When it comes to BBL vs implants, many patients are confused by the pros and cons. After all, butt implants were the go-to solution for flat or particularly small bottoms for many years.
With that said, the general consensus among most plastic surgeons today is that BBLs (Brazilian butt lifts) are the superior choice. Not only do they offer more natural looking results, but they also help contour other “trouble areas” — most notably, the abdomen.
Still, we always want you to have the full story. So, let’s take a closer look at the butt implants vs BBL debate by outlining the ways in which these two procedures differ and exploring the most important pros and cons to be aware of. Considering a BBL in Houston by Dr. Ashley Steinberg?
BBL vs Butt Implants: What’s the Difference?
Both Brazilian butt lift surgery and butt implants aim to increase the size of the buttocks (and sometimes the hips as well). Both surgeries can also change the shape and projection of the buttocks.
Let’s take a look at each of these procedures separately and then circle back to compare the two.
What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
Brazilian butt lift surgery is a plastic surgery procedure that increases the size of the butt and hips by relocating fat from other parts of the patient’s body. Typically, a BBL will involve using liposuction to remove unwanted fat from the abdomen (stomach, flanks, back). This fat is then specially processed and reinjected into the buttocks and hips.
The injected fat acts to plump up the bottom and hips according to the patient’s goals. Some patients only want to achieve a modest enhancement. For example, they may want to simply correct hip dips (the slight indentations where the tops of the legs meet the buttocks). But other patients may desire more dramatic results.
What Are Butt Implants?
Butt implants are silicone devices that are placed into the buttocks to add volume and/or change the buttocks’ shape. Patients who have sought butt implants in the past have had small, flat, or square-shaped buttocks. Most patients desire a rounder shape with more projection.
How Do Butt Implants Compare to BBL Surgery?
Overall, most patients seek BBL surgery rather than butt implant surgery. While buttock implants are still available through some surgeons, the BBL fat transfer technique has become increasingly popular due to the natural look this type of buttock augmentation can provide and the fact that no foreign objects need to be inserted into the body.
Likewise, BBL surgery is a well-established and consistently safe procedure that most people can be candidates for. You simply need to have enough fat on your body that you’d be happy to get rid of. Of course, you also need to be in good physical health and be a non-smoker for either type of butt augmentation procedure. Finally, you should desire rounder, fuller, and/or wider hips and buttocks.
As long as you have these attributes in common, you should be a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift. The procedure is typically quite simple, and most patients tolerate the BBL recovery time well also.
Why Choose a BBL Over Implants?
While the butt implant was the go-to procedure for butt augmentation for many years, today, technology has advanced such that fat transfer procedures are simply the superior option.
First and most notably, patients and surgeons agree that the Brazilian butt lift procedure provides much more attractive and natural-looking results. This is because fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat unlike butt implants, which of course use silicone implants to do the body contouring. When your own fat cells are used to create added volume with a BBL procedure, the relocated fat looks and feels just like the original fat.
Second, with Brazilian butt lift procedures, you need to harvest fat for the augmentation, so you get the added bonus of body contouring on the waist and around the midsection (sometimes elsewhere too). The butt implant procedure augments the butt, and that’s it. The fat removal portion of surgery is also excellent because it not only gets rid of excess fat, but if you have an experienced plastic surgeon, it also helps to contour the torso for an overall more attractive look.
Next, butt implants may pose more of a risk over time. Whenever you have a foreign object in your body, there is a chance that uncomfortable or unattractive scar tissue may form or your body will not react well to the object(s).
Finally, butt implants tend to be more expensive than Brazilian butt lift BBL surgery. With all of the other “pros”, this is just the clincher that seals the deal: In nearly all cases, BBLs offer more benefits than butt implants.
Butt Implants vs BBL FAQ
Are butt implants or BBLs more expensive?
Regarding BBL vs implants cost, typically, butt implants are slightly more expensive.
What are the downsides of BBL surgery?
BBL surgery can do amazing things for your figure and your confidence. Still, that doesn’t mean there aren’t at least a few drawbacks.
First, it is expensive to get BBL surgery, and insurance will not pay for it. Moreover, you’ll need to rest and take time off work. This recovery time can be especially tedious and challenging as well because you’ll need to avoid sitting or lying on your butt for any prolonged period.
Are implants or BBL better?
Butt implants create a firmer, rounder shape and are ideal for individuals with a smaller, leaner frame who lack sufficient fat for a Brazilian butt lift (BBL).
However, this surgery involves a longer recovery period and a higher complication rate.
What is the best procedure for buttocks?
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) ranks among the most popular butt augmentation options, transferring fat from areas with fat pockets to enhance buttock shape naturally. Surgical butt lifts address loose skin by removing excess tissue and tightening contours. Implants suit candidates without enough excess fat for transfer. The ideal choice depends on skin elasticity, available fat reserves, and desired outcomes.
How long does a buttlift last?
BBL results typically last five years or longer, with many patients maintaining enhancement for a decade when following proper aftercare. Results stabilize after three to six months as transferred fat establishes a blood supply. Maintaining a stable weight is crucial, significant fluctuations affect longevity. This invasive procedure requires avoiding pressure on treated areas during recovery and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits to preserve buttock augmentation outcomes.
Does BBL have a smell?
Yes, mild musty or sour odors during the first week post-BBL are normal. Bacterial growth, fluid drainage, and sweat accumulation at incision sites cause a temporary smell. Proper hygiene, including regular showers and compression garment changes, minimizes odor. However, strong persistent smells with excessive drainage may indicate infection or fat necrosis requiring immediate medical attention. Most odors resolve within seven days with diligent care.
Call Today to Book Your Consultation
Are you trying to choose between a BBL or butt implants? For most patients, the answer is going to be BBL surgery all the way. Of course, it never hurts to investigate further and talk with a board certified plastic surgeon about it.
If you are interested in a Brazilian butt lift, please call today to set up your individual consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buttock-enhancement
