Rose* is a vibrant, friendly, 29-year-old woman. She fits the profile of most plastic surgery patients in 2019. Like most patients, she has a good figure and is fit. That said, she always wanted a “bubble butt”. For many years implants were the only option for increasing volume in the buttocks. Recently, however, buttock augmentation using a patient’s own tissue -namely fat- has become the best way achieve a fuller, rounder backside. The procedure is commonly known as a Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL.
Peter Butler, M.D., board-certified plastic surgeon with Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, in Pensacola, FL explains, “A Brazilian Butt Lift uses liposuction of fat from areas where there is a little extra and transfer of that fat to add volume to a person’s buttocks. Typically, a surgeon will carefully harvest fat from the patient’s thighs, hips and/or abdomen with liposuction. The fat is then treated by a special process to keep the fat cells healthy. The fat is then injected into the desired area, contouring flat buttocks and creating projection.”
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with a Brazilian butt lift, however, they are minimal when the procedure is performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. “Because the procedure uses the body’s own tissue, there is no risk of long-term complications such as implant shift or displacement that can be seen with buttock implants,” says Dr. Butler. “Also, by using a patient’s own fat, the surgeon has the ability to uniquely shape the butt to suit each individual.”
At Rose’s consultation, Dr. Butler explained all the risks associated with the procedure, as well as giving her a realistic expectation of the final result. “It is important that patients are aware that 30%-40% of the transferred fat won’t survive,” explains Dr. Butler. “They need to be prepared that the final results won’t be as big as it is immediately after surgery, when there is still a lot of swelling in the area.” The results a patient sees three to six months after surgery is the final and permanent result. However, just like fat in other parts of the body, a patient’s booty will expand or shrink if there are weight fluctuations.
Patients who strictly follow their doctor’s post-operative instructions also have a better final result. “It is important not to lie on your back for about three weeks,” says Dr. Butler. “I tell patients to be sure to sleep on their sides. You can sit upright after surgery, but no reclining. The goal is to not put pressure on the areas where the fat has been transferred.”
The big question: Was a BBL worth it? Rose thinks so. She is beyond thrilled with her result. Her booty is definitely more round and perky. It looks and feels completely natural and it really fills out a pair of jeans. To anyone considering this surgery, remember: Do your research, make sure you have a great surgeon and follow your doctor’s post-op instructions. Do this, and you too can have a booty to be proud of.
For more information on Brazilian Butt Lifts, contact Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery at www.gulfcoastplasticsurgery.com
*To protect the patient’s privacy, the name has been changed.
