If you’ve been seeing an uptick in Brazilian butt lift before and after photos online, you’re not alone. This revolutionary plastic surgery has been increasing in popularity over the last five years or so — due, in large part, to celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, J Lo, and Cardi B showing off their beautiful hourglass figures.
If you’ve been considering a Brazilian butt lift surgery for yourself, it’s important to gather as much knowledge as you can before moving forward. The more you know about the procedure, the better prepared you’ll be and the better your outcome will be.
Below, we’ve assembled some of our favorite prep and recovery tips for BBL surgery. Use these to make your before and after Brazilian butt lift experiences as smooth and easy as possible.
Top Tips for Brazilian Butt-Lift Surgery Before and After
#1 – Take your time choosing a plastic surgeon.
It’s important to select a plastic surgeon who has experience and board certification. You should also take a look at their Brazilian butt lift before and after pictures and read patient reviews to get an idea of their past work.
#2 – Decide beforehand where you’d like to remove fat.
Where fat grafting occurs for BBL surgery will vary depending on the patient. Quite often, patients will want the fat taken from their waist, flanks, and around their abdomen. This typically results in the most aesthetically pleasing hourglass shape (a snatched waist and large buttocks).
However, liposuction can essentially be performed anywhere the patient desires it. So, some patients may want to have their lipo on their thighs, arms, chin, or elsewhere.
#3 – Prepare for your consultation appointment.
First, make sure that the examination Dr. you see for your consultation is the same surgeon who will be performing your surgery. You want to be able to meet with them personally and discuss your options and surgery.
Be sure to bring a list of questions and/or concerns, photos to help explain your goals, and a brief rundown of your medical history. Consultations are an excellent opportunity to get to know more about your surgeon and your procedure.
Ask questions about what butt procedures are the best for you, where it’s best to take fat from, where on each buttock your surgeon proposes adding volume, and so on. The more you explain your goals and take in the information you are presented with, the easier your experience should be.
#4 – Make your recovery preparations far in advance.
If you will need to take off time from work or school, get help from friends or family at home, or arrange for childcare or pet care, be sure to do all of this as far in advance as possible. BBL recovery can be uncomfortable for a time, and you will be tired (especially at the beginning). Therefore, doing the prep work before surgery will give you more opportunity to rest calmly in recovery.
#5 – Purchase any recovery accessories you may need.
BBL surgery often requires the use of a BBL donut pillow, special wedge pillows, or even BBL recovery chairs so that you don’t put necessary pressure on your buttocks and hips.
These items — and anything else you may need — should be purchased beforehand. That way, as soon as you return from your procedure, you’ll be ready to relax and rest.
#6 – Follow your aftercare instructions.
Last but not least, follow your recovery instructions. Patients who fail to carefully review their instructions for recovery with their surgeon run the risk of compromising their results or even developing complications.
Sleep and sit in the proper ways, wear your compression garment as directed, avoid strenuous exercise, and do not drink alcohol or smoke. These are just a few important recovery rules, but be sure to review them all before your surgery date.
How Long Does BBL Lift Last?
The longevity of your BBL results is one of the most common questions patients ask during their consultation, and the answer largely depends on how well you maintain your results post-surgery. Generally speaking, the fat transfer technique used in butt augmentation creates long-lasting results that can be considered permanent, as the successfully grafted fat cells become part of your natural tissue.
However, it’s important to understand that not all of the excess fat that’s transferred will survive. Typically, about 60-80% of the transferred fat will establish a blood supply and remain permanently. The whole procedure is designed to use enough fat from donor areas to account for this natural absorption, which is why experienced surgeons often slightly overcorrect during buttock surgery.
Your BBL results will be most stable after the initial healing period (around 3-6 months), and while some patients do choose to combine their BBL with other procedures like breast augmentation for a complete body transformation, the buttocks enhancement itself should maintain its improved shape and volume for many years with proper care, healthy weight maintenance, and following your surgeon’s long-term aftercare recommendations.
Brazilian Butt Lift Before and After FAQ
How much is a Brazilian butt lift?
BBL cost varies based on where you live, your surgeon’s fee, the type of BBL you undergo, the extent of your liposuction, the length of the surgery (especially in regards to anesthesia), and how much the surgical facility or hospital charges.
Keep in mind that health insurance does not typically cover BBLs. However, if you would like to inquire with your insurance company, you are always free to ask details about what requirements and age provider guidelines dictate for coverage of plastic surgery.
Are there risks to BBL surgery?
BBL complications can occur. There are risks with all types of surgery.
The good news is that serious complications are rare. If they do happen, they tend to occur either during the surgery itself or directly after. Potential complications include things like infection, fluid retention, excessive bleeding, and other common risks associated with surgery in general.
How long does it take for BBL scars to heal completely?
BBL scars follow a predictable healing timeline, with most patients seeing significant improvement within the first year. Initially, your small liposuction incisions will appear bright red or pink, gradually fading to blend with your natural skin tone within 3-6 months.
While initial healing occurs within 1-2 weeks, complete scar maturation takes up to 12-18 months. The number of scars depends on how many donor sites were used for fat harvesting. Following proper aftercare instructions, including sun protection and wearing compression garments, will significantly influence how well your scars heal and fade over time.
Can a man get a BBL procedure?
Yes, it’s a male female surgery. Although it’s most popular among women, both males and females undergo this procedure.
If you are a man looking for examples of male BBLs, take a look at some Brazilian butt lift before and after pics online. As you search, filter the picture cases by gender.
How painful is a BBL?
A BBL involves moderate discomfort rather than severe pain, with individual results varying based on your pain tolerance and healing response. The first several days after your procedure are typically the most uncomfortable, with patients experiencing swelling, bruising, and soreness at both the donor sites and buttocks area.
Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain medication to make recovery manageable, and the intense discomfort usually subsides significantly after the first week. Since BBL is often combined with other procedures for comprehensive body contouring to achieve your aesthetic goals, the overall discomfort may vary depending on the extent of liposuction performed.
Does BBL have a smell?
Yes, BBL procedures can produce a temporary odor during the healing process, though this varies among patients and typically resolves with proper care. The “BBL smell” develops from bacterial growth in fluid drainage, sweat under compression garments, and normal healing at incision sites.
While most cases involve harmless, temporary scents, stronger odors may indicate complications such as fat necrosis. This side effect is usually short-lived and should disappear within the first few weeks of recovery with proper post-operative care, making it a temporary consideration rather than a long-lasting concern.
What age is best for a BBL?
The optimal age range for BBL surgery is typically between the early twenties to early forties, depending on your overall health, body composition, and maturity level. Most experts recommend waiting until at least 22-25 years old to ensure full physical and emotional development.
Patients in their mid-twenties to early thirties often achieve the best results due to better skin elasticity and faster healing. The key factors for candidacy include having sufficient fat for transfer, good overall health, and realistic expectations about the outcome, rather than focusing solely on age.
Request a Consultation for BBL Surgery
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg performs BBL surgery at her Houston practice. If you would like to learn more about this procedure, please call today to book a consultation with Dr. Steinberg.
