approach this procedure with extreme caution.
Surgery Candidates
SSBA candidates are individuals in good physical and mental health who do not smoke and have reasonable expectations of the procedure and its results. SSBA candidates may have lost volume in their buttocks or noticed some sagging. In addition, SSBA is appropriate for younger patients who were born with a small derriere. The latter procedure is especially popular among women who desire to achieve a fuller buttock appearance. Candidates for SSBA may have excessive, droopy skin in the buttocks area.
The Procedure
SSBA surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, performed at our state-of-the-art JCAHO-accredited surgery facility, under general anesthesia. For patient safety, anesthesia is administered by one of our board-certified anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists. There are two parts to the SSBA procedure. First, Dr. Szczerba uses liposuction to remove fat from the patient’s abdomen or thighs. The fat is cleansed and purified, preparing it for re-injection. The fat is then injected into the upper portion of the behind to add volume and make it look more voluptuous. The lower back and/or waist may be liposuctioned to balance out the results and make the buttocks look more projected.
During traditional buttock lift surgery, an incision is made along the lower back from one hip to the other. Dr. Szczerba lifts the excess skin below the incision and removes it.
Recovery
Patients must have a caretaker to accompany them home from our facility and look after them for 24 hours after the surgery. It is important for SSBA patients to avoid sitting or lying on their buttocks until the area heals. Post-operative pain can be treated with oral medication. Swelling and bruising are normal and should fully dissipate in three months. The final results should reveal themselves within a year.
Benefits and Risks of SSBA
SSBA surgery uses the patient’s own fat, which eliminates the chance of an allergic reaction. The result is a beautifully curvaceous backside that looks youthful and perky. Because the fat is harvested from the thighs and/or abdomen, those areas will see some benefit from the liposuction as well.
Not all of the fat injected during an SSBA procedure will stay in place. Because the body absorbs some of the fat, repeated treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired appearance. Other risks include asymmetry, infection, and unfavorable scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brazilian Butt Lifts
What is the recovery time after a BBL?
Most patients can return to light activities within a week after the procedure. However, it’s crucial to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for about two to three weeks to ensure optimal results.
Can I combine a BBL with other procedures?
Combining a BBL with other cosmetic procedures is not uncommon. Many individuals choose to augment their Brazilian butt lift with treatments like tummy tucks or thigh lifts. The goal behind this strategy is often to realize a more holistic body transformation, harmonizing various body parts for a symmetrical and rejuvenated appearance.
How soon will I see the results of my BBL surgery?
Immediate results can be seen post-procedure; however, the final outcome will become more evident once the swelling subsides and the transferred fat settles, typically within three to six months.
Schedule Your Consultation for a Brazilian Butt Lift in Rosemont, IL, Today
At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, we specialize in providing Brazilian butt lift procedures to help our clients achieve their aesthetic goals. Also known as a BBL or butt augmentation, this popular cosmetic surgery technique involves increasing the size and enhancing the shape of your buttocks through the transfer of fat from other areas of your body. We use state-of-the-art techniques and technology — Safe Subcutaneous Buttock Augmentations (SSBA) using SAFEBBL ™ protocol — to achieve natural-looking results that are tailored to each individual’s unique goals and body type.
If you are interested in undergoing gluteal augmentation, contact us today by calling (847) 853-9900 or reaching out online to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.
